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EXPOSI TORY TEXT CHECKLI ST

DIRECTIONS: Indicate True or False for each statement.
UNDERSTANDABILITY


1. The text does not assume more prior knowledge than a teacher can reasonably
support his/her students with in the amount of time available to do so.


2. The text uses clear, concrete examples to illustrate abstract concepts.


3. The organization enhances and showcases the central idea(s) or theme(s). The
order, structure, or presentation of information moves the reader through the
text.


4. Any charts, graphs, and/or tables are easy to read and decipher (assuming a
reader knows how to read these types of texts).


5. Tone/writing style is appropriate for students developmental level. (For
example, young children do not understand subtle sarcasm.)

USABILITY

6. The text includes a title, which clearly defines the contents of the text. (It is
neither too broad nor too narrow.)


7. The text includes headings and subheadings. They clearly define the content
that follows. (Sometimes headings and subheadings are too broad.) If the next
includes subheadings in addition to headings, the font is such that it is easy to
differentiate subheadings from headings.


8. Important terms stand out from the rest of the text. (If important terms are
hyperlinked to definitions, readers are either not required to follow these links
in order to make sense of the text, or the links take readers to clear,
developmentally appropriate explanations of the terms.)


9. The text includes charts, graphs, pictures, and/or tables that help the reader
make sense of the content of the block text. (Readers are required to followed
hyperlinks to see charts, graphs, pictures, and/or tables.)


10. The print size and spacing is appropriate for the level of the reader (i.e., 20+
font/double+ spacing for primary grade readers; 14 + font/1.5+ spacing for
intermediate grade readers)

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11. Text is not cluttered and overly busy looking. The number of text features on the
page (e.g., graphs, charts, block texts, call-outs, etc.) is appropriate for students
reading level. (Internet pages do not contain too many advertisements, side
bars, hyperlinks, etc.)


12. Font is easy to read and is not distracting.


13. Text includes bulleted/numbered lists when appropriate instead of including
lists in the body of the text.


INTERESTABILITY

14. The title captures the readers attention, going beyond simply identifying the
topic of the text.


15. Headings/subheadings capture the readers attention, going beyond simply
identifying the topic of the section.



16. The writing style is interesting (in a developmentally appropriate way). The
author may use humor, shock value (i.e., providing appropriate, but extreme
examples to illustrate points, or engaging stories to communicate his/her
messages).


17. A variety of font colors are used to make the alphabetic text more interesting
(without being distracting).


18. Pictures, graphs, charts, etc. are in color.


19. The overall layout of the page is inviting and looks fun without being too
busy.


20. The text length will not stress the reader.


Score out of 20: /