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Complex reading, like academic reading, requires greater effort than the reading we do for pleasure. In order to comprehend new concepts, remember what we have learned, and apply that learning to our work or studies, we can benefit from using a reading strategy like the PQ4R Method. 

PQ4R stands for Preview, Question, Read, Reflect, Recite, and Review. PQ4R is a formula for reading designed to improve comprehension. Let’s explore how it works. 

First, begin with a PREVIEW of the document. This might be a chapter in a course textbook, a scholarly article, or any other academic text. As you look over the document, identify its purpose and main ideas. During the preview, look for titles and headings. These often indicate the main topics and concepts. Look at any pictures, charts, or graphic aids designed to improve understanding. Pause to read any questions and the bold or italicized print, as these are used to emphasize important information and key terms. Finally, read through the first and last paragraphs of the document to get a general idea of the purpose and major concepts. 

Next, let’s ask some QUESTIONS. Begin by thinking about what you learned so far in the preview stage. Then, ask yourself questions about that information. For example: What do I think are the main points that will be raised in the chapter or article? What do I expect to learn from reading this material? Questions like these help to guide our academic reading and give us goals and a purpose to make a path through the dense content. 

Now it’s time to READ. Read with a purpose, searching for answers to your questions. Make notes as you read. To create effective notes, be sure to highlight the main ideas in the document and identify the points and examples used to support those main ideas. 

After reading through the document, take some time to REFLECT on what you just read. Consider questions like: How are the ideas interrelated? What new information did I learn? How does the information fit into what I already know? Did the document include the information I expected? Was anything a surprise? 

The next R is for RECITE. Reciting helps to put the information into your long-term memory. During this step of the reading process, think about the material and recite your notes aloud. Then, summarize what you have learned in your own words. Take that new knowledge out for a spin by discussing the information with someone else. At this stage, you might also try using a graphic organizer to increase your understanding. 

Finally, be sure to REVIEW what you have learned. Reviewing each time you study will help you avoid all-nighters and cram sessions before tests!

Once again, consider the main points of the material. Ask yourself: Were all of my questions answered? Do I understand the writer’s main points? If there are areas you don’t recall easily or are difficult to put into your own words, re-read, reflect, recite, and review again. 

Like the other reading strategies we’ve shared, including the SQ3R Method and Feynman Technique, the PQ4R Method is designed to help scholars, researchers, and other readers of dense or academic texts improve their comprehension of difficult and challenging material. Keep this strategy in your learning toolkit, and use it the next time you sit down to read a complex text. 

Until next time, this is Dr. Linscott with another Learning for Success podcast. Happy Learning!