SQ3R

This term indicates a way of reading which is very thorough.

Survey - Question - Read - Recall - Review.

This approach is most suitable for thorough and detailed studying.

It will help you to remember and understand what you read.

Survey

This is a rapid preview of your material.

You are trying to get an overview of the book or article.

You are looking for the main points of its content and its approach.

This will form a basis for the next part of your reading.

Question

You should develop a questioning attitude to the writing.

Active reading will help you digest the materials.

Here's what you should do for 'active reading'.

Ask yourself - "What is the main point being made here?"

"What is the author trying to explain or illustrate?"

"Have I understood the arguments and conclusions?"

Read

You can now start reading the materials carefully and in depth.

This may be a slow, once-only reading of the book, perhaps taking notes.

It could be a rapid skim-reading followed by a slower re-reading.

The approach may depend on the subject, or on your approach.

Remember to engage actively with your material.

Recall

Make notes summarising the material. This will help you to remember it.

You might highlight important passages or make marginal notes.

Make an effort to recall the main points at the end of each section or chapter.

Separate sheets of notes are useful as a prompt when revising.

Review

When you have finished reading, go back over the material.

A quick re-reading may help you fill in any gaps or make corrections.

If done immediately, it will help fix the subject in your memory.

This should be an important part of your revision for exams.