At the very minimum, people who have reached a level of functional literacy will be able to do the following:
- Sign their names to a document.
- Read street signs, maps, and posted directions.
- Use a directory such as a telephone book or online site to find contact information.
- Complete standard forms for employment, school enrollment, public library use, etc.
- Open a checking account and write a check.
- Use a calculator to figure sums.
- Read label information on food, medications, cleaning preparations, etc.
- Pronounce words clearly enough to be understood by clerks, teachers, and others who may be unfamiliar with their speech patterns.
- Know where they can go for help with transactions that require a higher level of literacy.
- Read simple picture books to their children.
