The Art of Reading Textbooks

SQ4R*
An important part of the college experience is learning to learn. SQ4R is one strategy that can help you get the most out of your textbook reading. Pursued systematically and consistently, SQ4R will assure that you don't just "do it," when it comes to your reading assignments; you will derive as much as you possibly can out of the experience.

(Overview: quickly look through the chapter for the main idea or the author's unifying theme)

1. Table of Contents
2. Introduction/Summary; first sentence of each paragraph
3. Headings (memorize if possible)
4. Pictures, charts, diagrams, etc.
5. Vocabulary lists, notated print, captions, etc.

(Establish a purpose. Begin to think about the material.)

1. Turn headings and subheadings into questions.
2. Read all questions within the chapter/text.
3. Try to guess at the answers.

(to answer the questions)

1. Carefully read (in manageable chunks) to answer questions.
2. Correct incorrect guesses from early questioning.
3. Note important details and relationships of ideas.

(answers to questions with the book closed)

1. State orally answers to questions.
2. State key facts and concepts.
3. Reread any areas which are unclear.

(Take notes!)

1. Take accurate notes on basic concepts.
2. Prepare a study sheet for exams.
3. Use outline, idea line, split paper method, etc.

(at short intervals)

1. Review notes.
2. Be able to answer all questions.
3. Predict test questions and answer them.

---

*Based on Francis Robinson's SQ3R (Effective Reading). Prepared by Ellie Vendetti, Professor of English at Capital Community College.

---

Learning Center

Capital Community College