Frequently Asked Questions: Test Takers

• What is a Lexile measure?
• What is my recommended Lexile range?
• What is the Lexile scale?
• How is the Lexile measure of a text determined?
• What types of materials have Lexile measures?
• What does a Lexile measure tell me about my reading ability?
• How can I use my Lexile measure to manage my reading comprehension?
• Should I read books that are outside my Lexile range?
• How can I find books within my Lexile range?
• Does my Lexile measure tell me if I'm ready for academic reading?
• How is my Lexile measure related to my TOEFL® test reading score?
• Why is my TOEFL test reading score also available as a Lexile measure?
• How do I determine my Lexile measure based on my TOEFL test reading score?
• Can a Lexile measure predict my future TOEFL test reading score?
• Do universities make admission decisions based on my Lexile measure?
• Are Lexile measures available for speaking, listening or writing?

About Lexile Measures

What is a Lexile measure?

A Lexile measure indicates the reading level of a person or a text, and is expressed as a number followed by an "L" (for example, 1050L). Readers can compare their Lexile measure with a book's Lexile measure to determine whether the text may be too difficult, too easy or just right. To strengthen reading skills, readers should select materials within their Lexile range.

What is my recommended Lexile range?

Your Lexile range is 100L below your Lexile measure to 50L above your Lexile measure. For example, if your Lexile measure is 1000L, your Lexile range would be 900L-1050L. For successful reading practice, select materials that are within your Lexile range.

What is the Lexile scale?

The Lexile scale ranges from below 200L to above 1700L. Beginner-level readers and texts are at the bottom of the scale. Advanced-level readers and texts are at the top of the scale.

How is the Lexile measure of a text determined?

A Lexile measure for a text is based on two characteristics: vocabulary and sentence length. A specialized software program determines the word frequencies for each word in the text, and examines the number of words in each sentence. The result of these calculations is a Lexile measure, and it describes the difficulty level of the entire text.

What types of materials have Lexile measures?

Over 115,000 fiction and nonfiction books and tens of millions of articles have Lexile measures. More than 150 publishers have Lexile measures for their titles. This wide range of reading materials with Lexile measures helps to ensure that you will be able to find reading materials within your Lexile range.

Improving Your Reading

What does a Lexile measure tell me about my reading ability?

Your Lexile measure is more than a reading test score:

• A Lexile measure indicates where you are in your reading development, according to the Lexile scale. The Lexile scale ranges from below 200L, representing beginning readers, to above 1700L, representing advanced readers.
• A Lexile measure helps you to identify whether you are prepared for advanced academic reading demands. The Lexile scale never changes, so you can locate your ability level on the scale and set goals for where you need to be in order to meet the text demands of your future endeavors.
• A Lexile measure helps you to practice your reading effectively. When you select reading materials that are within your Lexile range, you should experience a comprehension rate near 75%. At this rate, you will experience sufficient challenge and progress in your reading skills.

How can I use my Lexile measure to manage my reading comprehension? 

Your Lexile measure helps you to quickly identify how difficult a text will likely be for you to understand. When a text measure is outside of your recommended Lexile range, you will likely find that text to be too challenging or too easy. When you select a text that is within your Lexile range, your comprehension rate is expected to be 75%. A 75% comprehension rate is optimal for reading success and growth. Table 1 shows how changing to more difficult texts can change your comprehension rate.

Comprehension rates for the same reader with different books.

Should I read books that are outside my Lexile range?

That is your decision, based on what you are reading and why. If you wish to experience greater control while reading, you should select reading materials below your Lexile range. If you are highly motivated and enjoy exceptional challenge, you should read materials above your Lexile range. 

How can I find books within my Lexile range?

The free "Find a Book" search utility at www.lexile.com/TOEFL enables you to explore the Lexile Book Database and build a personalized reading list based on your Lexile measure and interests. Your reading list can be emailed, printed or saved to a computer. Refer to your reading list at the library, bookstore or on the Internet when selecting materials to practice your reading.

Does my Lexile measure tell me if I'm ready for academic reading?

Your Lexile measure helps you assess whether you are prepared for the text demands typically encountered during first-year coursework at the university level. Use the chart below to see how well you will likely be able to comprehend university textbooks.

TOEFL iBT scores and Lexile measures

How is my Lexile measure related to my TOEFL test reading score?

Both your Lexile measure and TOEFL test reading score are indicators of your reading ability. The relationship between Lexile measures and TOEFL test reading scores was established through a research study. During this study, approximately 3,000 participants completed both the TOEFL reading test and a Lexile reading test. Researchers examined participants' performance on these tests and developed a correlation table to match an individual's TOEFL test reading score with a Lexile measure.

Why is my TOEFL test reading score also available as a Lexile measure?

In Spring 2009, ETS and Lexile-developer MetaMetrics partnered to provide you with useful feedback on your current reading level. Resources at www.lexile.com/TOEFL use your Lexile measure to connect you with reading materials that challenge your reading level and encourage reading progress.

How do I determine my Lexile measure based on my TOEFL test reading score?

Visit www.lexile.com/TOEFL and enter your TOEFL test reading score where prompted. You will automatically receive your Lexile measure and recommended Lexile range.

Can a Lexile measure predict my future TOEFL test reading score?

A Lexile measure helps you to practice reading more effectively and enables you to monitor your progress over time. Both of these applications give you confidence as you weigh your readiness level for a future administration of the TOEFL reading test. While TOEFL test reading scores can be matched with Lexile measures, other factors related to the student, the test, and the interaction between the two affect being able to predict one score from another.

Do universities make admission decisions based on my Lexile measure?

No. Your Lexile measure is not included in the TOEFL score report that ETS sends to universities.

Are Lexile measures available for speaking, listening or writing?

Not at this time.