> From: Naomi Bar-Yam <[log in to unmask]>
>
> Hello everyone,
> Several years ago, I heard about (and used) a
> quick test for measuring the reading grade level
> of some breastfeeding materials. I have need
> of the test again, but I've misplaced it.
> It goes something like this:
> You take one paragraph each at the beginning,
> middle and end of the document, count number
> of words that are 2, 3, and more syllables and
> then divide by something to give you the
> grade level at which the document is
> written. Is anyone familiar with this test?
> Can someone fill me in on the missing


There are several different tests.  The easiest and probably the most
popular is the Gunning Fog Index:

*    Select a sample
*    Determine the average number of words per sentence
*    Determine the percentage of difficult words
*    Add the 2 factors and multiply by 0.4

The result is the minimum grade level at which the sample is easily read.

A common one used in health promotion is the SMOG Readability Formula.
There's a formula but it's easier to use a table. Here is one example:
http://www.med.utah.edu/pated/authors/readability.html

Reading level tests approximate a more direct approach, which is to take
materials and test for comprehension using test subjects from you target
audience. This of course is time consuming and expensive and so readability
formulas are used as a substitute.

Many word processing packages (Word, for eg) now offer a readability
indexes. If you are producing materials to use a professional or at least
get some advice from a professional. Note that typography and layout are
also important considerations when it comes to comprehension.

-- Jodine Chase

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