3.1.2

Scientific Texts

Test yourself

Readability of Scientific Texts

The readability of science texts is generally high. This is due to the frequency of polysyllabic words and complex sentence structure.

Illustrative background for Flesch KincaidIllustrative background for Flesch Kincaid ?? "content

Flesch Kincaid

  • An example of a readability test is the Flesch Kincaid reading ease test.
  • It uses a formula to calculate the readability of a text.
  • The lower the number, the harder the text.
Illustrative background for Checking for readability statsIllustrative background for Checking for readability stats ?? "content

Checking for readability stats

  • You can check the readability of any text using the readability statistics option on Microsoft Word.
  • Copy text from a source into a word document:
    • → go to review → press spelling and grammar → select options → select show readability statistics → complete the spell check as normal → a pop-up window will show the Flesch Kincaid reading ease.
Illustrative background for ExamplesIllustrative background for Examples ?? "content

Examples

  • A typical page from a biology topic in a KS3 textbook will have:
    • Around 900 words and 3000 characters.
    • FK readability of 71.1, i.e easily understood by 13- to 15-year-old students.
  • A glossary of keywords for a Y7 biology topic on reproduction will have:
    • Around 500 words, 4000 characters, 6 paragraphs and 56 sentences.
    • FK readability of 63, i.e. understood by 15- to 17-year-old students, bu fairly difficult to read.
Illustrative background for Strategies for shared reading Illustrative background for Strategies for shared reading ?? "content

Strategies for shared reading

  • Shared reading can be used to model how to successfully read scientific texts.
    • Text is on a slide/visualiser and students and teacher look at it together.
    • Teacher gives an overview of the text and techniques used.
    • Specialist vocabulary is taught before reading and is highlighted in the text.
    • Teacher reads the text aloud, encouraging students to follow.
    • Features of the text are highlighted and annotated by teachers and students (e.g. type, purpose, audience, voice, language).

Jump to other topics

1Why Literacy Matters in Science Education?

1.1Why Literacy Matters in Science Education?

1.1.1Why Literacy Matters in Science Education?

2The Language of Science

2.1The Language of Science

2.1.1Scientific Vocabulary

2.1.2Word Tiers

3Reading in Science

3.1Reading in Science

3.1.1Reading in Science

3.1.2Scientific Texts

4Writing in Science

4.1Writing in Science

4.1.1Writing in Science

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium

Reading in Science

Writing in Science