SQ3R
Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review.
SQ3R is a five-step method for reading textbooks actively, so you understand and remember instead of just highlighting.
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Use it in a full sessionHow it works
SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review. You first skim the structure, turn headings into questions, read to answer them, recite the answers from memory and finally review the whole chapter.
Each step gives your reading a purpose. FocusKept walks you through the five steps one by one with a place for notes at each stage.
Step by step
- Survey: skim headings, summaries and figures to see the big picture.
- Question: turn each heading into a question you want answered.
- Read: read one section at a time to answer its question.
- Recite: close the book and answer the question in your own words.
- Review: go over all questions and answers at the end.
Best for
- Textbooks and long non-fiction chapters
- Courses with lots of assigned reading
- Students who highlight a lot but remember little
When not to use it
- Fiction or light reading
- Very short texts where the structure is obvious
Questions
Isn’t SQ3R slow?
It takes longer than skimming but much less time than rereading a chapter three times before an exam.
Can I use SQ3R with online articles?
Yes. Add the article as the source link and follow the same five steps.
Which step matters most?
Recite. Answering from memory is what turns reading into knowledge. The other steps prepare you for it.