How many hours has the average kindergarten student spent watching television?
| a. 1,000 | c. 5,000 |
| b. 2,000 | d. 10,000 |
How many hours has the average kindergarten student spent watching television?
The correct answer is c.
The average kindergarten student has seen more than 5,000 hours of television, having spent more time in front of the TV than it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
How fast does the average American adult read (silently)?
| a. 100–150 words/minute | c. 200–250 words/minute |
| b. 150–200 words/minute | d. 250–300 words/minute |
How fast does the average American adult read (silently)?
The correct answer is d, 250 to 300 words per minute.
Source: Bailey, R.W. and Bailey, L.M. (1999), "Reading speeds using RSVP," User Interface Update, 1999. www.humanfactors.com
About how much does fifth grader’s voluntary reading vary between the good and poor readers?
| a. 250,000 words/yr. | c. 1.5 million words/yr. |
| b. 1 million words/yr. | d. 2 million words/yr. |
About how much does fifth grader’s voluntary reading vary between the good and poor readers?
The correct answer is d, 2 million words per year.
Source: Richard Anderson, Linda Fielding, and Paul Wilson, "Growth in Reading and How Children Spend Their Time Outside of School," Reading Research Quarterly, Summer 1988, pp. 285-303.
How many high school graduates cannot read their diplomas?
| a. 2% | c. 10% |
| b. 5% | d. 20% |
How many high school graduates cannot read their diplomas?
The correct answer is d.
21 million Americans can't read at all, 45 million are marginally illiterate, and one-fifth of high school graduates cannot read their diplomas.
Source: Department of Justice, 1993
Between 1983 and 1999, how many American students reached the 12th grade without having learned to read at a basic level?
| a. 2 million | c. 7 million |
| b. 5 million | d. 10 million |
Between 1983 and 1999, how many American students reached the 12th grade without having learned to read at a basic level?
The correct answer is d.
Since 1983, more than 10 million Americans reached the 12th grade without having learned to read at a basic level. In the same period, more than 6 million Americans dropped out of high school altogether.
Source: "A Nation Still at Risk," U.S. Department of Education, 1999
How many children does dyslexia affect?
| a. 1 in 5 | c. 1 in 50 |
| b. 1 in 25 | d. 1 in 100 |
How many children does dyslexia affect?
The correct answer is a.
Dyslexia affects one out of every five children — ten million in America alone.
Source: Sally Shaywitz, M.D.,2004
Which of the following illiteracy statistics are false?
| a. about 75% of those on welfare are illiterate | c. about 68% of those arrested are illiterate |
| b. about 85% of unwed mothers are illiterate | d. about 25% of American prison inmates are illiterate |
Which of the following illiteracy statistics are false?
The correct answer is d.
About 60% of America's prison inmates are illiterate, as are more than 75% of those on welfare, 85% of unwed mothers, and 68% of those arrested.
Source: Washington Literacy Council