The ILY Secretariat (1989) defines literacy as a relative concept, which encompasses a range of reading and writing skills. In international circles, the term basic literacy is used to refer to the ability to read and write one's own name. The term functional literacy refers to the ability to read and write well enough to accomplish simple everyday reading and writing tasks in a particular society. For Australia, the goal of functional English literacy is essential but not sufficient. Literacy involves the integration of listening, speaking, reading, writing and critical thinking; it integrates the calculation. This includes cultural knowledge that allows a speaker, writer, or reader to recognize and use language appropriate to different social situations. For an advanced technological society like Australia's, our goal must be active literacy, which allows people to use language to improve their ability to think, create and question, which helps them become more aware of the world and allows them to participate more. effectively in society. This definition helps identify what literacy is and what it means to be literate. The ILY Secretariat (1989) also uses this definition to present the idea that literacy is an essential element in creating individuals who can make a positive contribution to society. The ILY Secretariat (1989) presents the ideology that literacy is the key to a sustainable society, through the statement that "Australia's goal is to have active literacy, which helps individuals to become more aware of the world and enables them to participate more effectively in society.” Along with this statement, they also highlight the fact that although functional literacy is essential to a prosperous society, they...... middle of paper ...... essentially contribute to society and increase their own quality of life. CitedAustralian Bureau of Statistics. (2013). In the image of a nation: stories from the 2011 census, 2012-2013. Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/2071.0main+features902012-2013Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). Australian Social Trends. Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Lookup/4102.0Chapter6102008Australian Educational Research Council. (2014). Professional, adult and workplace education. Retrieved from http://www.acer.edu.au/vawe/low-literacy-and-numeracy-skills-hurt-australians-and-the-economyILY Secretariat, 1989, International Year of Education Document No. 1 literacy, DEET, CanberraMcLaughlin and Pearce. (nd). Youth engagement strategy. Retrieved from http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/behaviour/docs/youth-engagement-strategy.pdf