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How to read a texbook

Most of us take reading for granted: pick up a book, open to the first page, and begin reading. Reading a textbook, however, requires a strategy--that is, if you really want to learn the material. Many teachers recommend the SQR3 method: Survey, Question, and Read.



SURVEY. Look over the introduction, and scan the entire chapter, especially subheadings, before you do anything else. Know what's in the chapter before you start to read it carefully. You should have a good sense of what the writer wants to tell you and what his or her main point are.

QUESTION. For each chapter, ask four basic questions: (1) What is the main point or points of the chapter as a whole? (2) What are the key points in each section? (3) How do the various sections of the chapter relate to one another? And (4) How can I make the reading meaningful to me?

READ. Be an "aggressive" and critical reader. Make sure you answer the questions posed earlier; take notes (but try not to underline or write down everything). Constantly think about what you are reading. If it's interesting, this is easy. But, if it's not or if you disagree with what the author is saying, consider your reasons. How would you make a better argument? In short, you need to engage the reading as much as possible.