What average sentence length is typically noted in the Gunning FOG Index?

The Gunning Fog Index is a readability test that estimates the years of formal education needed to understand a text on the first reading. One of the key components of this index is the average sentence length, which is typically based on 9 words. A shorter average sentence length, such as 8 to 10 words, can indicate text that is easier to read and understand. In practice, aiming for an average sentence length around 9 words allows for effective communication, particularly in educational material and public safety communications, where clarity is crucial for comprehension.

It's essential for writers, especially in fire and life safety education, to create materials that are accessible and easily understood by diverse audiences. By using concise sentences, the likelihood of conveying critical safety information effectively is increased, making this measure an important standard in evaluating readability.