In describing reading proficiency--the relative difficulty or ease that an individual reader experiences reading a particular text--researchers have recognized the importance of both text- and reader-based factors. This digest focuses on the factor of purpose, as determined by the reader or the instructional context. Having a purpose means having a reason to read and approaching a text with a particular goal in mind, whether that goal involves learning or entertainment. In both real-world and classroom situations, purpose affects the reader's motivation, interest, and manner of reading. The digest is organized under these headers: (1) pleasure reading in a foreign language; (2) the factor of interest; (3) reading purpose in the classroom and the concept of task; (4) textual analysis: working with meaning and form; (5) foreign language literacy and academic tasks; (6) pre-reading activities for the advanced level; (7) and uses of text across the curriculum. (Author/VWL)