Reading Level Guidelines

Reading level guidelines help create content accessible to users with varying literacy levels, learning disabilities, or non-native language proficiency. Clear, simple language improves comprehension for all users.

What Are Reading Level Guidelines

Reading level refers to the education level typically required to understand text. Content written at a lower reading level is more broadly accessible. WCAG Success Criterion 3.1.5 (Reading Level) at Level AAA requires supplemental content when text requires more than lower secondary education reading level.

Reading level affects:

• Users with learning disabilities
• Non-native speakers
• Users with cognitive impairments
• Users reading in stressful or distracting contexts
• Users with limited formal education

While AAA level, the principle of writing clearly benefits all users and represents a best practice for digital content.

How Reading Level Guidelines Work

Vocabulary selection prefers common words over technical jargon or complex terms. When technical terms are necessary, provide definitions or explanations:

Sentence structure favors shorter sentences with simple construction. Complex sentences with multiple clauses increase cognitive load:

Active voice clarifies who does what. Passive voice obscures actors and actions:

Concrete language provides specific, tangible information rather than abstract concepts:

Paragraph structure uses short paragraphs focused on single ideas. Long paragraphs with multiple topics are harder to follow.

Testing readability uses formulas like Flesch-Kincaid or Hemingway Editor that estimate required reading level. While imperfect, these tools flag overly complex content.

Key Considerations

• Use common vocabulary; define technical terms when necessary
• Write shorter sentences with simple structure
• Prefer active voice
• Be specific and concrete rather than abstract
• Keep paragraphs short and focused
• Test readability with automated tools
• Consider user testing with diverse literacy levels

Common Questions

What reading level should content target?

WCAG 3.1.5 references lower secondary education level (approximately grades 7-9 in the US system). Many plain language advocates recommend even simpler writing for broad accessibility.

Different content may have different appropriate levels. Legal or technical documentation may need higher levels but should provide summaries or supplemental content at lower levels.

Does simple language mean dumbing down content?

Simple language means expressing ideas clearly, not removing important information. Complex concepts can be explained simply through good writing technique.

Simple language often takes more skill than complex writing. Making complicated information accessible while maintaining accuracy is a valuable communication skill.

How do reading level guidelines apply to UI text?

UI text (labels, buttons, instructions) should be especially clear since users encounter it repeatedly and rely on it for navigation. Short, direct labels work better than verbose alternatives:

Error messages, help text, and instructions particularly benefit from plain language since users may be confused or frustrated when encountering them.

Summary

Reading level guidelines promote clear, accessible content through simple vocabulary, short sentences, active voice, and concrete language. While WCAG addresses reading level at AAA, plain language benefits all users and represents design system content best practice.