Unit 2: Textbook-Reading Skills

PREVIEW—QUESTION—READ—RECITE—REVIEW

In Lessons 3 through 7, you will be introduced to one of the most effective methods for reading and remembering information in textbook assignments. It was first known under the acronym SQR3, which stands for survey—question—read—recite—review. Because survey is a word not used as much today, some authors have changed the acronym to PQR3, which stands for preview—question—read—recite—review, which is how the method will be referred to in this course. This method works so well that it has been used for over fifty years. Nothing better has been found to replace it.

WHEN PQR3 WORKS—WHEN IT DOESN’T

The PQR3 method works best with textbooks in areas such as social studies or science that require you to remember lots of information—subjects like biology, civics, and psychology. It is not very helpful in the study of mathematics or foreign languages. Mathematics concentrates on problem-solving steps, and foreign languages have lots of vocabulary and grammar to master. It is not as useful in studying literature either, because the way novels are organized is different from how chapters are organized in a textbook.

WHY DOES PQR3 WORK?

The PQR3 method—preview—question—read—recite—review—works because it forces your mind to focus on what you are reading.

And now, your mission awaits …