diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 993756889a6..3f18890bdd1 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -42,9 +42,9 @@ Lotus is a universally open project and welcomes contributions of all kinds: cod
 When implementing a change:
 
 1. Adhere to the standard Go formatting guidelines, e.g. [Effective Go](https://golang.org/doc/effective_go.html). Run `go fmt`.
-2. Stick to the idioms and patterns used in the codebase. Familiar-looking code has a higher chance of being accepted than eerie code. Pay attention to commonly used variable names, avoidance of naked returns, error handling patterns, etc.
+2. Stick to the idioms and patterns used in the codebase. Familiar-looking code has a higher chance of being accepted than eerie code. Pay attention to commonly used variable and parameter names, avoidance of naked returns, error handling patterns, etc.
 3. Comments: follow the advice on the [Commentary](https://golang.org/doc/effective_go.html#commentary) section of Effective Go.
-4. Minimize code churn. Only modify what is strictly necessary to get a quicker response from maintainers.
+4. Minimize code churn. Modify only what is strictly necessary. Well-encapsulated changesets will get a quicker response from maintainers.
 5. Lint your code with [`golangci-lint`](https://golangci-lint.run) (CI will reject your PR if unlinted).
 6. Add tests.
 7. Title the PR in a meaningful way and describe the rationale and the thought process in the PR description.