Write a short note on the SQ3R technique of reading

Write a short note on the SQ3R technique of reading.

Answer:

SQ3R stands for the initial letters of the five steps in studying a text-

• Survey S
• Question Q
• Read R
• Recall R
• Review R

Let us briefly go through these steps in the given order. 

1. Survey: 

Survey refers to a quick glance through the title page, preface and chapter headings of a text. By surveying, you will be able to gauge the main ideas of the text. Besides, the author’s name, date, place of publication and title page can give you an idea of the general subject area. The table of contents, preface or foreword in a book would give you an idea of the themes and how they are organized. A survey of the index or bibliography tells you immediately whether the book contains what you need.

Let us take an example.

Choose the appropriate reference by a quick survey:

Here is a bibliography (list of books) on POLIMERIZATION. Decide which of the publications in the list are likely to give you: (encircle the appropriate letter).

A brief introduction to the subject: a b c d e f

Current developments in the field a b c d e f

Historical study of the subject a b c d e f

Various opinions by experts on the subject a b c d e f

2. Question:  

The second step in the SQ3R technique of reading is“question.” A survey of the text will surely  raise a few questions in your mind regarding the text. Some of the questions could be-

•  Is the book useful or relevant to my study?
• Does it provide some guidelines/information on the subject at hand ?

However, as you go through the individual chapters, you might have specific questions regarding the topic. This will surely lead to gaining some insights into the text, topic and the author's comments. You will be  surprised to see how your questions are answered in the process of reading and understanding the text. Therefore, don't treat reading as an automatic process. It has to be conscious and deliberate, with a definite purpose, where you interact with the topic and the author.

3.  Reading:  

After surveying and questioning, you begin the actual reading. You need to develop a critical approach to reading anything for that matter. Read the text over and over again, each time with a different question and a different purpose in mind. "I read it once and understand everything" kind

of attitude is nothing but a myth. Hence, while reading for the first time, you should just focus on the main points/ideas and supporting details.

4.  Recall: 

The fourth stage in reading  comprehension is recalling. Reading is not an isolated activity. Every reading exercise increases your background knowledge. You should be able to  connect the information gained with the already existing background knowledge.  Recalling whatever you have read will enable you to connect and relate the content with the previous and future learning of the subject. This leads us to the next stage in reading i.e., review.

5. Review:  

Reviewing is nothing but checking whether we have followed the earlier stages promptly and efficiently.  Have we surveyed the book, article, or magazine properly? Have we asked the appropriate question.

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MBA Assignment and notes

Business Communications