warning · Section 6: Descriptive writing
Rule 6.4: Use paragraphs to show related information
Structure descriptive text into paragraphs, where each paragraph opens with a topic sentence that states what the paragraph is about, and every following sentence explains or adds information related to that topic. A new paragraph signals to the reader that a new or different topic follows.
What a checker looks for
Usually a deviation, and context can excuse it.
- Flag a paragraph that does not open with a clear topic sentence stating its subject — for example, one that opens with a supporting detail or a sentence that assumes context not yet established.
- Flag a single block of text covering multiple distinct pieces of related information that should instead be split into separate paragraphs, each with its own topic sentence.
- For each sentence after the first in a paragraph, check that it explains or adds information to that paragraph's topic sentence; flag any sentence that instead belongs to a different topic.
How to fix it
Identify the natural groupings of related information in the text and insert paragraph breaks so that each paragraph begins with a topic sentence naming its subject, followed only by sentences that elaborate that same topic.
Constraints on the fix
- Preserve any existing numbering or lettering scheme (e.g., '(1)', '(2)', 'A.') used to label the descriptive content — do not renumber items unnecessarily.
Examples
Not STE: A lightning strike can cause damage to the aircraft at the attachment points. From the attachment points, the lightning strike usually goes aft through the structure and can cause a malfunction of the electrical and electronic systems. If a lightning strike occurs, the maintenance personnel must do an inspection of the aircraft for damage before the next flight.
STE: A lightning strike can cause damage to the aircraft. The damage usually occurs at the attachment points. From the attachment points, the lightning strike usually goes aft through the structure of the aircraft. The high current of the lightning strike can cause damage to the mechanical systems of the aircraft. Thus, a permanent or a temporary malfunction of the electrical and electronic equipment and systems can occur. If a lightning strike occurs, it is necessary to do an inspection of the aircraft for damage. The maintenance personnel must do this inspection before the next flight.
Related rules
Where this fits in AI governance
A rule a checker can test is a rule a model can be held to. The same discipline, on the governance side of this site.
- Explainability
Descriptive writing rules exist so that a description can be verified against the thing described. The same demand, made of a model. - Misinformation and confabulation
The register entry for text that reads correctly and is not. - Output validation guardrails
A controlled language is a checkable output constraint. This is the control that treats model output as something to be checked rather than trusted.
Source
ASD-STE100 Issue 9, Section 6 - Descriptive writing, page 1-6-5.
This page is commentary and does not reproduce the standard. About this rule pack.