What does the term "text complexity" refer to?

Text complexity refers to the intricacy of language, structure, and ideas in a text. This concept encompasses various factors that make a text rich and layered, such as vocabulary difficulty, sentence structure, and the depth of the themes presented. A complex text may challenge readers by requiring them to engage with abstract concepts, analyze relationships between ideas, and navigate nuanced language. Evaluating a text's complexity is crucial for matching it to a reader's ability, ensuring that the text is both appropriately challenging and accessible, thereby enhancing comprehension and promoting critical thinking skills.

Other factors, such as the ease of understanding a text, length, and age appropriateness, may play a role in how readers interact with a particular text but do not encompass the full scope of what text complexity entails. Text complexity is multifaceted and goes beyond surface-level attributes, making it essential for educators to consider when selecting reading materials for students.