Actually, the three journalism courses I took as electives made a point to write to an 8th grade audience in the early 70’s. 70-72.
I took the same in the 90s. We were told to write to a 6th to 8th grade level. I imagine now they are told to write to a 3rd to 5th grade level, what with the devolution of education. You know, Millennials & late Gen Y have trouble if it doesn’t have text and emo speak and catchphrases in it.
“Actually, the three journalism courses I took as electives made a point to write to an 8th grade audience in the early 70’s. 70-72.”
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
That may need to be lowered to fifth grade now. I have read that those who fought and won world war two had on average an eighth grade education but I believe the average level of education is lower now. Of course I am referring to actual education, not possession of diplomas or degrees. I am personally acquainted with some who hold university degrees but have less education than a typical eighth grade dropout from the WWII era.
I have always been told the same thing