It is very difficult to calculate the readability index score manually as it involves several calculations. Hence, use readability analysis tools. Effective readability index tools guides the writers to make the content more readable, simple and crispy.
Features of tools:
- The quality and reliability of the tools vary from tool to tool.
- Some of the tools are free tools and rests of them are priced tools.
- Priced tools usually contain more features than those of free tools.
Advantages: Following are the advantages that the end user derives by using readability analysis tools:
· An automated tool does not get tired and affected by the change of mood, like a human being
· Automated tools help the end user in saving time and thus, enhances productivity
· Some of the tools even suggest better words in place of existing words, which better suit the situation
· Readability analysis tools guide and enable the writer to improve the readability of writing
· Most of the tools are available free of cost
· An entrepreneur can check the content submitted by his content writer and can judge the readability of the writing according to the industry standards
· Publishers, writers, proof-readers and editors can ensure that the text is readable according to industry standards.
Disadvantages and Limitations:
- Tools usually do not accept, at a time, text exceeding 250 or 500 words.
- Some of words considered as difficult words may not be difficult words in real sense
- Sometimes, passive sentences may be more readable and appropriate than the active sentences
- Not all complex words are difficult and some of the short words too can be complex
- A tool is a tool after all and the efficiency of a tool or algorithm depends on the efficiency of its designer
- No tool can replace an experienced proofreader while checking the readability as there is not substitute for a person’s common sense and wisdom
- An algorithm is developed based on certain assumptions, which may not suit all the contexts and sometimes, even the assumptions may give wrong results
Due to above mentioned disadvantages and limitations, it must be remembered that automation readability analysis is not a complete alternative to manual proof reading and both must be made complimentary to each other in order to make the work more effective. However, the algorithms that we use now are better than the algorithms that we used in the past and the future algorithms will certainly be better than the algorithms that we use now. Of late, developers started focusing on developing context sensitive algorithms.
Selection & Usage of readability analysis tool: A large number of readability analysis tools entered the market and if you search online, you can find several readability analysis tools. While selecting a readability analysis tool, follow below mentioned guidelines:
- Verify whether the tool contains a test that is most suitable for your target audience.
- The tool should display difficult areas of document so that the writers know which areas to focus on.
- Use only free tools and do not go for the paid versions unless yours is a large-scale organization. However, paid versions are usually contain more features than free versions.
- Even when you want to go for paid version, go for reasonably priced versions.
- As no tool can be as effective as an experienced proof-reader, check the content manually at first. Use tools only after doing the work manually.
- Some of the tools ask you to register with them and to enter your username and password to allow you to make use of them. Avoid such tools as they consume more time and kill your productivity
- A large number of tools are mushrooming the market and hence, select only effective tools after making adequate enquiries and tests
- If you are employed by somebody as a Content Writer, use only the tools which are suggested by your boss/client.
List of Readability Index Tools
Following is a table containing a list of some of the readability analysis tools with their URLs. You can freely use the tools mentioned in the table. You simply copy and paste the text in the input box and click the concerned button. You can get the required result within a few seconds.
| Tool | URL | Unique Features & Merits |
| Readability Forumla Assessment | | --- |
| Readability Test and Improvement | | --- |
| Readable | | You can even enter the URL in the concerned input box, instead of copying. |
| Edicentral | It shows the list of difficult words with underlines. | |
| Lexicool Textalyser | | --- |
Written by: S. Chandrashekara Reddy
Contact: 91-9849856722
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