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Summary of SQ4R
(Survey, Question, Read, Recite, "Rite," Review)

Survey
Determine the structure, organization or plan of the chapter. You will remember details because of their relationship to the total picture.
  • Think about the title. Guess what will be included in the chapter.
  • Read the introduction. Here the main ideas are presented -- the "forest" that must be seen before the details and the "trees" that make organized sense.
  • Read the summary. Here is the relationship among the main ideas.
  • Read the main heads (boldface type). Here are the main ideas. Determine where in the sequence of ideas each one fits.
Question
Having a question in mind results in (1) an attempt to answer it with information at hand, (2) frustration until the question is answered, (3) a criterion against which the details can be inspected to determine relevance, and (4) a focal point for crystallizing a series of ideas (the answer).
  • Use the questions at the beginning or end of the chapter.
  • Formulate questions by turning heads and subheads into questions. Example: Causes of Depression. What causes depression? What conditions are present before depression occurs?
Read
Read to answer the question. Move quickly. Sort out ideas and evaluate them. If the content does not relate to the question, give it only a passing glance. Read selectively.
Recite
Answer the question -- in your own words, not the author's.
"Rite"
  • Write the question (one sheet of paper is to contain all the notes for the chapter -- so be brief).
  • Write the answer using only key words, listings, etc.. that are needed to recall the whole idea.
Review
Increase retention and cut cramming time by using immediate and delayed review. To do this:
  • Read your written question(s).
  • Try to recite the answer. If you can't, look at your notes. Allow five to ten minutes per chapter.
  • Review again after one week.

Last updated on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 12:35:26 PM