You can see all of our research reports here.Īnd the results are sobering. US healthcare industry (specifically, Medicare documents).Our research uncovered many industries creating content that is way above this benchmark.
![flesch readability scale book flesch readability scale book](https://readable.com/images/formulas/fry-original.png)
Moby Dick is a pretty challenging read, so firms should be able to pitch content at this level, right? We found the opposite to be true. Referring back to our scoreboard, we’re aiming for a Moby Dick level of understanding. And while not mandated legally, regulators such as the SEC strongly advocate for clear language.Įxperts suggest aiming for a score of 60 or higher when writing for the average American. It requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. The Plain Writing Act came into force in 2010. Finally, it makes sense, and it’s also the law. Having a good readability score can also dramatically improve user experience – think of the negative impact jargon-laden banking terms or complex Medicare documentation can have. Why do we go to such trouble to score content? Or make it readable? Simply because writing in plain language allows you to reach as many people as possible. Let’s take a step back and think of the bigger picture. It matches the readability scores up with the US grade level of education that the reader would need to understand that text. This was developed after the Flesch Reading Ease Test. We mentioned the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Test earlier. University of Canterbury and examples based on research by VisibleThread and Shane Snow. Best understood by university graduates.įlesch, Rudolf. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, JK RowlingĮasy to read. Easily understood by an average 11-year old student The higher the score, the easier the text is to understand. But there’s really only one thing you need to remember. So what do the scores within the Flesch Reading Ease Test actually mean? There’s a complex formula working behind the scenes. And a few decades later, he teamed up with J Peter Kincaid to develop the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Test. Flesch developed his readability formula in 1948. He published many seminal books about the importance of plain language and clear writing. A writing and readability expert, Flesch was a key player in the Plain English Movement of the late ‘40s.
![flesch readability scale book flesch readability scale book](https://www.educationforhealth.net/articles/2017/30/1/images/EducHealth_2017_30_1_84_210517_t1.jpg)
The test itself was the work of Rudolf Flesch. A (Very) Short History of the Flesch Reading Ease Test But the theory behind it is pretty simple. It’s ironic that, with such a complex name, it’d probably fail its own test. It’s the industry standard for measuring how easy (or not) a text is for someone to read. Ever dipped your toes into the world of readability? Then you’ll likely have come across the Flesch Reading Ease Test.