Understandable · 3.1 Readable
When text, after removing proper names and titles, needs reading ability beyond the lower secondary education level, supplemental content or an alternative version that does not must be available, such as a plain-language summary, illustrations, or spoken audio.
Live demo
The same task, done two ways: switch between the version that passes and the one that fails, or put them side by side. Everything in the box is live, so try it with a keyboard, a pointer or a screen reader.
Compare the reading scores of the two versions. The passing version adds a plain summary, and that summary is what gets scored. Paste your own text in the box to test it.
In short: From next month, we will charge a fee when you use your overdraft.
The fee depends on how much you owe at the end of each month. If you stay out of your overdraft, you pay nothing.
Pursuant to clause 14.2 of the account agreement, an arrangement fee shall be assessed in respect of any authorized overdraft facility, calculated by reference to the aggregate indebtedness outstanding at the conclusion of each statement period.
Pursuant to clause 14.2 of the account agreement, an arrangement fee shall be assessed in respect of any authorized overdraft facility, calculated by reference to the aggregate indebtedness outstanding at the conclusion of each statement period.
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What happened
Why it passes
The legal wording is still there, but a plain summary comes first. It uses short sentences and common words, so most readers can tell what is changing.
Why it fails
The only version is one long sentence full of legal terms. It needs a university reading level, so many people cannot tell what is changing or what it will cost them.
Examples
Four examples, each one running: the usual ways this criterion fails, and code that passes. Listen to them, measure them, or copy the code.
Fails
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<section> <h2>Changes to your account</h2> <p>Pursuant to clause 14.2 of the account agreement, an arrangement fee shall be assessed in respect of any authorized overdraft facility, calculated by reference to the aggregate indebtedness outstanding at the conclusion of each statement period.</p></section>The only version is one long sentence of legal terms that needs university-level reading skills. With no summary, many readers cannot tell what is changing.
Passes
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<section> <h2>Changes to your account</h2> <p><strong>In short:</strong> From next month, we will charge a fee when you use your overdraft. The fee depends on how much you owe at the end of each month. If you stay out of your overdraft, you pay nothing.</p> <details> <summary>Read the full legal wording</summary> <p>Pursuant to clause 14.2 of the account agreement, an arrangement fee shall be assessed in respect of any authorized overdraft facility.</p> </details></section>The summary uses short sentences and everyday words that a reader with lower secondary education can follow, and the legal text stays available. This is technique G86.
Fails
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<p><strong>Summary:</strong> utilization of an authorized overdraft facility will henceforth incur a periodic arrangement fee proportionate to outstanding indebtedness.</p>A summary exists, but it uses the same long, formal words as the original, so it does not help the readers who needed a simpler version.
Passes
Live preview
<h2>How to take out cash</h2><ol class="steps"> <li><img src="/img/steps/card.svg" alt=""> Put your card in the slot.</li> <li><img src="/img/steps/keypad.svg" alt=""> Type your four-digit PIN.</li> <li><img src="/img/steps/cash.svg" alt=""> Choose an amount and take your cash.</li> <li><img src="/img/steps/done.svg" alt=""> Take your card back.</li></ol>Short steps in order, each with a picture, give readers a second way to understand the process. The pictures repeat the text, so empty alt text avoids reading everything twice.
Why it matters
People with reading disabilities such as dyslexia, and people with cognitive or language disabilities, may struggle with complex text. Simpler summaries, visuals, or audio let them understand the main ideas.
W3C: Understanding 3.1.5Level AAA
Level AAA is the highest level. It is not required for whole sites, but it is worth meeting where you can.
Where it is required
No law on this site requires Level AAA criteria for whole sites.
How to test
A few concrete steps. Automated tools find some failures; most need a person.
Common failures