TASK DEFINITION: In this task, we ask you to rewrite a sentence in simple English without changing its general meaning. Essentially, you want to make the sentence easier to read by using simpler words, utilizing more straightforward sentence structures, and omitting non-essential information etc.
PROBLEM: Fax ( short for facsimile ) , sometimes called telecopying or telefax ( the latter short for telefacsimile ) , is the telephonic transmission of scanned printed material ( both text and images ) , normally to a telephone number connected to a printer or other output device .

SOLUTION: Fax ( short for facsimile ) , or telecopying , is the transmission of scanned printed material ( both text and images ) , to a telephone number connected to a printer or other output device .

PROBLEM: In the United States , the equivalent to the foreign ministry is called the Department of State , and the equivalent position is known as the Secretary of State .

SOLUTION: In the United States , the foreign minister is called the ' Secretary of State ' .

PROBLEM: A beach house is a house on or near a beach , sometimes used as a vacation or second home for people who commute to the house on weekends or during vacation periods .

SOLUTION:
A beach house is a house on or near the beach .