Being Literate Research Paper

Literacy In An Ever-Changing World

Being literate, as defined in Webster's New World Dictionary, is "the ability to read and write" or "to be educated". By my own definition, literacy is the ability to read, write, and verbally communicate, while also comprehending those writings, verses, or phrases. However, literacy is not only reading and writing. In order for one to be considered literate in today's society, that person must possess the skill of remembering and understanding what was just said or read. Our American culture demands literacy everyday, from being able to read street signs and signals, to understanding contracts and important forms. One is no longer considered literate in American culture if they are only able to read
In order for someone to find their "place" or where they fit in the social ladder, their level of literacy must show. Many teenagers have certain ways of writing and speaking. If one desires to be a part of that particular social group, they must learn to speak and understand the language used, as well as to verbally and non-verbally communicate their ideas and thoughts to others successfully. On many occasions, one must rely on their literary background to find their place and social group. To be literate does not always mean to use the "proper" words. For example, when attempting to fit into a social group, a person must learn and understand when to use that group's way of speaking. "Slang" may be used in letters and language. Words may not always mean the same thing to different people either. One person may interpret the word "bad" as describing only a behavior, while to another person the word may bring about the idea of schoolwork. Understanding how and when a particular group uses certain words shows the ability to fit in. Finding your place also refers to fitting in with your workplace. Certain language, which is acceptable out of work, is not acceptable while you are on the job. Relying on your personal literacy is definitely a big part of finding your place and where you fit in
The ability to read and write are in fact, of great importance in everyday life. Everything from walking down the street and reading street signs, to signing and understanding contracts, even being able to secure an ideal job require literacy. In this day and age, literacy is a necessity if one wants a shot at any normalcy in life. Obviously, being able to read and write for leisure and entertainment is good thing, but to think that that's all it's good for is ridiculous. For example, if a man wants to get his driver's license and purchase a car, he must read and understand the driving manual, be able to read the test questions, and interpret the street signs on the road. Not to mention all of the paperwork and signatures that come along with buying a vehicle. The positive aspects of literacy make themselves quite evident when looking for and applying for a job, and meeting certain pre-employment criteria. Literacy should be of utmost importance to everyone, and aside from being useful for entertainment and leisure purposes; it is imperative to become successful in