Evaluating, determining and adapting the readability of text
Read + ability = readability
The readability of text is one of the most important aspects to consider when teaching and assessing learners reading ability/skills.
The term readability within the education context is used when referring to graded readers that are used during group guided learning. But have you ever wondered how the authors/publishers decided on the readability?
Readability refers to the ability level that a learner needs to be able to read a specific text with ease and comprehension. Various factors can affect the readability of text. Some of those factors include:
length of the text
length of the sentences in the text
amount of syllables
amount of low & high frequency words in the text
amount of sight words
complexity of syntax and grammar in text
visual cues available?
predictability of story line
amount of topics/themes addressed in the text
legibility (spacing, format, font etc.)
learners' background knowledge of the text
You can determine the readability of text by using qualitative or quantitative measures. Have a look at the following slides that will teach you more about that.
Evaluating, determining and adapting the readability of text_Joyce West