Table 1. Functional literacy of...

Table 1.

Functional literacy of Australians aged 15–74 years of age (2008); PSTRE (2011–2012)

Functional literacy - Australians 15–74 years of age	Level 1–2 (%)	Level 3 (%)	Level 4–5 (%)
Prose: the ability to understand and use information from various kinds of narrative texts, including texts from newspapers, magazines and brochures	46	37	16
Document: the knowledge and skills required to locate and use information contained in various formats including job applications, payroll forms, transportation schedules, maps, tables and charts	47	36	18
Numeracy: the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and respond to the mathematical demands of diverse situations	53	31	16
Problem solving: goal-directed thinking and action in situations for which no routine solution is available	70	25	5
Health: basic health literacy skills that are sufficient for individuals to obtain relevant health information (for example on health risks, and on how to use the health system), and to be able to apply that knowledge to a limited range of prescribed activities	60	35	6
Problem Solving in Technology Rich Environments (PSTRE): the ability to use digital technology, communication tools and networks to acquire and evaluate information, communicate with others and perform practical tasks (25% were not classified because they opted for completing their assessments on paper rather than using a computer)	74	3	N/a

Functional literacy - Australians 15–74 years of age	Level 1–2 (%)	Level 3 (%)	Level 4–5 (%)
Prose: the ability to understand and use information from various kinds of narrative texts, including texts from newspapers, magazines and brochures	46	37	16
Document: the knowledge and skills required to locate and use information contained in various formats including job applications, payroll forms, transportation schedules, maps, tables and charts	47	36	18
Numeracy: the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and respond to the mathematical demands of diverse situations	53	31	16
Problem solving: goal-directed thinking and action in situations for which no routine solution is available	70	25	5
Health: basic health literacy skills that are sufficient for individuals to obtain relevant health information (for example on health risks, and on how to use the health system), and to be able to apply that knowledge to a limited range of prescribed activities	60	35	6
Problem Solving in Technology Rich Environments (PSTRE): the ability to use digital technology, communication tools and networks to acquire and evaluate information, communicate with others and perform practical tasks (25% were not classified because they opted for completing their assessments on paper rather than using a computer)	74	3	N/a

Note(s):

Do not add up to 100% due to nonresponse data (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008, 2011 - 2012). Level 3 is regarded as the “minimum required for individuals to meet the complex demands of everyday life and work in the emerging knowledge-based economy” (Australian Council for Adult Literacy, 2009)

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