13
Simplicity: Use Details Wisely
• Specific details are desirable, but be careful
to balance detail with audience needs for
clarity—significance is more important.
Ex. 1: The average house in the area has a
radon level of 0.4 picocuries per litre.
Ex. 2: The average house in the area has a
radon level of 0.4 picocuries per litre, which
is considered low by the EPA [Lafavore,
1987]. Levels between 20 and 200 picocuries
per liter are considered high, and levels
above 200 picocuries per liter are considered
dangerous. For reference, the average radon