What is a “good” reading level?
The appropriate reading level depends on the audience you are writing for. A technical article written for people with specialized training could be written at a higher level than an information pamphlet for the general public. Know your audience!
| Some general guidelines | Fry levels |
| Specialized information for informed audience | 9 — college |
| Material written for the general public | 6 — 8 |
| Material
written for general public including people whose first language is not English |
5—6 |
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Most newspapers are written in the grade 6 — 8 range, but include articles that are more difficult. |
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In a pamphlet or booklet, try to write at a consistent level. If some information is more important, make it stand out by using highlighting or a different layout. |
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In a newsletter or newspaper, try to include at least one article per page that is easier to read. It will encourage your readers to keep reading through the whole paper. |