Sandra Fisher-Martins: The right to understand

The speaker discusses the importance of plain language, highlighting the challenges of low literacy rates in Portugal and the complexity of public documents. They propose solutions like simplifying language and fostering civil movements. The Clara project aims to improve public communication by creating guides and rewarding clear communication.

What inspired the speaker to focus on simplifying language?

• A conversation with a friend

• A complex work contract

• A symbol on a bank statement

• A book on plain language

What percentage of Portuguese people are in the lowest literacy level?

• 10%

• 80%

• 50%

• 20%

Which country is mentioned as having a high literacy rate?

• Portugal

• France

• United States

• Sweden

Who is Mr. Domingos in the speaker's example?

• A government official

• A literacy campaigner

• The building's doorkeeper

• The speaker's neighbor

What is a consequence of not understanding public documents?

• Exclusion from opportunities

• Increased literacy rates

• Improved civic participation

• Better financial decisions

What event does the speaker use to illustrate the impact of complex language?

• The 2008 financial crisis

• The Great Depression

• The subprime crisis

• The dot-com bubble

What is one proposed solution to improve understanding of public documents?

• Reducing public access

• Simplifying the language

• Using more technical jargon

• Increasing document length

What does the 'Clara' project aim to do?

• Increase document complexity

• Limit access to information

• Simplify public communication

• Promote legal jargon

What is a key technique for writing clearly, according to the speaker?

• Include technical terms

• Use plain words

• Start with the least important

• Use long sentences

What is the speaker's advice for when you don't understand a document?

• Ignore it

• Pretend to understand

• Throw it away

• Demand to understand