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. The American English Doctor recognizes four levels of literacy:
SURVIVAL LITERACY
LITERACY (Grades 9-12)
ADVANCED LITERACY
