Relates research done with three strategies to create "text-based interest" (how interesting a text is) in order to improve children's recall of expository texts used in schools. While some of the strategies increased subjective interest, none significantly improved recall. (SR)

Reviews the literature critical of readability formulas as used in second-language reading contexts. It is suggested that such formulas not be used as guides to text production/adaptation or as measures of the difficulty of naturally occurring texts. (Author/CB)

Examines readability of elementary science textbooks regarding visual supplements (color, visuals, and page layout). Significant relationships were found between cloze scores and both grade level and content. Also found significant interaction between grade and sex in favor of older males. Eight of nine texts were at or near readability…

Investigated whether the use of a computer and the desire to increase readability levels of their writing would encourage student writers to revise. Results indicated an increase in the readability grade level from original drafts to revisions. (SRT)

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

A study was conducted to assess the differences in beginning second-grade students' recalls after reading a story with a well-formed structure and after reading a story with little structure. Results indicated the importance of providing children with reading selections that conform to their expectations for well-structured stories. (HOD)

Offers a case study of how one teacher used readability formulas to select the most appropriate materials for her students. Presents 10 suggestions that the teacher followed to avoid being tyrannized by the formulas. (FL)

Describes six ways to adapt textbooks for studying purposes: chapter outlines, adapting chapter questions, adapting vocabulary, lowering reading levels, taping textbooks, and color coding textbooks. (HOD)

Concludes that individuals can read unfamiliar but relatively easy material at high rates with high accuracy of comprehension, but they do not provide strong support for rauding theory. (FL)

Finds that words written in dialect are difficult for black students to comprehend while reading silently, which does not agree with previously advanced hypotheses by other researchers. (RB)

A study assessed the readability of health education pamphlets and booklets distributed to local health department clients in North Carolina through their maternal health, child health, and family planning clinics. The materials analyzed came from various vendors, but excluded materials developed by local and state public health staff. The sample…

Drawn from the experience of various ministries and departments in governments across Canada, this guide is meant to be a practical guide in implementing plain language for managers in the Ontario (Canada) government. The guide describes how to use plain language in planning, writing, designing, and editing forms and documents, and how to set up…

This booklet, in a "flipchart" format, provides a ready resource of selected core terms and their definitions from "The Literacy Dictionary: The Vocabulary of Reading and Writing" that bear upon reading and writing instruction. Some entries in the booklet also refer to related terms that can be further examined in "The Literacy Dictionary." The 41…

This book provides biographical profiles of 16 leaders of modern Africa of interest to readers ages 9 and above and was created to appeal to young readers in a format they can enjoy reading and easily understand. Biographies were prepared after extensive research, and this volume contains a name index, a general index, a place of birth index, and…

Literacy in the military has seen drastic changes since the World War II era and even the Vietnam era. Qualification tests are stricter and literacy programs are more available than before. Literacy in the military is crucial in a technological world. In today's armed forces, many soldiers concentrate on the technical aspect of combat through…