An Explicit Link to a Variety of Contexts for Problems in PISA 2021 38. The reference to ‘a variety of real-world contexts’ in the definition of mathematical literacy
recognises that the 21st century citizen is a consumer of quantitative, sometimes statistical,
arguments. The reference is intended as a way to link to the specific contexts that are described
and exemplified more fully later in this framework. The specific contexts themselves are not so
important, but the four categories selected for use here (personal, occupational, societal and
scientific) reflect a wide range of situations in which individuals may meet mathematical
opportunities. The definition also acknowledges that mathematical literacy helps individuals to
recognise the role that mathematics plays in the world and to make the kinds of well-founded
judgments and decisions required of constructive, engaged and reflective citizens faced with
messages and arguments of the form: "a study found that on average...", "a survey shows a big
drop in....", “certain scientists claim that population growth will outpace food production in x years
…” etc.
