A FEW TOOLS FOR DESIGNING

READING TEXTS IN EXERCISES AND

TESTS

Reading ease level:

www.online-utility.org
CEFR vocabulary:
https://languageresearch.cambridge.org/wordlists/te
xt-inspector
Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org
CHECKING
THE READABILITY
OF A TEXT
STEP 1: HTTPS://WWW.ONLINE-UTILITY.ORG/
STEP 2: COPY TEXT  CLICK “PROCESS TEXT”
STEP 3: ANALYZE THE RESULT

HELPS DECIDE
THE CEFR LEVEL

HELPS MODIFY THE TEXT TO

IMPROVE READING EASE
FLESCH-KINCAID READABILITY
SCORES AND LEVELS

(Flesch Reading
Ease)
CHECKING
THE CEFR LEVEL OF
VOCABULARY
STEP 1: HTTPS://LANGUAGERESEARCH.CAMBRIDGE.ORG/WORDLISTS/TEXT-INSPECTOR
STEP 2: COPY TEXT  CLICK “START WORKFLOW”
STEP 3: ANALYZE THE RESULT

HELPS DECIDE THE CEFR

LEVEL OF WORD USE
STEP 3: ANALYZE THE RESULT

HELPS MODIFY THE WORD USE

(CHANGE UNLISTED WORDS OR
DIFFICULT WORDS IF POSSIBLE)
USING DICTIONARY: HTTPS://DICTIONARY.CAMBRIDGE.ORG
HOW TO MODIFY A
TEXT TO INCREASE
ITS READABILITY
1. Use short, easy words.
- The more syllables your words have, the harder they are to read. Don’t use a 4-syllable
word if a 2-syllable word works just as well.
2. Shorten your sentences.
- Compound and convoluted sentences decrease readability. Keep your sentences short. Try
breaking them up into several short sentences.
- Also, break up overly long paragraphs.
3. Reduce use of modifier adjectives and adverbs.
- These words, called “modifiers,” slightly alter the meaning of the noun or verb they
modify.
4. Drop the jargon.
- Most occupations use language that’s not used by the general public. Remember who your
audience is when you’re writing.
EXAMPLE: ORIGINAL TEXT
People participate in leisure activities when they have free time in the evenings and on weekends. They are never work
oriented and do not involve tasks such as housework or sleeping. Examples of leisure activities are bicycling, bowling,
curling, horseback riding, golfing, hiking/walking, skating, skiing and swimming. However, not all leisure activities are
sportive. Some people would rather spend their free time painting, drawing, reading, listening to music or meditating.

People who take up leisure activities are usually happier and healthier than people who don’t for a variety of reasons.
First, leisure activities help people reduce their levels of stress. They can forget about their workload and family
responsibilities and just enjoy the moment. Second, participating in certain leisure activities provide people an
opportunity to meet others who share the same interests and sometimes even make friends. Also, leisure activities such
as painting, sculpting, singing, etc. provide an artistic outlet, which is always a positive thing.

In the old days, people worked very hard and did not have time for leisure activities. The men would work long days out
of the house and the women would spend all their time looking after their families. Most people didn’t even think about
leisure activities. These days, most people participate in at least one leisure activity. Some people prefer to do leisure
activities by themselves. For example, they may listen to music on their own or simply read books. Some people like to
spend their leisure time with their families and go on hikes or go to art galleries and museums. Other people like to
spend their free time with friends and go dancing, go to parties or play outdoor games such as soccer or baseball. All of
these activities are fun and good for people’s mental and or physical health.
EXAMPLE: EDITED TEXT
People join leisure activities in their free time in the evenings and on weekends. They do not need to work or
do housework. For example, they can ride bicycles, play tennis, ride horse, walk, and swim. However, not all
hobbies are sportive. Some people like spending their free time on painting, drawing, reading, or listening to
music.
People who have hobbies are usually happier and healthier for many reasons. First, hobbies help people
reduce their stress. They can forget about their busy work and family duties. They just enjoy the moment.
Second, following a hobby gives people a chance to meet other people with the same interests. Sometimes
they can even make friends with each other. Also, hobbies such as painting or drawing are interesting ways to
enjoy arts.
In the past, people worked very hard, so they did not have time for hobbies. The men would work long days
outside. The women would stay at home to take care of their families. Most people didn’t even think about
relaxing. These days, most people have at least one hobby. Some people like to do relaxing activities alone.
For example, they may listen to music or read books. Some people like to spend their free time with their
families. They often go camping or go to art museums together. Other people prefer doing leisure activities
with friends like dancing or going to parties. They also play outdoor games such as football or baseball. All of
these activities are fun, and they are good for people’s mental and physical health.
SUGGESTED LINKS FOR READING TEXTS FOR ESL STUDENTS

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/
http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading
https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/reading-practice