What determines a text's readability level?

The readability level of a text is fundamentally influenced by several key factors, including vocabulary, sentence structure, and content complexity. Vocabulary refers to the range and difficulty of words used in the text; more complex or less familiar words typically increase the reading challenge. Sentence structure pertains to how sentences are constructed—long, convoluted sentences can be harder to follow than short, straightforward ones. Finally, content complexity involves the ideas presented within the text; nuanced themes or abstract concepts may require higher-level comprehension skills.

All these factors combined create a framework that helps in assessing how easily a reader can understand a text. The interaction of vocabulary, sentence structure, and content determines whether the text is appropriate for a specific age group or reading level, thereby impacting its overall readability.