How well must one read and write in order to be considered “literate?” For some researchers the ability to read package labeling and fill out a job application form counts as “literacy.” Others would set reading and writing standards a bit higher: to be “literate,” one should be able to read the newspaper and write a business letter. The lowest level of literacy at which an adult can function is probably the ability to read traffic signs and sign a document. The most practical way to define literacy is by means of measurable abilities. The purpose of this section is to provide skill-specific definitions of different levels of literacy. |


