literacy

The traditional definition for being literate means that you have the ability to read and to write. However there is some fog in this debate because this generic definition does not go into the how specialized one must be to be considered literate. A 3rd grader can read and can write but obviously not at the level of a journalist or author. Personally I believe that in order to be considered literate they have to be able to read and write at least at a high school level. I say this because to have an intelligent dialogue seems to me the point of being literate and without that I don’t think I could honestly call someone literate. But as far as the English room is concerned and schooling, I think it is not only beneficial to learn scholarly texts and writing in a scholarly manner but I think it’s absolutely necessary for a well rounded education. Learning these different areas and divulging into the depths of literacy really expands ones capabilities and develops the individual mind into something formidable. Even if the students were to never use these things again once they reach out into the working world it is still beneficial because of how these things expand the capacity of the students.