We’ve come a long way from the Middle Ages, when only a small percentage of the population – the rulers, the clergy, and the merchants – knew how to read and write. Improvements in working conditions, health, and the global economy as a whole give most children the chance to attend school, at least for a little while. However, not everyone has the same opportunities, and there are more than seven million adults worldwide who can’t write or read even the simplest texts in their own language. Studies have linked illiteracy (the inability to read or write) to poverty, malnutrition, and abuse. Even in wealthy countries such as the United States, Canada, or Australia, people who have limited literacy skills are at a disadvantage when competing for jobs and benefits.

Learning the basic skills of reading and writing is important, no matter what age you are. Improving those skills by learning new vocabulary, and by practicing your abilities to speak easily and fluently with other people in a variety of situations, is something that can be done as part of a formal school program or as a self-study course. Here at Ultimate Vocabulary, we offer several programs focused on vocabulary enrichment, public speaking, and business communication. Click here to learn more about these programs.

One of the best ways to improve your reading ability, vocabulary, and public speaking skills is to read out loud to someone else. Do you have children? Read a story or two every night to them, and you’ll be encouraging their language skills as well as your own. Do you live near a hospital, nursing home, or aged care facility? Many older people are losing their sight but not their interest in the world. Ask about volunteer opportunities to read newspapers and magazines out loud to the residents – not only will you help them keep in touch with the events of the day, you’ll be learning new words and concepts yourself, and practicing your pronunciation skills.

Many schools and universities also need volunteers to help students with their reading and writing. You’ll find that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to someone else, so look for vocabulary-building sessions that are designed for people whose native language is not English. Once you’ve explained a word and how to use it, that word will be a solid part of your own vocabulary – plus you’ll get the chance to practice presentations and interactions with a variety of people, which will help you in your personal and professional development.