Tools to test your articles' readability level

How user-friendly is your writing? If you are writing for the public, you know that it's wise to avoid using professional jargon.

Other factors are also important, especially when writing online:

• Make your paragraphs short - they are easier to read when they don't exceed 5 lines.
• Use headings, sub-headings and bullets - makes your content jump out at the reader
• Keep sentences brief, but vary the length and structure, so that your article doesn't read like a grade-school primer.
• Write in a conversational tone - speak to your reader.
• Write at a level that is easy for most people to understand - from 12-year-olds to your grandmother.

You can test the readability level of your articles. Microsoft Word has this built in.

There are also online tools, available here. Simply copy your text, paste it into the box, and you'll get instant feedback on several readability dimensions.

Pauline

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