We were given four versions of a text, and asked to order the versions from easiest to most difficult. Then, we discussed the rankings with tablemates.
Reed explained that both readability and cohesion are important factors in text complexity. Above, she provided this heuristic to model the fact that selection A was high in both readability
and cohesion, and B was low in both. Readability is complexity of sentences and word choice where cohesion is the relationship between ideas, cause-effect relationships. Both of these things matter in determining text complexity.
and cohesion, and B was low in both. Readability is complexity of sentences and word choice where cohesion is the relationship between ideas, cause-effect relationships. Both of these things matter in determining text complexity.
She described a study she did where students were given texts that were varying levels as above paired with comprehension questions. Those students who received the easier text were more likely to get comprehension questions right. Students with the harder text were more likely to get comprehension questions wrong. However, the difference between the two middle selections was negligible.
In part IV, I will discuss the strategy "Attention to Syntax."
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