The English language includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Research shows that young children learn to read and write often before they start school. "Although the United States enjoys the highest literacy rate in its history, society now expects virtually everyone in the population to function beyond the minimum standard of reading of literacy." (Reading Teacher) Today's standard of efficiency is higher than it has ever been because of the new technology we have. Communications is no longer simple reading and writing because of the messages sent by email.