Recognizing words and their meanings helps comprehension and selection of data that is relevant to a situation. Basic writing skills produce information in a form that communicates a situation. In everyday life, numerous occasions call for the ability to write: making a to-do list, browsing for information on the Internet, filling out a job application, and communicating through email.
Whether it is cooking, planning expenses, calculating the time and fuel needed to travel somewhere or deciding where to invest money, an adult needs a good grasp of the fundamental operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Economic sensibility is closely related to this ability to calculate. Basic math skills help people live within their means and save for the future.
Several life situations call for an ability to manage emotions. Coping with anxiety over a situation beyond a person's control, grief over the loss of a loved one, or anger over real or perceived injustice -- all require self-management. People also need the skill of identifying their capabilities, harnessing them, setting achievable goals and evaluating their performance to build self-confidence. The ability to manage time effectively, maintain a positive outlook and adopt relaxation techniques helps manage stress in daily life.
Interacting with one person or a group, and handling situations at home and work require the ability to communicate. This contributes to the success of interpersonal relationships with family, friends and coworkers. Communication includes not merely the ability to verbalize feelings, but also the ability to listen and understand body language. An important component is the capacity to identify causes of conflict, consider ways of dealing with it, and select the most effective way out. Good communication implies a willingness to make adjustments.
The ability to gather information and evaluate its relevance is important for problem solving. Problem solving involves formulating possible solutions, assessing the possible outcomes of actions and selecting the one that provides the best answer for everyone. Many situations also call for the ability to think creatively. It is not enough to merely find a solution, a person must then have the courage or confidence and commitment to actually implement it.