Identifies major philosophical, methodological, and pedagogical issues in the controversy over the legitimacy and methodology of using statistical measures to assess the readability of documents. Explores the implications of the controversy for using numerical readability measures to assess written documents. Examines the pedagogical implications…

Points out that readability indexes can serve a useful role in the teaching of writing when used as they were intended to be used. Focuses on Gunning's Fog Index. (EL)

Suggests that common sense be applied when calculating text readability using a microcomputer. (CRH)

Surveys recent trends in the area of clear writing. Discusses the problem of incomprehensible language in functional writing (forms and documents). Considers solutions, particularly those developed by the Document Design Center. (PD)

Doubts the ability of formulas to predict readability and questions their use as aids in writing readable prose. Points out that formulas also hamper the teaching of business writing because they emphasize written products instead of the writing process. (PD)

Offers a critique of existing methods of assessing the human interest of basic writing textbooks, contending that most are abstract and subjective and that the more objective Flesch formula inflates texts' human-interest level. Advocates modifying existing formulas and guidelines. Suggests criteria (e.g., appropriateness of readability level) for…

To elicit student interest, teachers must search out works that have manageable sentences, vocabulary, accessible plots, characters, dialogue, and relate to the current cultural values of their students. (CRH)