Reading Skills for Today's Adults

Nate and Fran recently moved into a new home. They like many things about their new home, but they don’t like the stark, white walls. They both enjoy color. They plan to start painting right away. They are going to paint the living room first. It has a high ceiling, so they’ll need to purchase a ladder.

Fran goes shopping and finds a ladder that she likes. It costs $89.99, but a sign next to it reads, “$74.99 with rebate.” “A rebate. What’s a rebate?” Fran wonders. “I could save $15.00 on that ladder. That $15.00 could help us pay for some other supplies we’ll need,” Fran says to herself.

Fran sees a store clerk and says, “Excuse me. I’d like some help with this ladder. I have some questions. What’s a rebate, and where do I get one?”

The store clerk replies, “A rebate is a discount you can receive by completing this form.” The store clerk points to a pad of rebate forms, tears one off, and hands it to Fran.

The store clerk says, “Make sure you keep your receipt from the purchase of the ladder. You’ll need to mail it with your completed rebate form. The $15.00 should be mailed to you in about eight to ten weeks.”

“Thanks,” says Fran. “I really appreciate your help. Now I need to get some paint. Where would I find it?” The store clerk walks Fran to the paint aisle.