Descriptive text gives information: how a system works, what a part does, why a step is necessary. In STE, descriptive text uses short sentences, short paragraphs with one topic, and a logical order. The reader must find the important information first.
Sentence length
Descriptive sentences have a maximum of 25 words.
Give one fact in each sentence.
One topic in each paragraph
Each paragraph is about one topic.
Start the paragraph with the most important information: a topic sentence.
STE limits paragraph length (a maximum of six sentences). Short paragraphs are easier to scan.
A logical structure
Describe a system in a fixed order, for example: what it is, what it has, what it does, how it does it.
Use headings and lists to help the reader find information.
Use the same structure for similar systems in the same document.
Use the active voice where possible
In descriptions, the passive voice is sometimes acceptable, for example when the agent is not known.
But the active voice is usually clearer: "The pump moves the coolant", not "The coolant is moved".
Connect sentences with key words
Repeat the key noun instead of using "it" or "this" when the reference is not clear.
Use simple connecting words: "then", "because", "but", "if".
Examples
Before
The hydraulic accumulator, which is located in the aft section of the bay and which is pressurized by nitrogen, serves to dampen pressure fluctuations within the system.
STE version
The hydraulic accumulator is in the aft section of the bay. Nitrogen pressurizes the accumulator. The accumulator decreases pressure changes in the system.
Why it is clearer: Three sentences, three facts.
Before
The cooling system, which consists of a radiator, a pump, two thermostats and a header tank, keeps the engine temperature within the specified limits by circulating coolant through the engine block and the radiator whenever the engine is running.
STE version
The cooling system has a radiator, a pump, two thermostats and a header tank. When the engine operates, the pump moves coolant through the engine block and the radiator. This keeps the engine temperature in the specified limits.
Why it is clearer: What the system has, what it does, why.
Before
It is turned on by the controller when it detects that it is too low.
STE version
The controller turns on the heater when the temperature is too low.
Why it is clearer: Three uses of "it" made the sentence unclear. The new sentence names each thing.
Common mistakes
Long paragraphs with several topics.
The important information at the end of the paragraph.
Unclear "it" and "this".
Instructions hidden in descriptive text.
Check your technical text with the free STE Checker.