Validity, the most critical of readability formula characteristics, requires that a measuring device actually measure what is intended to be measured. To examine validity, a study was conducted in which ten popular handbooks used in the teaching of college freshman composition were examined for comparative validity data--the extent to which scores developed from two or more formulas agree with each other. The readability formula chosen for validation was the Fry Readability Graph. (Only the Fry graph reports the grade level of the reading material directly from the plotting of syllable and sentence counts on the graph.) The results were compared to the results obtained from the application of three other formulas: Dale-Chall, Flesch, and Farr-Jenkins-Paterson. The data obtained revealed strong agreement among all four formulas in determining whether certain passages were at college reading levels. In view of these results, ease of application became a significant factor. The Fry graph agreed with the Dale-Chall ratings in 27 of the 30 samplings, with the remaining three only a grade apart. The Dale-Chall is widely termed the most accurate of available measures. However, analysis of the passages for the Fry graph was accomplished in several hours while the Dale-Chall requires several weeks. The results indicate that validation should be pursued. (HOD)