Notetaking Methods: SQ4R

Characteristics of Critical Readers

• They are honest with themselves
• They are not easily swayed
• They overcome confusion
• They ask questions
• They base judgments on evidence, not opinion
• They look for connections between subjects
• They are intellectually independent

Ask yourself the following questions as you read:

• What is the topic of the book or reading? What issues are addressed?
• What conclusion does the author reach about the issue(s)?
• What are the author's reasons for his or her statements or belief? Is the author using facts, theory, or faith?

1. Survey

By surveying the chapter titles, introductory paragraphs, bold face, italicized headings, and summary paragraphs, the reader gets an overview of  the material. Surveying also gives enough information to generate individual purposes for reading the text.

2. Question

Purpose questions are often provided at the beginning of the chapter. It not, the reader can turn section headings into questions. The main objective is to have questions for which answers are expected to be found in the passage.

3. Read

The student reads in order to answer the question that were found/developed in step 2.

4. Recite

Student should try to answer questions without referring to the text or notes. This step helps in transferring information from short-term to long-term memory.

5. Reflect

As you read, try to reflect on what you are reading. One powerful way to do this is to relate new facts, terms, and concepts to information you already know well or to your own experiences. 

6. Review

Students review the material by rereading parts of the text or notes. Students verify answers given during Step 4. This helps retain information better and gives immediate feedback.