The aim of this article is to give an idea of functional literacy. Topicality of the study in preparing the functional literacy of the future biology teachers is to analyze their ability to effectively use and understand language in various practical contexts.

In the article, functional literacy includes the ability to successfully perform various tasks in everyday life, education and professional activity. The most effective options of developing target functional literacy combining various methodsare considered.

This paper will define a list of methods for measuring the functional literacy of future biology teachers and skills that students can use in the development of functional literacy in natural sciences, as well as the importance of developing the functional literacy of future specialists for communication and work in the field of biology.

Functional literacy consists of: the ability to understand biological phenomena, the ability to interpret data, the ability to conduct biological experiments. The formation of functional literacy is not a passive quality of personality, but rather an active part of personality.

The development of functional literacy allows future teachers to perform their professional duties more effectively and inspire their students to study biology and scientific thinking. Results of the study contribute to improving the functional literacy of students.