Expert: Debba Robinson - 11/29/2005

Question
Dear Mrs Robinson,
I hope that you are not busy !
We are teachers of English .We would be grateful if you could answer our question,that is "How can we judge the readability of an Enlish textbook?"
Thank you.

Answer
Dear Lubna,

I'm sorry that I've not stayed on top of my questions recently.  You may be aware that I live in Indonesia and phone service isn't always reliable.  I had to go to Jakarta unexpectedly this week and when I got back, my phone was disconnected.  I had a backup of questions and was able to answer only one or two day while at work - and still don't have phone service at home.  So, I wasn't ignoring you at all and hope you accept my apologies.

I have a WONDERFUL program called Readability Calculations from Micro Power and Light Company.  <www.micropowerandlight.com>  That will help you with things you are writing personally, or that you would like to type into a word processor.  YEARS ago, we used Frye's readability scale.  I don't have that one at my fingertips anymore - but what you did was pick a page or two, do some counting and calucations, and you would have your score.  I think it would be simpler to type a chapter or two into a document and then let this program take care of it for you.  This program uses Frye's as well as several others - and will give you a number of ways to evaluate the readability of books and stories.

Debba