Start with structure, then replace every placeholder with information that is true, relevant, and natural for your context. These templates are intentionally skeletal so your final writing does not sound mass-produced.
A strong policy brief is useful without requiring the reader to open the underlying research first: it identifies who can act, distinguishes evidence from advocacy, makes tradeoffs and implementation constraints visible, and supports each material recommendation with evidence appropriate to the policy question.
Policy brief Title: [decision-relevant] For: [audience] Bottom line: [recommendation/decision] Problem: [scope + stakes] Key evidence: [2–4 findings with sources] Options: [A/B/status quo + tradeoffs] Recommendation: [specific action] Implementation: [owner/resources/timing] Risks/uncertainty: [x] Sources: [checked references]
Policy-option table Option | mechanism | evidence | benefits | costs/risks | affected groups | implementation | uncertainty
One-page policy brief Recommendation: [x] Why now: [x] Evidence: [3 bullets] Constraint/tradeoff: [x] Action requested: [x]
Policy-brief audit Decision-maker clear? [ ] Problem distinct from solution? [ ] Evidence scope checked? [ ] Tradeoffs visible? [ ] Recommendation implementable? [ ] Policy vs advocacy separated? [ ]