PQ4R is an acronym for Preview, Question, Read, Reflect, Recite, and Review. Here are the steps:

  1. Preview:

    Look through the pages of your reading passage and read the headings of the chapter and any sections dividing the chapter. Read the first and last paragraph in each section. View the illustrations in each section. Read the captions under the pictures and take a few minutes to look at charts, graphs, or maps.

  2. Question:

    Think about the information you learned in the Preview. Ask yourself questions about it. Think about what you already know about ideas you saw during your Preview. What do you think are main points that will be raised in the chapter? What do you expect to learn from reading this material?

  3. Read:

    Read the passage. Make a note of important ideas on paper/computer. If the book belongs to you, consider making notes in the margins and highlight important parts in the book. If you just can't imagine writing in your book, make notes on paper.

  4. Reflect:

    Take time to reflect on what you have read. How are the passages or chapters inter-related? How does the information fit into things you have already learned? What new information did you learn? Did the passage include the information you expected it to cover? Was there information that surprised you?

  5. Recite:

    Think about the material. Discuss it with someone else or record the main points you learned. Generally, writing information down by hand or electronically will improve memory of the material. If writing is a problem for you, consider brief notes or discuss the material with other students. It is important to summarize the material in writing using your own words. Explain it aloud to someone else or recite your notes aloud to yourself. Consider using a graphic organizer to increase your understanding of how concepts in the reading relate to each other.

    Free graphic organizers are available here

  6. Review:

    Consider the main points of the material. Were your questions answered? Do you feel that the writer's points are fully understood?

Resource: http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/instructionalmaterials/tp/rdgcompretensn.htm