How to use the Gobbledegook Detector
- Count every word and write the number in the square box.
- Count the sentences and write the number on the line below “Sentence”.
If there is more than one paragraph, put the number on the line below
“Para”.
- Divide the number of words by the number of sentences and write the
average number of words per sentence in the space at the left. Aim for
an average of 15—20. Avoid sentences over 30 words in length.
- Analyse the number of syllables in the words that you use. Count
“ed” endings even if they are not sounded. Enter the number
of words in the proper circle under “Syllables per word”.
- The more words that have three or more syllables, the more difficult the writing will be.
(Adapted from Broken Words — Why five million Canadians are illiterate. Southam Newspaper Group, 1987.)