Readability Parameters of Basal Readers

Abstract

Using the Fry Readability Graph, parameter readability values were (a) obtained for the 2¹ reader, and the 4th reader of one basal series; (b) obtained from the 3¹ readers of three basal series; (c) obtained for stories or selections drawn randomly from the readers studied; (d) compared with the readability values of randomly drawn sample sets of varying sizes. Results showed (a) substantial [at least seven grade levels) intrabook readability variation; (b) agreement between Fry book parameter means and book grade designations for all books studied except one; (c) substantial intrabook story differences in average readability and readability variation; (d) no pattern of intrabook story difficulty; (e) a set of 24 samples necessary to adequately predict book parameter readability values.

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