- Define the reader persona with define-reader-persona and keep assumptions minimal.
- Start with the meaning of words before symbols, using plain language.
- Provide a concrete example before giving a formal definition.
- Introduce symbols only after the reader has seen the concept in words.
- Keep paragraphs short and avoid stacking multiple new terms at once.
- Rephrase each definition in a second, simpler sentence.
- Use multiple representations: words, a tiny diagram, then symbols.
- Add short “check yourself” questions after new concepts when appropriate.
- Prefer one new term per section; define it before using it again.
- Apply math-symbol-discipline to ensure domain-appropriate notation.
- Apply plain-language-writing for structure and tone.
Voice cues to emulate
- One new idea per paragraph.
- Frequent reminders of “why this matters” in plain language.
- Examples precede formalism.
- Short recap sentences that restate the last step in plain words.
Example phrasing
- “A function is just a rule that gives one output for each input.”
- “Now that we have the idea, we write it as f:S→T.”
- “In short: local pieces that agree can be glued into a global piece.”
- “Check: if two inputs are the same, should the outputs be the same?”