These countries not only have large proportions of students performing at the highest levels of reading proficiency, but also relatively few students at the lower proficiency levels. Countries where the impact of socio-economic background on reading skills is high include New Zealand, France, Austria and Hungary (Figure 7.9).6 Like reading skills, civic competencies too are strongly influenced by socio-economic background. Equity in Learning Opportunities and Outcomes. Among OECD countries, the reading gap amounts to 39 score points, equivalent to more than half a proficiency level or one year of schooling.