Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

How does readability relate to the content of a text?

1. It determines the length of the text

2. It evaluates the complexity of the ideas presented

3. It includes changes in the text like slits and scratches

4. It focuses on the number of pictures and illustrations

The correct answer is: It includes changes in the text like slits and scratches

Readability primarily refers to how easily a reader can understand a written text. It encompasses various factors, such as the complexity of the language used, sentence structure, and vocabulary, which directly impacts how accessible the content is to different readers. Among the provided options, evaluating the complexity of the ideas presented is critical because if a text contains intricate concepts or is phrased in an advanced manner, it may challenge the reader's comprehension regardless of the length or formatting. While readability may indirectly be affected by illustrations and visual elements, those elements themselves do not define how easily the content can be understood. Instead, a balance of clear language and well-structured ideas will ultimately determine the text's readability level for its intended audience. Thus, considering the complexity of ideas is fundamental when assessing how textual content can be conveyed and grasped by readers.