A study examined students' perceptions of the nature of literature learning and achievement. Subjects, 1,226 10th through 12th grade students from basic, average, and honors classes in 10 rural and urban schools in the State of New York were asked to write a letter to a younger student explaining how to do well in literature classes. The students were asked to give at least five specific pieces of advice. Results indicated that students saw listening in class and keeping up with homework to be the most important facets of success in school. Results also indicated that the students in the higher track added a concern with reading procedures, particularly the amount of reading and the use of guides and a concern with a personal psychology related to school and reading literature. Results also showed that schools support 2 different approaches to literature, dividing society into two cultural groups: one that takes literature and the life of the mind seriously, and one that sees it as apart from the business of living. (Four tables and two figures of data are included; one appendix, a classification of student advice on achievement in literature, is included.) (PRA)