Research and sources
Explain research findings to a non-specialist reader
Plain language works when each simplification still matches the original. Name the question, say briefly how it was studied, state the main finding at the strength the authors gave it, and say what remains uncertain. Then give the practical meaning, kept within what was found.
A text to start with
Here is a research summary or abstract: [text]. My reader is [who] and knows [what background]. Rewrite it in plain language covering the question, method, main finding, uncertainty and practical meaning. List every technical term you replace and its replacement so I can check each one. Do not say one thing caused another unless the authors did.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Plain-language summary worksheet
Original source: [ ] Reader and their background: [ ] Question asked: [ ] How it was studied: [ ] Main finding, at the authors' strength: [ ] Uncertainty or limits: [ ] Practical meaning, within what was found: [ ] Technical term: [ ] Plain replacement: [ ] Technical term: [ ] Plain replacement: [ ] Sentence that might imply cause: [ ] Reader's own restatement of the finding: [ ]
Check every simplification
Compare the strength of each sentence with the source. Check whether the rewrite turns an association into a cause, generalizes beyond the studied group or changes a number's unit or baseline. Verbs such as prove or lead to may add certainty the source does not establish. Check technical substitutions individually: a familiar word can have a narrower meaning than the term it replaces. Keep limitations close to the finding they qualify, and label practical implications that are your interpretation.
Ask another agent to check the result
Compare the plain-language version with the original line by line. Flag each sentence that implies cause where the original reports only association, each dropped uncertainty, and each replacement term that changes meaning. Suggest wording closer to the original.
Test it on a real reader
Give the draft to one person from the intended audience and ask them to say back what the study found and how sure anyone can be. Fix any point they restate too strongly. Keep the technical version attached or linked for readers who want detail.