Literature experts, educators, and a national cross-section of interested laymen were gathered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress to define major objectives in literature instruction, to suggest tasks to sample these objectives and exhibit the achievements, interests, and attitudes of those exposed to literature, and to describe behavior expected of 10, 50, and 90 percent of the age groups in the study. They arrived at objectives (differing for the age levels of 9, 13, and 17, and for adults) which they considered appropriate for a national assessment in literature: (1) Read literature of excellence (implying an acquaintance with a wide variety of literary works and an understanding of the basic metaphors and themes through which man has expressed his values and tensions in Western culture). (2) Become engaged in, find meanings in, and evaluate a work of literature. (3) Develop a continuing, independent intellectual and emotional interest, curiosity, and participation in literature and the literary experience. (Some detailed examples of these goals for the various age groupings are provided, as well as lists of committee participants.) (MF) Primary type of information provided by report: Assessment Instrument (Objectives); Procedures (Objectives Development).