Help on Microsoft Word, please?

[Patron with a Mission]

I am typing a report for my Social Inequality class that may or may not be published, according to my professor. (When I say published, what I mean is not only for academic research, but possibly the mass media as well).

Why, every time I check the document, does MS Word say the readability is only at 8th grade? Is there anything I can do to improve my paper, and boost up the level? Just what is the determining factor for readability on MS Word? If anyone could tell me, it'd be a great help.

I am concerned about the readability level for several reasons. It's probably not a good idea to go anything below 12th grade level for the college paper, but at the same time, I live in an area where the good amount of the populace would likely have to ask their kids to read it to them.

Basically what I'm asking is this: For the sake of possible general readers, should I tone it down, keep it at 8th grade, or try to strive for a higher reading level? I appreciate any help you all will give.  

[Toxicated Cuppycakes]

the reading "grade" in MS Word is it's readability, not the school grade level. ^ ^

the lower the grade, the better it reads, and it determines this by how many letters you have in a word on average, and how long the sentences are. the longer the words and the sentences are, the lower you grade will be.

Hope that helped!!!  

[DontKicktheBrit]

I'd have someone else read it over for you; give it some fresh eyes. Good luck.  

[Patron with a Mission]

Toxicated Cookie

the reading "grade" in MS Word is it's readability, not the school grade level. ^ ^

the lower the grade, the better it reads, and it determines this by how many letters you have in a word on average, and how long the sentences are. the longer the words and the sentences are, the lower you grade will be.

Hope that helped!!!

Oh, I see. Thanks for the help. ^^  

[Patron with a Mission]

DontKicktheBrit

I'd have someone else read it over for you; give it some fresh eyes. Good luck.

Thanks...with my topic, I'll need it. 3nodding  

[ChibiStarlet]

Sounds interesting...what are you writing about?  

[Patron with a Mission]

ChibiStarlet

Sounds interesting...what are you writing about?

My topic is the border wall that is to be placed along the U.S-Mexican border, specifically in the lower Texas area, and how it will affect culture and social equality.

It's interesting indeed. I don't mean to spark arguments, by the way, so please don't start any, my dear friends and fellow members of this guild.