Readability scales use factors like number of syllables per word and average length of sentences and paragraphs in a document/article/story to determine how easy (or difficult) it is to read. The score is often expressed as a grade level, or the years of education required to comprehend the piece. (This paragraph received an average score of 13.6, meaning it requires more than the average high school education to read and comprehend it.)

Compare that to: Readability scales tell how hard an article or other writing is to read and understand. They give a grade level. The higher the grade level score, the harder it is. (This paragraph has an average grade level of 6.5. See the difference?)

We are now including readability scores in our Current Events articles to better assist teachers in selecting materials most appropriate for their students. To learn more about readability scales, click here. To try out the exact system we use to determine readability scores, click here. You'll be able to insert your own text and get a readability score.