Why do you read? Sometimes people read because they're compelled to, especially by teachers or students. Sometimes people read to be entertained. Many people read to be informed about a topic, and some people read to understand current controversies. Other people read to understand a writer's emotional reaction to an experience; sometimes people read to spark reflections about their own experiences. Because reading requires an active construction of meaning, it's simply impossible to read without a goal. And because reading is purposeful or goal-oriented, then the purpose that readers bring to the reading is a key overlay on their participation in the communication triangle.