Figure 2.1

Average prose scores with .95 confidence interval and scores at the 5th,
25th, 75th and 95th percentiles, by age group, Canada, population aged
16 and over, 2003

Bar graph representation of Table 2.1

Legend for mean and .95 confidence interval for mean

Source: International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey, 2003.

Figure 2.2

Distribution of prose proficiency level, by age group, Canada,
population aged 16 and over, 2003

Bar graph representation of Table 2.2

Source: International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey, 2003.

Significant proportions of all age groups are at proficiency Levels 1 and 2. An estimated seven million Canadians between the ages of 16 and 55 are at these levels. Just under two in five 16 to 25 year-olds, the prime age for attending postsecondary education, score at proficiency Levels 1 and 2.