A Comparison of the Readability of Selected Instructions, Publications and Forms Commonly Used by Adults and the Minimum Literacy Level as Defined by the United States Office of Education.

Beris, Carole

The Fry Readability Graph was used to assess the approximate readability level of each of 23 selected instructions, publications, and forms commonly used by adults in order to compare their readability levels with the minimum literacy level as defined by the United States Office of Education (approximately the eighth grade level). The results indicated that the readability levels of most of the sampled materials far surpassed the ability of the average adult. Thirteen documents from the sample (56%) were written at what is considered to be college level. These materials ranged from disability and health insurance information to explanations on bank forms. Another five sample documents (22%) ranged between tenth and twelfth grade reading levels, approximately 2 to 4 years higher than the average adult's reading ability. These materials included a standard lease, an election ballot, a mortgage loan form, and social security information. The five remaining sample documents (22%) were determined to be at the fifth through eighth grade levels and thereby compatible with the average reading ability of the adult population. These publications included social security pamphlets, the New Jersey driver's manual, and food stamp information. (RL)