Skip to main content

StarID Alert: If you are unable to log in with your StarID, please visit https://starid.minnstate.edu/ to reset or update your password.
Metro State University (Home)

Reading Comprehension and Notetaking

Metro State Writing Center drafted spring 2026

Reading for college can be challenging and time-consuming because expectations are rigorous: students must not only comprehend texts but employ them effectively in assignments. We’ve put together some proven techniques for efficiently understanding and using course materials: SQ3R, how to read empirical research articles, and the Cornell notetaking method.

Printable version

Download this resource

SQ3R: A Strategy for Reading Challenging Texts

Comprehend and remember important points by creating sequenced tasks.

  1. Survey

    1. Look at headings, subheadings, bolded/italicized words

    2. Read the introduction, first sentences of paragraphs, and summaries

    Surveying will give an overview of the main topic and structure of the text. Think of it as a warmup activity.

  2. Question

    1. What is this about; what do I already know about this; what will I learn next?

    2. Rephrase any headings into questions that can be answered by the material below

    Questions activate old knowledge to absorb new information. They also keep you actively engaged with the text

  3. Three Reading Tasks
    1. Focused Read

      1. Look for main ideas, connections and the developing argument

      2. Pay attention to first sentences of paragraphs and any examples or aids that the author provides

    2. Recite for Clarification

      1. In a second reading, go over the main points, put the ideas in your own words. Read key items or notes aloud as accurately as possible.

      2. If you still don’t understand an idea, go to the sentences involved and reread that section extra slowly—this works best with just one paragraph at a time.

    3. Recall and Review for Accuracy and Retention

      1. Re-paraphrase the main points, check your answers to questions from earlier readings, and relate ideas from the text to real life or other works.

      2. Check on any ideas that remain unclear; reread, rephrase and review until you understand them better.

      Tip: for texts that are central to your course, repeat this step at regular intervals (weekly, monthly) to build comprehension and retention.

How to Read a Research Article

Research articles usually present empirical studies where data was collected, and results were provided.

Adapted from Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches (3rd ed.) by R. B. Johnson and L.B. Christensen, 2007, Sage Publications

Preview tasks

  • Read the title carefully; they are usually very descriptive
  • Use the abstract to note the key information provided in the article
  • Look over the headings to see the sections the authors emphasize

Questions to answer as you read

  • What was the research study about?
  • How was the research conducted?
  • What were the results of the research?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research study?
  • What do the researchers propose or recommend be done?

Standard headings in a research article

Abstract

  • An overview of the main points of interest for the study

    When you finish the Abstract, you will know:
    The topic, main findings, and recommendations of a study

Introduction

  • Identifies the purpose of the article, reviews the related literature, and lists the research question or hypotheses addressed in the research

    When you finish the Introduction, you will know:
    What the researcher wanted to learn by conducting the research study

Methods

  • WHO the research participants were is described in detail
  • WHAT KIND of data collection instruments were used is explained in detail
  • HOW the research study was conducted and data analyzed is related in detail

    When you finish the Methods section, you will know:
    How the researcher collected the data used to answer the research questions and what they did to interpret or organize the data to generate results.

Results

  • What data resulted from the research instruments applied
  • How data points compare to each other, often presented in charts and tables
  • If you are intimidated by the statistical jargon, then focus on where the author explains what the results mean in the article’s paragraphs. Pay special attention to the findings that the researcher says are “statistically significant”

    When you finish the Results section, you will know:
    The specific and detailed findings of the research study.

Discussion

  • What the researchers think the results mean and their practical implications
  • How the results compare to other studies on the same topic (the “literature”) and what the strengths and weaknesses of this study are
  • What the authors propose or recommend should be done next to continue advancing knowledge for the topic

    When you finish the Discussion section, you will know:
    What conclusions the researcher drew from the research study, its contributions and limitations, and what steps were suggested for future research.

Cornell Notetaking for Reading Texts

Summarize texts and create study guides in this structured approach to notetaking.

Adapted from Reading Strategies, Cornell Notes by Ginny Walters

There are four sections: Title, Notes, Cues, Summary

  • For paper and pencil Cornell Notes
    • At the top, create a Title for what you are taking notes about.
    • Create a wide right-hand column for taking detailed Notes.
    • The narrower left-hand column will be used for Cues—key words and questions.
    • Leave about two inches at the bottom for a Summary.
  • For digital Cornell Notes you could create a table using the same structure as for paper or stack the sections vertically
    • Title at the top
    • Notes section should be twice as large as Cues section
    • Summary at the bottom

The Title section

Record the title of the text, authors, a link if relevant, and even create a reference entry in the citation style you are using for the assignment.

The Notes section

As you are reading, write down key words and ideas, important dates/people/places, repeated or emphasized information, supporting evidence, your own brainstorming, diagrams, formulas, etc. Use abbreviations, symbols, and short phrases to capture the information efficiently.

The Cues section

After reading a section of text, go back and identify, the main idea, main purpose and/or main question: use key words and phrases related to the notes you've taken. Place the Cues column to the left of Notes or in a section immediately under Notes.

The Summary section

Write a concise summary of the main points of the text in your own words. 2-3 sentences or 50-150 words is about right. This helps you synthesize information to reinforce comprehension.

Reviewing and reflecting

For effective studying, regularly review your notes but don’t just skim them–engage with them. Test yourself by covering the Notes section and using the Cues section to prompt yourself. Recite the information in different words or reflect on how concepts relate to each other by rearranging them.