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Readability

Readability

Mar 14, 2016

Readability is the measure of how easy it is to read and comprehend a document. Readability tests can provide a rough guide about how likely a document will be understood. The tests are mathematical formulas, designed to determine the suitability of text for readers at a certain age or grade level.

 

  • Avoid colloquialisms and jargon. If unfamiliar technical terms are necessary, explain the term the first time and consider including it in a glossary or tooltip.
  • Avoid overusing modifiers (for example, almost, barely, hardly, merely, nearly, only, partly, practically, quite, rather, somewhat)
    • Poor example: The site is decidedly well structured
    • Good example: The site is well structured.
  • Avoid using large numbers of words with multiple syllables (polysyllabic words).
  • Choose your verbs carefully.
  • Keep the language as simple as possible (write to inform and not to impress).
  • Use active (rather than passive) voice.
  • Use terminology and language familiar to the audience and be consistent with the terminology you use.
  • Write short sentences.

 

Introduce new or subject-specific terms clearly in a sentence of their own so the text runs smoothly. This may mean writing two shorter sentences. Another technique is to use a tooltip, for example for acronyms or technical terms. Avoid over using inverted commas, unless really necessary.


Flesch Reading Ease score: Rates text on a 100-point scale. The higher the score, the easier it is to understand the document. For most standard documents, aim for a score of approximately 60 to 70.


Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score: Rates text on a U.S. school grade level. For example, a score of 8.0 means that an eighth grader can understand the document. For most documents, aim for a score of approximately 7.0 to 8.0.


Microsoft Word readability test setup:

  1. Open Microsoft Word.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Spelling & Grammar tab.
  3. Select the Check grammar with spelling check box.
  4. Select the Show readability statistics check box, and then click OK.
  5. Check Spelling and Grammar and once complete a readability score is provided.

 

Another tool that can help is Hemingway Editor to highlight complex sentences and common errors. http://www.hemingwayapp.com/