Examples of Unclear Writing
Sentences taken from actual letters received by a welfare department in application for financial support.
- I am forwarding a marriage certificate and six children. I have seven, one died, which are baptized on a half sheet of paper.
- I am writing the Welfare Department to say that my baby was born two years old. When do I get the money?
- Mrs. Jones has had no clothes for a year, and has been visited regularly by a preacher.
- I cannot get sick pay. I have six children. Can you tell my why?
- I am glad to report that my husband who was missing is dead!
- This is my eighth child. What are you going to do about it?
- Please find out if my husband is dead. The man I am living with can't eat or do anything until he knows.
- I am very annoyed to find out that you branded my son as illiterate. This is a dirty lie, as I was married one week before he was born.
- In answer to your letter, I have given birth to a boy weighing 10 pounds. I hope this is satisfactory.
- I am forwarding my marriage certificate and five children, one of which is a mistake as you can see.
- My husband got his project cut off two weeks ago, and I haven't had any relief since.
- Unless I get my husband's money soon, I will be force to lead and immortal life.
- You have changed my little boy to a girl. Will this make any difference?
- I have no children yet as my husband is a truck driver and works day and night.
- In accordance with your instructions, I have given birth to twins in the enclosed envelope.
- I want some money quickly as I can get it. I have been in bed with the same doctor for two weeks, and he doesn't do any good. If things don't improve I will have to get another doctor to help him.