SQ4R Study Method

Step Students are to… The Goal is to…

• They will increase their interest in the

• Preview the chapter by reading
subject, and provide expectations to
the introduction and
meet while they read.
conclusion.
Survey • Scan the chapter headings to
• Once they have interest and
expectations, they have a better chance
learn how the main points are
of reading more effectively and
developed or grouped.
efficiently.

• Turn each heading into a • This engages their curiosity and aids in
question. comprehension.
• Decide whether they need the • The questions they ask will make
Question body of the writing (which important points stand out.
explains the points in detail) • Actively asking and working toward
comprehensively, or if they can answering their questions helps the
just skim it. information stay with them.

• Turning a heading into a question

demands a conscious effort on their part
• Read to answer the question
to find the answer.
Read (usually to the end of the first
• Their reading becomes an active search
section, paragraph or column).
for the answer, rather than a passive
scan of information.

• Briefly recite the answer to

their question aloud, using
their own words and examples.
• To help them recite from • If they can do this without looking at the
memory, have them jot down book, they know the material.
cue phrases in outline form on • If they can’t recite the answer, glance
Recite a sheet of paper (highlighting over their question and the sections
the cue phrases in the textbook again.
helps, too).
• Now repeat the Question, Read,
and Recite steps in each section
for the remainder of the
reading assignment.

Adapted from: Robinson, F. (1961). Effective study (Rev. ed.). New York: Harper. Page 1
®SAISD Social Studies Department Reproduction rights granted only if copyright information remains intact.
 SQ4R Study Method
Step Students are to… The Goal is to…

• After they read the entire

lesson using the Question,
Read, and Recite steps, have
students review their notes or
what they have highlighted.
• This helps them get the “big picture” of
Review • Check their memory of the
topics and ideas in the chapter.
content by reciting the major
sub-points under each heading.
• Do a final summary review of
the introduction, conclusion,
and your notes/highlights.
• Mentally manipulate their new
ideas, turn them over,
speculate on them, compare
one with the other, notice
where they agree and differ.
• Organize and reorganize these
Reflect ideas into larger categories, or • Now they own the ideas.
compress them into smaller
units.
• Finally, free the ideas from the
chapter and the book by
incorporating them into their
existing knowledge.

Adapted from: Robinson, F. (1961). Effective study (Rev. ed.). New York: Harper. Page 2
®SAISD Social Studies Department Reproduction rights granted only if copyright information remains intact.