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Flesch Kincaid Readability Scores
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Readability Scores
Words: 47
The Flesch Kincaid readability scores can be accessed through
MS Word Tools. Scroll to the bottom. Choose ‘Options’.
From that menu choose ‘Spelling & Grammar’. At the bottom
of the Grammar box tick ‘show readability statistics’. This is
then activated every time you run the spell checker.
Utilising the readability scores is a great discipline that helps
sharpen and hone your writing skills. However, it is very unforgiving of words over three syllables, technical terms and industry jargon…so it won’t be of too much help to you lawyers out
there!
Actual Web Site Copy - Example 2
The care home also has a purpose built restaurant that can be
used by family and friends when they are visiting the home, a
hairdressing salon and a sixty five place day care facility which
offers a stimulating environment with a variety of activities to
choose from.
Words: 47
Reading Ease: 25.9
FKG 21.3
Example Re-write 2
How it works
Reading Ease: Rates text on a 100-point scale; the higher the
score, the easier it is to understand the document. For most
standard documents, aim for a score of approximately 60-70.
Flesch Kincaid Grade: Rates text on a U.S. school grade level.
For example, a score of 8.0 means that an eighth grader (aged
13 years) in the US school system can understand the document. For most documents, aim for a score of approximately
9.0.
Unfortunately, the Flesch Kincaid Grade (FKG) stats on the older MS Word versions don’t show scores above grade 12. If you
have the older MS Word you should be aiming for a (FKG) score
under 11.9, although the optimum is about 9.0.
Here are a couple of examples of how it works.
Actual Web Site Copy - Example 1
Blog Care* is independent of statutory agencies, and sees its
self as essentially concerned with forging partnerships in order
to facilitate the highest possible quality of life for older people
and those in need of community support.
Words: 37
Reading Ease: 59.5 FKG: 8.8
Reading Ease: 16 FKG : 20.2
*name changed to protect the identity of this care home provider
Example Re-write 1
Blog Care is a private company. We work in partnership with
key agencies like the social services and Primary Care Trusts
(GPs, social workers etc.) We aim to give the highest possible
quality of life for older people and other adults in the community who need support.
Sunset Hamlet has a purpose built restaurant that can be used
by family and friends when they are visiting the home. It also
boasts an excellent hairdressing salon. Our sixty five-place day
care centre offers a wide range of stimulating activities to suit
all service users.
Words: 46
Reading Ease: 55.1
FKG: 9.3
Top tips to improve your readability scores
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·
·
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Keep sentences short – max 25 words
Keep long words - ie. 3 syllables+ to a minimum
Good use of punctuation
Never use more than one ‘and’ in a sentence
The Flesch Kincaid readability stats is a terrific tool, but don’t be
a slave to it. Sometimes your scores can be reduced because
you have included unavoidable technical terms or multi-syll
able words in your copy. In this instance, it is worth running the
spell checker to check scores on individual paragraphs, rather
than the whole document. This will help identify more precisely
where you might make some improvements.
Finally, I am reminded of my favourite writers joke….
...never use a long word when a diminutive one will do!
How to Access Readability Scores
Step 1
MS Word Tools
Step 2
Click ‘Options’
Step 3
Click ‘Spelling & Grammar’
Step 4
Click ‘Show Readability Stats’
Every time you use the spell check your
readability scores will automatically display
events
Sublime communications without the ridiculous price tag
reputation management
media relations
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