* Understanding instructions: Following recipes, assembling furniture, understanding medication labels.
* Navigating forms: Filling out applications, understanding bills, completing tax documents.
* Interpreting information: Reading news articles, analyzing graphs, understanding contracts.
* Communicating effectively: Writing emails, letters, or short reports.
The functional literacy rate is the percentage of a population aged 15 and above who possess these skills. It's often measured through assessments that go beyond simple reading and writing tests, focusing on the practical application of those skills. It's important to note that the specific criteria for measuring functional literacy can vary across countries and organizations. Therefore, comparing functional literacy rates internationally requires careful consideration of the methodologies used.