Reader-Friendly Materials & Informed Choice

Audrey Riffenburgh, Riffenburgh & Assoc

  

Do Your Printed Materials Inform or Frustrate?


- Addressing the Need for "Reader-Friendly" Materials


 


National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS)


Most recent and most comprehensive study ever conducted.


Surveyed over 26,000 adults from all walks of life.


Divided literacy and math tasks into 5 levels (not grade levels).


Level 1 is least proficient.


Level 5 is most proficient.


 


Chart -


National Adult Literacy Survey:


Results for U.S. Adult Population


NALS Level 1 - 21% of Population in Level


NALS Level 2 - 27% of Population in Level


NALS Level 3 - 32% of Population in Level


NALS Level 4 - 17% of Population in Level


NALS Level 5 - 3% of Population in Level


 


Approximately 50% of all adults read in the 2 lowest levels (at or below 8th grade level).

Most materials written for the public are at the 2 highest levels.


 
 
Groups More Likely to Have Literacy Problems than the Total Population:

Ethnic minorities


Those living in poverty


Those with health problems


Seniors


Those with visual or hearing problems


Those with learning problems


 


Is There a Need for Easier-to-Read Printed Materials for "Informed Choice"?
bullet 
Data from the Longitudinal Study of the VR Services Program indicate that basic skills deficits

are a major deterrent to VR consumers' ability to achieve living earnings.
bullet 
The reading level of several; informed choice; documents from two states ranged from 12th
 grade to graduate school level.


 


Chart -


Reading Abilities of U.S. Adults Compared to Reading Levels of


Informed Choice Materials


 


NALS Level 1 - 


U.S. Adults Reading Abilities - 21% of Population


Reading Levels of Materials - 0% if Population


 


NALS Level 2 -


U.S. Adults Reading Abilities - 27% of Population


Reading Levels of Materials - 0% if Population


 


NALS Level 3 -


U.S. Adults Reading Abilities - 32% of Population


Reading Levels of Materials - 0% if Population


 


NALS Level 4 -


U.S. Adults Reading Abilities - 17% of Population


Reading Levels of Materials - 5% if Population


 


NALS Level 5 -


U.S. Adults Reading Abilities - 3% of Population


Reading Levels of Materials - 95% if Population


 


95% of the materials analyzed were written at a level on 3% of adults can read!


 


Factors Which Affect Reading Difficulty

Organization of Information


Writing Style (Includes Reading Level)


Graphic Design and Layout


Appeal and Relevance


Reader's Background, Readiness, Skills, Interest, etc.


 


What to Look for in a "Plain Language" Professional

Has a background in reading, adult literacy, linguistics, or a related field


Has been working in the plain language field for several years


Can provide a solid client list and good references from satisfied customers


Has demonstrated ability to create easy-to-read materials (ask for samples)


 
Puzzle Pieces - Printed Materials + Your Readers


For more information on communicating with your audience, contact:

Riffenburgh & Associates

1606 Central S.E. Suite 201
Albuquerque, NM 87106
TEL (505)242-5808
FAX (505)256-9164

e-mail:
plnenglish@aol.com