SQ3R is a reading comprehension and study tool. It is particulary helpful with textbooks in History and Science.
SURVEY
Think about the chapter title
Answer the questions: What does the title mean? What information will you find in a chapter with this title?
Preview the introduction and conclusion and/or summary
Quickly read (skim) the first and last few paragraphs of the chapter. These paragraphs will tell you how the chapter is organized and identify the key points.
Read the bolded subtitles
Subtitles label the text that comes after. They identify the important parts of the chapter.
Preview the pictures, charts, graphs, etc.
The pictures and charts are colorful and nice to look at, but also have important key information about the chapter. Don’t forget to read the captions and titles, too.
Preview the chapter questions
The end-of-chapter questions will give you a better idea of what you are expected to learn by reading the chapter and all the key points of the reading.
QUESTION
Create a question from each chapter subtitle
This helps focus your reading and give it a purpose. Take notes by writing the questions in your notebook and leaving space for you to write the answer.
READ
Read the chapter
Focus on reading the information under each subtitle for answers to the questions you made during the Question stage.
RECITE
Write the answers to your questions in your own words
This will help you better keep the information in your mind and prepare you for the chapter questions and studying. Saying the information out loud to yourself or a study partner is another way to recite the information.
REVIEW
Read all the information together
How do the ideas and facts fit together and relate to each other and the chapter title? Use these notes for a test or quiz study guide.