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Evaluating Readability of Persian Fictions Selected by Flying Turtle the Iranian Award

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Abstract

The objective of the present study is evaluation of the authored Persian Fictions selected by Flying Turtle Award using Flesch and Gunning formulas in first chapter books (ages 7–10), middle-grade books (ages 8–12) and young adult (YA) (ages 12 and up). This is a survey study with the population of 25 Persian authored Fictions selected by Flying Turtle Award. In this study the researchers seek to perform calculations and collection of data related to research questions using two Flesch and Gunning formulas. Out of which, 2 authored fictions were in first chapter book category, 14 books in middle-grade category, 9 books in first chapter and middle-grade categories and 1 book in middle-grade and YA category. The results obtained from Gunning formula show that this formula overlaps with authored fictions selected by Flying Turtle Award up to 76% and incompatible with these books up to 24%. The results also obtained from Flesch formula show that this formula overlaps with authored Fictions selected by Flying Turtle up to 72% and is incompatible with them up to 28%. As far as the appropriate books for children have significant role in their nurturing and mind, determination of the readability level of these books in terms of conformity with various age groups seems to be necessary. In addition, the results of this study could help the selectors of books for Flying Turtle Award in selection of appropriate books for children. As far as the books selected by Flying Turtle Award have been listed on the basis of specific principles and criteria, the researchers decided to make a more precise assessment of the readability level of these books using Flesch and Gunning formulas.

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Notes

  1. A report entitled, "The publication of children books has some other problems in addition to the problems of publication industry". Retrieved on 22 June 2012, accessible from http://www.ibna.ir/fa/doc/tolidi/141291.

  2. http://www.bookcity.org.

  3. https://ketabak.org.

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Correspondence to Shahnaz Khademizadeh.

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Khademizadeh, S., Vaezi, M.R. Evaluating Readability of Persian Fictions Selected by Flying Turtle the Iranian Award. Pub Res Q 36, 116–128 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12109-019-09705-0

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