SQR3 Handout
Written by Scarlett James
SQR3 (Survey, Question, Read, Recall and Review) is a method of active and effective reading showing you how to organise information.
Step 1: Survey
Quickly glance through the book, focusing on chapter titles, sub-topics, and key sentences. Take note of chapter summaries or conclusions. Try to predict the author’s main points. Jot down these notes on paper, then review them for an overall understanding.
Step 2: Question
Transform paragraph headings into questions (e.g., change “Basic Concepts of Reading” to “What are the Basic Concepts of Reading?”). Write down these questions.
Step 3: Read
Read attentively to address the questions you formulated. Summarize the material using your own words under each question.
Step 4: Recall
After finishing the reading, mentally recap the essential parts of the material without referring to your books or notes. Prioritize spending more time recalling than on initial reading.
Step 5: Review
Evaluate your questions, answers, notes, and the book content to assess the accuracy of your recall. Conclude by forming a comprehensive mental image of the entire content.