If a NOTAL reference is unavoidable, how many sentences should accompany it?

• A. One sentence.
• B. 4 or 5 sentences.
• C. Two sentences.
• D. No additional sentences.

Answer: (B)

When you need to include a NOTAL reference, you want enough surrounding context to make its purpose and impact clear. Four or five sentences give the right balance: you can identify the reference, explain why it cannot be avoided, describe what this means for the procedure or operation, outline any limits or scope, and indicate what action or interpretation is required by the reader. This length helps prevent misinterpretation while staying concise enough to keep the document readable. Too few sentences can leave the reason and implications murky, while too many can obscure the key point.