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Study Skills Handout
SQ4R -- Survey, Question Read, Recite (w)Rite and Review

The handout below is just one of the many handouts available at the Tutoring Center. If you are having trouble with study skills of any kind, or if you have questions about study skills that are not addressed here, stop in the Student Commons Building, Room 1300, at the Normal campus and talk to a tutor. He/she can provide additional handouts, help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses and help you formulate a plan to develop effective study strategies. To find out when tutors for various courses are available in Pontiac or Lincoln contact the receptionist in Pontiac (815-842-6777) or Lincoln (217-735-1731).

SQ4R -- Survey, Question Read, Recite (w)Rite and Review

Reading and understanding material from a textbook can be a challenging task for any student. Many students find it difficult to focus on what they are reading, which will likely result problems with comprehension of the material. Other students may find that they are not involved enough in the reading process to really absorb the content of the chapter.

SQ4R is a study strategy designed to help students stay focused on textbook readings and to help them comprehend the material. The following steps highlight some important tips that will help you develop your textbook reading skills.

Survey
How Why
1. Read introduction.
2. Read bold-faced heading and first sentence of each paragraph.
3. Examine graphic material as you go.
4. Repeat step 2 until chapter is completed.
5. Read summary.		 To get an overview of the chapter content.
*Question

How

 Why
1. Turn each heading into a question that begins with "what," "why" or "how."
2. Write that question in the margin of law-ruled paper, on a notecard or in your textbook margin.		 1. To provide a purpose for reading.
2. To focus attention.
3. To increase reading speed and comprehension.
*Read
How Why

1. Read material under each heading to answer each question.
2. Generated additional questions.
3. Generate some questions that combine headings and/or headings and subheadings.

 To answer the question(s).
*Recite
How Why

1. Cover the main column with blank paper or cover the answer on your notecard or text.
2. Recite answers to questions out loud and in your own words.

 1. To evaluate appropriateness of the question asked of the text.
2. To increase memory by sensory learning.
*(w)Rite
How Why

1. Write answers to the questions in the main answer column of your paper, on the other side of your notecard or in the margin of your text.
2. Underline or highlight in the text.
3. Make notes in the text margin.
4. Underline key words or use 3 x 5 cards for terms.

 To prepare for review using sensory learning.
Review
How Why

1. After reading the entire chapter, cover main column of law-ruled paper, the answer on your notecard or text and recite answer. For any questions you can not answer, reread the corresponding section in the text to find the answer.
2. Write a summary which is inclusive of most of your questions.
3. Summarize key points in the chapter.

 1. To eliminate the need to cram.
2. To check your comprehension.
3. To give an overview of the entire chapter.
* Do these steps in order before moving onto the next.


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Prepared by Lisa Cole, M.S.Ed., Heartland Community College

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Heartland Community College
Main Campus:1500 W. Raab Rd.
Normal, IL 61761

Main Campus Phone: (309) 268-8230
Lincoln Campus Phone: (217) 735-1731
Pontiac Campus Phone: (815) 842-6777
E-mail: lisa.cole@heartland.edu