Engineering - Electrical Engineering Assignment 3: The Final Project

Hello Class,

Step 1: Readability Articles Summary

This week, I reviewed two articles that address various readability formulas and their role in assessing text clarity. The first article, A Quick Overview of Using Readability Formulas by David Long (2014), discusses the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level formula, which measures readability by analyzing sentence length and syllable count. Long notes that this formula is particularly valuable for writers aiming to align their text with a specific reading level, thereby promoting clarity for general audiences. The second article, How Consistent Are the Best‑Known Readability Equations in Estimating the Readability of Design Standards? by Zhou, Jeong, and Green (2017), examines the reliability of formulas such as the SMOG Index, which estimates reading difficulty by focusing on polysyllabic words. The authors find that SMOG is often more accurate for technical or instructional materials because it emphasizes vocabulary complexity over sentence structure. Collectively, these articles enhanced my understanding of how to assess and revise my Instruction Manual to ensure accessibility for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Step 2: Readability Formula Results

To apply these formulas to my own writing, I selected the sentence: “Plug the USB‑C end of the included cable into the INPUT port, which is situated on the side of the Green‑Charge.” When analyzed with the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, this sentence received a score of approximately Grade 8.2, suggesting it is accessible to most middle‑school readers, though slightly elevated due to technical terminology. The SMOG Index assigned the same grade to the sentence, indicating that although some specialized terms are present, the overall language remains accessible. Comparing the results of the two formulas confirmed that my manual achieves a reasonable balance between technical precision and readability. These findings also motivated me to keep sentences concise and minimize jargon, ensuring that users can follow instructions with confidence regardless of their familiarity with solar‑powered devices.

Step 3: Influence on Revision Plans

Engaging with readability formulas this week provided more precise guidance for revising my Instruction Manual for the Week 8 Final Portfolio. I identified that certain sections, particularly the safety warnings and the troubleshooting table, contain lengthy, dense sentences that could be simplified without sacrificing accuracy. In my revision, I intend to shorten multi‑step instructions, limit the use of polysyllabic technical terms where feasible, and divide complex concepts into smaller, easily scannable steps. I will also evaluate each section using both formulas to maintain a consistent reading level throughout the manual. This approach will support the creation of a final version that is more user‑friendly, easier to navigate, and better tailored to the needs of my target audience.

Your classmate, Sanjae L.

References (APA 7th Edition)

Long, D. (2014). A quick overview of using readability formulas. Journal of Reading, 37(2), 152–159. https://www.proquest.com/docview/220961500

Zhou, S., Jeong, H., & Green, P. A. (2017). How consistent are the best‑known readability equations in estimating the readability of design standards? IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 60(1), 97–111. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7839917