More Tips on Writing a Policy Memo
Here are a few nuts and bolts suggestions on writing policy memos.
Do
- Place tables and figures after they are first mentioned in the text. The reader shouldn't run into a table or figure until after you've let them know it's coming.
- Consider using pie or bar graphs to illustrate your numerical results.
- Be aware that spelling checkers won't stop you from accidentally using an incorrect, but correctly spelled, word. An example that often comes up in these memos is "lose" vs. "loose". Lose is the opposite of "win", and almost always the word that belongs in the memo: e.g., "consumers lose $1B as a result of the policy". Loose is the opposite of "tight". It's probably NOT what you mean unless you are writing about loose regulations (for instance).
Don't
- Don't use technical terms that will be unfamiliar to readers. Instead, explain the underlying concept. Here are a few specific terms to avoid: pareto optimal, deadweight loss, consumer surplus, producer surplus, elasticity.
- Ideally, avoid using the terms "marginal benefit" and "marginal cost" as well, although this rule isn't quite as strong because those terms (especially marginal cost) are pretty widely understood.
- Don't include equations.
- Don't include technical diagrams unless they help you clarify the text. For example, you do NOT need to include a supply and demand diagram unless it makes your text easier to understand.
Site Index |
Zoom |
Admin
URL: http://wilcoxen.maxwell.insightworks.com/pages/1940.html
Peter J Wilcoxen, The Maxwell School, Syracuse University
Revised 04/24/2006
Maxwell