Which statement about literacy rates is generally true?

Which statement about literacy rates is generally true?

• A. Literacy rates are not linked to education investment
• B. Developed countries have higher literacy rates (90% or more) than developing countries (50% or less)
• C. Developing countries always exceed developed ones
• D. Literacy rates are the same worldwide

Answer: (B)

Access to education and investment in schooling shape literacy rates. In general, developed countries reach literacy rates around 90% or higher, while many developing countries have lower rates, often around 50% or less. This broad pattern makes the statement about higher literacy in developed countries the most accurate generalization. There are exceptions as education improves in different places, but the overall link between development, funding for education, and literacy explains why this answer fits best. The other ideas—literacy not tied to education funding, developing countries always surpass developed ones, or literacy being the same everywhere—do not reflect the usual global pattern.

Access to education and investment in schooling shape literacy rates. In general, developed countries reach literacy rates around 90% or higher, while many developing countries have lower rates, often around 50% or less. This broad pattern makes the statement about higher literacy in developed countries the most accurate generalization. There are exceptions as education improves in different places, but the overall link between development, funding for education, and literacy explains why this answer fits best. The other ideas—literacy not tied to education funding, developing countries always surpass developed ones, or literacy being the same everywhere—do not reflect the usual global pattern.