This collection contains the texts of four draft papers and four responses that were presented at a symposium on defining literacy. The following papers are included: "Definitions of Literacy" (Richard L. Venezky); "Definitions of Literacy: Responses" (Reynaldo F. Macias); "Literacy for What Purpose?" (Larry Mikulecky); "Literacy for What Purpose?: Response" (Arlene Fingeret); "Measuring Adult Literacy" (Irwin S. Kirsch); "Measuring Adult Literacy: Response" (Thomas G. Sticht); "Policy Implications of Literacy Definitions" (Jeanne S. Chall); and "Policy Implications of Literacy Definitions: Response" (Carl F. Kaestle). The following are among the topics discussed in the individual papers: functional literacy and its domain of reference, the skill requirements of literacy, criteria for determining level of literacy, literacy and nonnative speakers, literacy misconceptions, links between social contexts and literacy, selection of contexts and approaches for literacy assessment, the competency-based and profiles approaches to literacy assessment, reasons and procedures for measuring literacy, and the things that are learned at the six levels of literacy education. (MN)