Get Basic Search Results by Limiting Google to Specific Reading Level

Often we want our search results to be basic, less technical or simpler than what Google gives us. For example, when you search Google for some less popular term, Google throws business reports or technical documentations that are good but useless results. Though the result quality is high with in-depth information but they are of no use for basic and simple purpose.

Come Google’s Reading Level, an advance search tool to limit your search results based on complexity of content. Google actually paid to teachers to classify information for simplicity parameters and devised an algorithm to find and categorize web pages. You can find this tool in Advance Search options.

According to Google, you should use it when –

#. A junior high school teacher looking for content for her students.

#. Second-language learner might want web pages written at a basic reading level.

#. A scientist searching for the latest findings from the experts

In addition, you can use it :

#. When you just want an overview of the topic and cover some basics.

#. When you want to dig deep into the subject

#. When you are sick of same results and wants a different reading experience.

You can not only limit your results for basic level, but also filter results with advance reading level if you want to have an expertise on the topic.

How to Filter or Limit Your Google Search Results Based on Complexity of Content?
To use this tool, follow these simple steps –

1) Go to Advance Search Option in Google or Click on Advance Search below the search box, once the results are displayed.

2) Under “Need more tools” section, you will see Reading level drop-down

3) Select the option based on your needs.

4) Select “Annotate results with reading levels” if you want all results and the select between them.

At any point of time, you can clear the filter for the results by clicking on the X on the top blue bar.

The idea of filtering search results based on content complexity sounds good but from the results it looks like Google has yet to throw extra efforts on refining the algorithm. However, the effort that Google has made and the progress in this direction looks promising and you can expect some major changes in coming days. This can also impact on search ranking for different sites and can play a major factor in web competition. All in all, it’s a welcome step from Google because it enhances search experience by categorization of content.

via – Google Support