Every university student has to go through their fair share of (boring) readings. To tackle your reading assignments effectively, all you need are five easy steps. To be a smart reader, you should ‘SQ3R’: Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review actively.

1. Start by surveying the material:

• Survey a textbook by reading the preface, introduction and table of contents. Make a note of any visual aids, references or glossary
• Survey a chapter by reading the chapter title, headings, subheadings, summary, captions under visuals, while noting the bibliography and other aids.

2. Follow by questioning your reading:

•  Ask yourself what the title, headings and subheadings imply. What do you already know about the subject?

3. Read critically:

• Read with a sense of purpose. Aim to answer the questions you formulated earlier or those presented in the chapter.
• Read the chapter summaries. They are short, concise and very student-friendly!

4. Recite what you read:

• Summarize what you have read orally or by taking notes after reading each section.

5. Review what you read:

• Review what you have learned so that you can connect the details to the big picture.