Readability

Readability.py is a python program which analysis the wikitext of a page and uses statistics-based readability tests to determine the easy and approximate grade level of the text.

For those wishing to find the readable prose size install User:Dr pda/prosesize.js user script.

Tests¶

The following tests have been implemented and hopefully more will be implemented in the future

• Flesch Reading Ease
• Automated Readability Index (ARI)
• Flesch-Kincaid
• Coleman-Liau
• Gunning Fog
• SMOG
• Laesbarhedsindex (LIX)

How it works¶

The algorithms use a combination of sentences count and word length in grading the articles. It assumes that articles are written in a coherent manner. National Adult Literacy Study states the average U.S. adult reads at the 7th grade level. [1]

Known limitations¶

• The syllable counter included is inaccurate and will tend to over inflate scores on tests
• The graph for Fry test is non-linear along the y-axis and the fifth degree polynomial used to fit is only accurate to +/-1 block on the extremes

Further Reading¶

• Readability overview of readability test relative to text books
• The Principles of Readability - Historical background
• Readability Test
• All About Readability
• How do I decide which readability formula to use?

Wikipedia related¶

• Keep it Simple: Editorial control at simple.wikipedia.org

Software¶

• Frequently Asked Questions About the Grammar Checker in Microsoft Word
• Readability Formulas .com
• Readability Studio