During my morning blog-reading session, I came across Random Thoughts of a Teacher, and on her blog was this badge:
Random Thoughts of a Teacher via kwout
Wow, way to go, Random Thoughts!
Well, I thought it was pretty cool, so I headed on over to The Blog Readability Test, thinking that for sure my blog has to be at the same level, right? Well, check out what MY badge has to say!!!!
At first I was kind of surprised and disappointed, but then it started making sense. I teach elementary and middle school and have a baby and a toddler. The only “high-level” thinking I really do is within my PLN, but I don’t often take the time to purposely “write up” to that level. I like writing in a conversational style and feel that it’s important for just any old reader to be able to understand and relate to what I’m saying. So, my academic dreams are dashed for the moment………..but just know that I DID get A’s on my Tax Law papers during my undergrad days.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t exactly think that having a lower reading level is a bad thing either. I agree that educational material, especially material meant to be practical, should be written so that anyone can understand it. The harder it gets to understand, the less useful the information becomes.
Nick, thanks for the support! I aim to reach all readers in all of my work, so I’ll accept a jr high reading level as a good thing. I know in healthcare it’s a major goal to make all communications readable for the masses, and actually should be everywhere. Thanks for reading!
I am sure if I did it another day it would read differently. I only added the widget because I was a little amazed. I figured that it wouldn’t be that high. I was a diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade and writing has always taken me time, so it was a was a sweet surprise. I have been thinking of removing it but just haven’t yet.
Okay, so I’ve read about this test on Twitter several times and after seeing your post I decided to try it for myself. Guess what? My blog was ranked at the genius level - how’s that for a laugh? I would dearly love to know how they determine which level a blog is on, because according to my independent tests that I ran, my blog is written more at the high school /undergrad reading level. FYI - I tested one of your posts (won’t tell you which) and ranked higher than junior high. My own thoughts about this are on my blog along with the testing sites I used. Enjoy!
I’m with Nick on that. Having a brainiac score isn’t necessarily a good thing - particularly if you consider equating reading level with ease of comprehension.
If a concept can be said in plain English, I think it should be. It’s arguably far more effective that way.
Great blog by the way - I’ve just subscribed :)
Cheers,
Mike
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