Estimating readability requires more than a formula comparing word length and sentence length. Other factors to be considered include vocabulary, the relationship between syntax and readability, the syntax used in children's oral language, and writing style. Steps are outlined for systematically estimating readability of instructional materials…

Poor writing style among academics, particulary those in the behavioral sciences, stems from a lack of linguistic sophistication, the linguistic customs of academia, and the linguistic customs of the behavioral science disciplines. The article offers remedies for errors in each category. (SB)