This work offers a rationale for conducting surveys of adult literacy and describes the goals, means, ends and limitations of literacy assessment. It also assesses the contribution of literacy to a range of individuals and nations, and adult literacy assessment in comparative contexts.

This work offers a rationale for conducting surveys of adult literacy and describes the goals, means, ends and limitations of literacy assessment. It also assesses the contribution of literacy to a range of individuals and nations, and adult literacy assessment in comparative contexts.