Two Week Discuss
SECOND EDITION
INTRODUCTION
“ I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English – it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don’t let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in…”
— Mark Twain
INTRODUCTION
THE KEYS TO GOOD WRITING
are accessibility and consistency, enabling the reader to concentrate on the meaning of the text. A consistent style is particularly important for an organisation with an international readership as it helps build an easily recognisable corporate image.
The OECD Style Guide highlights the standards and conventions that should be used for all OECD publications. It serves as a useful reference tool to writing. But whatever your style, just be consistent.
CHAPTER I: WRITING FOR THE OECD and CHAPTER 2: PRINCIPLES OF STYLE provide information on topics such as how to write well, the structure of an OECD publication and the grammatical rules that apply.
CHAPTER 3: RULES AND CONVENTIONS (formerly published on line as
Technical Guidelines) aims to answer those questions relating to the technical aspects of language use in an A-Z format.
CHAPTER 4: WATCHING OUT FOR PITFALLS IN ENGLISH highlights language definitions and nuances. Supplementary information offering advice on how to choose a title, write an executive summary, number OECD publications and correct proofs can be found in ANNEXES A-D.
The OECD Style Guide is also available on line.
We would like to thank all the people who have contributed to this revision, including the many assistants, authors and communications co-ordinators who have regularly sent us helpful comments and questions. Their feedback is the basis for the evolution of this Style Guide.
1
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Members of the PAC Publishing team will be happy to discuss your project with you and respond to any specific questions you may have.
You can also contact the
INTRODUCTION
“ I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English – it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don’t let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in…”
— Mark Twain
INTRODUCTION
THE KEYS TO GOOD WRITING
are accessibility and consistency, enabling the reader to concentrate on the meaning of the text. A consistent style is particularly important for an organisation with an international readership as it helps build an easily recognisable corporate image.
The OECD Style Guide highlights the standards and conventions that should be used for all OECD publications. It serves as a useful reference tool to writing. But whatever your style, just be consistent.
CHAPTER I: WRITING FOR THE OECD and CHAPTER 2: PRINCIPLES OF STYLE provide information on topics such as how to write well, the structure of an OECD publication and the grammatical rules that apply.
CHAPTER 3: RULES AND CONVENTIONS (formerly published on line as
Technical Guidelines) aims to answer those questions relating to the technical aspects of language use in an A-Z format.
CHAPTER 4: WATCHING OUT FOR PITFALLS IN ENGLISH highlights language definitions and nuances. Supplementary information offering advice on how to choose a title, write an executive summary, number OECD publications and correct proofs can be found in ANNEXES A-D.
The OECD Style Guide is also available on line.
We would like to thank all the people who have contributed to this revision, including the many assistants, authors and communications co-ordinators who have regularly sent us helpful comments and questions. Their feedback is the basis for the evolution of this Style Guide.
1
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Members of the PAC Publishing team will be happy to discuss your project with you and respond to any specific questions you may have.
You can also contact the
Citations: In the Harvard system, references are cited in the text using the author’s surname and year of publication between brackets: (Barrett, 1991). “Studies undertaken by Haber and Haber (1964) found that...” Where several works are referred to, (Barrett, 1991; Smith, 1996a, 1996b; Jones, 2000). chronological order (1998, 1999, 2000): Barrett, A Barrett, A. (1992) Where there are two or more Barrett (1991a) Barrett (1991b) Erlandsen, E. and F.R. Forsund (1999b) Erlandsen, E., F.R K.O. Kalhagen (1998) Erlandsen, E (1998) In the case of names beginning with UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (1999), Global Environmental Outlook 2000 (Geo-2000), Earthscan Publications UNEP (2000), Global Environmental Outlook 2001 (Geo-2001), Earthscan repeated: OECD (1994), Farm Employment