e complex information, take into account special conditions, or handle math tasks that require background knowledge. Illiteratesface economic hardships such as: affording insurance, giving proper medical care to their family,or even furnishing necessities for their homes, all these stem from low-paying jobs force by illiteracy. The results also showed that people with limited literacy skills more likely earn less, are out of work, and vote less than those with greater capacities. The study clearly links literacy skills with economic well-being and full participation in civic life (Goldstein 2). The numbers show that one's level of literacy decides how much pay a person receives: those at level one earned an average of $230 a week, those at level five earned $681 (Goldstein 3). If the numbers are true and correct, the U.S. is not only greatly populated by technologically impaired persons, but most of them have no clue that they have no clue (Gray 75). In the 1790 Census people were considered literate if they could sign their name. By 1840, the ability to read and write was felt to constitute literacy. Today the definition of literacy has changed to one of being able to function in society and the work place (Goldstein 3). Getting to a point where everyone is functionally literate will be difficult. It will not require more spending, more educators, more expensive un-tested programs, it will only take a little courage (Curtis 14). Until this is done many will find it difficult to graduate from high school, locate good jobs, find affordable insurance and even simply function in society. It is not unreasonable to say that a person is as alive as he or she can communicate, therefore, until illiteracy is not a major domestic problem, 47% of the American population will be "dead.."...
