Build a reading level analyzer

Building a reading level analyzer involves creating a tool that evaluates text and estimates its complexity, usually assigning it to a grade level or reading age. This can be done using several well-known formulas like Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog Index, SMOG, or Coleman-Liau.

Here’s a clear step-by-step explanation along with Python code for a basic reading level analyzer using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula. It calculates reading difficulty based on sentence length and word syllables.

How It Works

• Sentence count: Number of sentences in the text.

• Word count: Number of words in the text.

• Syllable count: Number of syllables in all words.

The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula is:

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0.39 * (total words / total sentences) + 11.8 * (total syllables / total words) - 15.59

Python Code

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import re

def count_syllables(word):
    word = word.lower()
    vowels = "aeiouy"
    count = 0
    prev_char_was_vowel = False

    for char in word:
        if char in vowels:
            if not prev_char_was_vowel:
                count += 1
                prev_char_was_vowel = True
        else:
            prev_char_was_vowel = False

    if word.endswith("e"):
        count = max(1, count - 1)

    return count if count > 0 else 1

def count_sentences(text):
    # Split sentences by punctuation marks
    sentences = re.split(r'[.!?]+', text)
    # Filter out empty strings
    return len([s for s in sentences if s.strip() != ""])

def count_words(text):
    words = re.findall(r'bw+b', text)
    return words

def flesch_kincaid_grade(text):
    sentences = count_sentences(text)
    words = count_words(text)
    total_words = len(words)
    total_syllables = sum(count_syllables(word) for word in words)

    if sentences == 0 or total_words == 0:
        return None

    grade_level = 0.39 * (total_words / sentences) + 11.8 * (total_syllables / total_words) - 15.59
    return round(grade_level, 2)

# Example usage:
sample_text = """
Reading level analysis is a useful tool to determine how complex a given text is.
It helps educators, writers, and publishers tailor content to the target audience.
"""

print("Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level:", flesch_kincaid_grade(sample_text))

This code calculates and prints the reading grade level for any input text. You can easily extend this with other formulas or integrate it into larger applications like websites or text editors. Would you like me to build the same analyzer using another readability formula?