Words Around the World: Celebrating International Literacy Day
Every year on September 8, people across the globe come together to celebrate International Literacy Day. This worldwide event shines a spotlight on the power of reading and writing. First established in 1966 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the celebration marks an incredible milestone in 2026: its 60th anniversary! For six decades, communities on every continent have worked to make sure all children have the chance to discover the joy of books.
Reading is much more than just a subject in school; it is an everyday superpower. From deciphering bus schedules to following delicious recipes, literacy helps people navigate daily life, solve problems, and connect with their communities. To see the magic in action, one only needs to follow the stories of young readers around the planet.
- deciphering:
- Figuring out the meaning of something that is difficult to understand or read.
- milestone:
- An important event or stage in the progress or history of something.
- navigate:
- To make one's way through a place or manage a situation successfully.
- thrive:
- To grow, develop well, or be successful.
- mobile:
- Able to move or be moved easily from one place to another.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1When is International Literacy Day celebrated every year?
- 2Which organization established International Literacy Day in 1966?
About this news article passage for Upper Elementary
“Words Around the World: Celebrating International Literacy Day” is a news article reading passage about Literacy, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (464 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.