Readability Formulas: A Necessary Evil?

A readability formula is usually a mathematical equation that strives to relate the comprehension of the reader and the linguistic characteristics of the text. The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon some readability formulas and to propose that they be used only in perspective. Although these formulas are often considered a \u27necessary evil,\u27 they need not receive as much attention as they do. Readability formulas certainly should not be thought of as the ultimate instruments in measuring texts for grade levels. Too many factors which readability formulas do not address are more crucial to reading comprehension