Writing Toolbox

Using a Readability Scale 

How easy-to-read is your writing? Whether you are designing a lesson plan or penning an article, communicating the complexity of agriculture can be challenging.

One way to note the “readability” of a document is by using the Flesh Kincaid Readability Test, which is available through Microsoft Word.

The scale assesses the reading ease of your document and indicates the appropriate grade level to read the paper. It takes into account sentence structure, syllables, word length, and vocabulary.

With this in mind, as the author you can more accurately tailor your work to best suit the age of your audience.

To access the readability statistics, go to Tools, Spelling & Grammar,

1 Click the File tab, and then click Options.

2 Click Proofing.

3 Under When correcting spelling and grammar in Word, make sure the Check grammar with spelling check box is selected.

4 Select Show readability statistics.

Once the spelling and grammar checks are complete, the readability statistics window will appear and listed at the bottom is the grade level. 

What if the grade level is higher than what I want?

In the science writing community, it is generally accepted most adult read science at a fifth grade level. One way to improve the readability ease of the paper without foregoing the quality of content is to simply shorten your sentences. The longer a sentence becomes, the harder readers have to work to stay attuned to the thread of thought. Enough said.

Don’t be afraid to use broken down definitions to convey the meaning of your vocabulary. If relevant, provide examples of terms to help illustrate your meaning.

While the Flesh Kincaid Readability Scale is by no means an all-knowing comprehensive test for the appropriate grade level, it can deliver helpful indications to writers who can adjust their rhetoric accordingly. The next time you are writing a science oriented piece, think about putting to use the Flesh Kincaid Readability Scale!