Return-Path: <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id g3AEGVu04869; Wed, 10 Apr 2002 10:16:31 -0400 (EDT) Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 10:16:31 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <DB9B467115DE02444B5E21607C623B1A@jpsscribe.wildmail.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Janet Sorensen" <jpsscribe@wildmail.com> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3660] Re: Readability vs. Understandability X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Web Based Pronto Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Status: O Content-Length: 1446 Lines: 31 As a writer for a health care quality improvement organization in Arkansas (we have our share of low literacy readers), I agree that field testing is crucial and that lowering the grade level will not always improve comprehension. Testing should be built into the process for any project aimed at the general public, particularly low literacy readers. However, Deborah made a good point--the average American reads at about the 8th grade level. It may be wishful thinking to assume that we don't need to worry about the grade level. If used appropriately, short, concise sentences and simple language can greatly increase comprehension without sacrificing content or clarity. It is a mistake to leave out vital information in order to lower the grade level. However, I've read that most information can be divided into three groups: what the reader needs to know, what the reader might want to know and what the client or organization would like the reader to know in an ideal world. In most cases, the last two groups can be eliminated. The last one almost certainly can. This has certainly been my experience. It's important to know and remember what specific action (or actions) you would like the reader to take. Then provide only the information that will convince them and enable them to take that action. Care2 make the world greener! http://www.care2.com - Get your Free e-mail account that helps save Wildlife!
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