scholarly journals Text Readability: A Snapshot

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-29
Author(s):  
Rafizah Mohd Rawian
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Ability ◽  
Material Selection ◽  
Text Difficulty ◽  
Reading Material ◽  
Text Readability ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Readability Formula ◽  
Readability Formulas

Selecting suitable reading materials are taxing and challenging for many English instructors. Text readability analysis can be used to automate the process of reading material selection and also the assessment of reading ability for language learners. Readability formulas have been broadly used in determining text difficulty based on learners’ grade level. Based on mathematical calculations, a readability formula examines certain features of a text in order to provide best rough approximations as an indication of difficulty. This paper reflects some aspects and issues of readability analysis.

Selection of Malay Language Reading Material Based on Readability Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 497-502
Author(s):  
Dahlia Janan Et.al
Keyword(s):  
Reading Ability ◽  
Sentence Structure ◽  
Font Size ◽  
Text Difficulty ◽  
Reading Material ◽  
Reading Abilities ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Present Text ◽  
Selection Of

In this paper the author discuss the methods that can applied to select reading material that is appropriate to the reading ability of students. The old assumption that books or materials that written for a certain level is appropriate for all students in that particular level, needs to be changed. This is because students who isin a certain level have different reading abilities. Therefore, this paper will introduce the understanding of readability factors as one way of selecting appropriate reading material for students. The level of readability for reading materialsare influenced by a variety of factors, including the reader, environment and reading material. This article focuses on reading material factors such as clear font size and style, illustration and colour, vocabulary and sentence structure. Further, this article will present text difficulty analysis through the analysis of vocabularies. This paper conclude that vocabulary factor should not be overlooked and teachers must understand this because reading materials can be difficult when vocabulary that appear in the reading material does not fit to the level of the reader.

scholarly journals Readability formulas: An analysis into reading index of prose forms

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 972-985
Author(s):  
Revathi Gopal ◽  
Mahendran Maniam ◽  
Noor Alhusna Madzlan ◽  
Siti Shuhaida binti Shukor ◽  
Kanmani Neelamegam
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Text Comprehension ◽  
Literary Texts ◽  
School Students ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Reading Material ◽  
Reading Abilities ◽  
Text Selection ◽  
Readability Level ◽  
Readability Formulas

Text comprehension will suffer if the readability level is not accessible to the students. Readability formulas predict text complexity, assisting in appropriate text selection that complements students’ reading abilities to improve their language development. Therefore, the study aims to find out the reading index of the prose forms in the literature component catered to lower secondary school students ages 13 and 14 years old in Form One (seventh grade) and Form Two (eighth grade) classrooms in Malaysia. The reading index is measured by using four readability formulas which are Dale-Chall, Fog, SMOG, and Flesch-Kincaid that focuses on the words, sentences, syllables, and polysyllable words. These formulas are used to predict the level of difficulty of the prose forms. The reading index calculated from these readability formulas reveals the grade level of the prose forms. The grade level indicates the best age for reading and understanding the prose forms. Two prose forms were chosen as samples in the study. A passage is chosen from each prose form to be uploaded using the online tool. The indices obtained from the readability formulas predicted that both of the prose forms were below students’ reading age. The study implicates reading index must be taken into consideration in literary texts selection because it is an indicator of the years of education that an individual requires to comprehend the literary text clearly. Suitable reading material at students’ age level can enhance literature learning and teaching in the ESL classroom.

Validation Study of Waray Text Readability Instrument

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Voltaire Q. Oyzon ◽  
Juven B. Corrales ◽  
Wilfredo M. Estardo, Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Sentence Length ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Text Readability ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
The Given

In 2012 the Leyte Normal University developed a computer software—modelled after the Spache Readability Formula (1953) made for English—made to help rank texts that can is used by teachers or research groups on selecting appropriate reading materials to support the DepEd’s MTB-MLE program in Region VIII, in the Philippines. However, “several experiments have already established that existing readability measures in English cannot directly be used to compute readability of other languages.” To validate the Waray Text Readability Instrument (WTRI) formula, 15 stories were rated by 24 randomly selected teachers from two elementary schools in Tacloban City. The WTRI software uses two factors in determining readability, namely: (a) sentence length and (b) frequency of commonly occurring words. The teachers’ task is to read the given text and rate the grade level of each text by considering these three factors: (1) frequency of commonly used words; (2) sentence length; and, (3) total number of words. The data gathered was compared with the WTRI’s ratings of the same texts. Statistical testing was done to determine if there is a significant difference between the teachers’ rating of the texts and the WTRI’s ratings. As a result, there was no significant difference between the software’s grade level ratings and that of the teachers’. It implied that the WTRI’s calculation is valid.

scholarly journals AN ANALYSIS ON READABILITY OF ENGLISH READING TEXTS FOR GRADE IX STUDENTS AT MTsN 2 KOTA BENGKULU

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yupika Maryansyah
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Teaching Reading ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Reading Material ◽  
English Reading ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
English Textbooks ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Readability Formula

There are many researches on readability of reading materials conducted by reading material experts, but very few investigating readability of reading materials used in teaching reading at state-owned Islamic secondary schools. This research dealt with readability of texts used in teaching reading for IX grade students of a state-owned Islamic secondary school. This research is a descriptive research which used quantitative method. It aimed at investigating the readability of texts used in teaching reading for IX grade students of MTsN 2 Kota Bengkulu. The subjects of this research were 63 texts used in teaching reading for IX grade students at MTsN 2 Kota Bengkulu. The instrument used to collect data was Fry readability formula (graph). The data were interpreted by using percentage.The research findings show that 54% out of 63 texts are easy for grade IX students of MTsN 2 Kota Bengkulu; 27% out of 63 texts are difficult; 10 % out of 63 texts are invalid; and 9% out of 63 texts are appropriate. Based on the research findings, there are some suggestions to note; (1) English teachers at MTsN 2 Kota Bengkulu are suggested to apply readability analysis on texts before they are used in teaching reading; (2) Writers of English textbooks which are intended to be used by grade IX students are suggested to be aware of readability of texts they included into the textbooks they wrote; and (3) other researchers are suggested to conduct further researches on the findings of this research by employing other readability formulas, or other methods of readability analysis. Keywords: Tingkat readibilty, text, MTsN 2 Kota Bengkulu.

scholarly journals Developing English Reading Material for the Second Grade of Vocational High School

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (02) ◽  
pp. 12-32
Author(s):  
Arif Widyantoro
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Reading Ability ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Second Grade ◽  
Vocational High School ◽  
Generic Structure ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Reading Material ◽  
English Reading ◽  
Reading Materials

The purpose of this study are to describe how to develop English reading materials for the second grade of Vocational High School and to explain the advantages and disadvantages of developing English reading materials for the second grade of vocational high school. Using English reading material for developing the students’ ability of the second grade of vocational high school is one of the ways to make the students interested in learning English. In teaching English reading materials, this paper applies two phases (planning phase, implementing phase, evaluating phase) and PQRST (Preview, Question, Read, Summarize, Test) method. The advantages of developing English reading material for the second grade of vocational high school are: It can develop their vocabulary and grammar mastery. It is described that using reading materials in developing the students’ proficiency of English is very beneficial. The students get the systematic, effective, and efficient learning method, and also they can enjoy the teaching learning process. Encourage the student to improve their previous background knowledge of fundamental concepts. It can motivate the Students to actively reflect upon the material being studied prior to its presentation in class and to search for explanations or solutions on their own. While, the disadvantages are: It cannot develop the listening skill directly; It may happen that the students did not understand clearly about the generic structure and language feature of the text if they just pay attention with the meaning of each word. The writer hopes that this paper can be used as a reference for the teachers who want to improve their students’ ability, especially in reading ability. Furthermore, it can be a reference for the students of English department who want to write a paper or a thesis. Keywords: English Language, Reading, Vocational High School  

Developing Evidence-Based Assessment to Prevent Over- or Underidentification of Disorders for New Language Learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1026-1038
Author(s):  
Sandra Levey ◽  
Li-Rong Lilly Cheng ◽  
Diana Almodovar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Language Disorder ◽  
Academic Development ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Clinical Knowledge ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Support Evidence

Purpose The purpose of this review article is to present certain linguistic domains to consider in the assessment of children learning a new language. Speech-language pathologists frequently face difficulty when determining if a bilingual or multilingual child possesses a true speech or language disorder. Given the increased number of new language learners across the world, clinicians must understand differences versus disorders to prevent underidentification or overidentification of a disorder. Conclusions Early identification of a true disorder has been shown to prevent language and literacy difficulties, given that children are able to achieve grade-level reading skills when given intervention. Clinical knowledge and skills are strongly required so that children receive evidence-based assessment to support their academic development. Learning Goal Readers will gain an understanding of the factors that support evidence-based assessment of bilingual and multilingual language learners.

The Usefulness of Readability Formulas in the Insurance Industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-351
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Barczuk
Keyword(s):  
Final Section ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Insurance Market ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Text Readability ◽  
The Given ◽  
Readability Formulas

The aim of this paper is to characterize the most important methods which are used to determine the level of text readability. The author presents practical examples of the usage of chosen methods by foreign insurance companies. The final section of the study is completed with general conclusions relating to the application of the given solutions to the Polish insurance market. 

Variability in Age and Experience among Blind Students Using Basal Reading Materials

1980 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 147-150
Author(s):  
Hilda Caton ◽  
Earl Rankin
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Programs ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Basal Reading ◽  
Basal Reader ◽  
Significant Variability ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Blind Children ◽  
Blind Students

This study was designed to identify various problems encountered by children who read braille and use conventional basal reading programs transcribed into that medium. It was hoped that this information could be used to improve methods of teaching blind children to read and to help design more suitable reading materials for them. The results showed educationally significant variability in chronological age, years in school and grade level for blind children using basal reader materials designed for sighted readers at specific grade levels.

scholarly journals Testing young foreign language learners’ reading comprehension: Exploring the effects of working memory, grade level, and reading task

2021 ◽  
pp. 026553222199148
Author(s):  
Tineke Brunfaut ◽  
Judit Kormos ◽  
Marije Michel ◽  
Michael Ratajczak
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Test ◽  
Reading Task ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Comprehension Accuracy

Extensive research has demonstrated the impact of working memory (WM) on first language (L1) reading comprehension across age groups (Peng et al., 2018), and on foreign language (FL) reading comprehension of adults and older adolescents (Linck et al., 2014). Comparatively little is known about the effect of WM on young FL readers’ comprehension, and even less within testing contexts. Young FL readers are still developing their L1 reading skills and general cognitive skills (e.g., attentional regulation abilities). Completing FL reading tests might be particularly taxing on their WM, and differences in WM capacity – as well as other learner and task characteristics – might create construct-irrelevant variance in test performance. In this study we investigate the effects of WM, grade level, and reading task on young learners’ FL reading test performances. Ninety-four young English language learners (Grades 6–7) in Hungary completed the TOEFL® Junior™ Comprehensive’s reading test and a WM test battery. Our mixed-effects model predicted significantly higher comprehension accuracy among learners with higher WM capacity, and among learners in Grade 7 compared to learners in Grade 6. Reading task differences were not associated with significant comprehension accuracy differences. We discuss the implications of our findings for testing young learners’ FL reading comprehension.

scholarly journals Poor Readability of AOSSM Patient Education Resources and Opportunities for Improvement

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596711880538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Kakazu ◽  
Adam Schumaier ◽  
Chelsea Minoughan ◽  
Brian Grawe
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Eighth Grade ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Resources ◽  
Reading Grade Level ◽  
Readability Formula

Background: Appropriate education on the disease processes associated with orthopaedic pathology can affect patient expectations and functional outcome. Hypothesis: Patient education resources from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) are too complex for comprehension by the average orthopaedic patient. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Patient education resources provided by the AOSSM were analyzed with software that provided 10 readability scores as well as opportunities for improving readability. The readability scores were compared with the recommended eighth-grade reading level. Results: A total of 39 patient education resources were identified and evaluated. The mean ± SD reading grade-level scores were as follows: Coleman-Liau Index, 12.5 ± 1.11; New Dale-Chall Readability Formula, 10.9 ± 1.37; Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, 9.9 ± 1.06; FORCAST Readability Formula, 11.4 ± 0.51; Fry Readability Formula, 12.8 ± 2.79; Gunning Fog Index, 11.9 ± 1.37; Raygor Readability Index, 13.1 ± 2.37; Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, 12.3 ± 0.90; Automated Readability Index, 11.2 ± 1.18; and New Automated Readability Index, 10.6 ± 1.27. After averaging the reading grade-level scores, only 1 patient education resource was found to be written at an 8th- to 9th-grade level, and 14 (36%) were written above a 12th-grade level. All scores were significantly different from the eighth-grade level ( P < .0065). The percentage of complex words and long words were 19.6% ± 2.67% and 41.4% ± 3.18%, respectively. Conclusion: Patient education resources provided by the AOSSM are at a significantly higher reading level than recommended. Simple changes can drastically improve these scores to increase health literacy and possibly outcome.

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