Reading a Textbook: SQ4R Strategy

1. Read the CONTENTS first and ask yourself, “What do I

know about this already?”

2. Read the INTRODUCTION & SUMMARY.

S Survey/Scan 3. Now read any bolded TERMINOLOGY. You don’t have

to memorize, just read.

4. SCAN the chapter and look at the pictures, read the

learning objectives, headings, titles of diagrams/pictures,
and bolded words.

Q
5. Write down questions that are listed at the beginning or
end of the chapter. Write each question on a separate flash
card.

Question Now you can read the chapter! Go paragraph-by-

& &
Read
paragraph.

6. As you read the chapter, look for the ANSWERS to the

QUESTIONS and write them down on the opposite side of

R
the flash card as you find them.

7. You can LOOK UP any words you don’t know.

R Reflect
8. REFLECT on what you have read, and relate it to other
information you have learned.

R Recite
9. Without looking at the text, restate your questions and
RECITE the answers out loud in your own words.

R Review
10. REVIEW the questions by quizzing yourself at least
once a week.

Get Studying with the SQ3R Method. Retrieved August 14, 2014, from http://www.nbss.ie/sites/default/files/publications/mm_sq3r_student_booklet.pdf