Instructions

• Find short to medium length quotes from the literature, newspaper articles, blogs etc on a topic
• Print out and cut up each quote
• In class divide students into pairs or groups and give them a pack with all the quotes
• Ask them to individually choose which quote they particularly like or agree with
• In groups go around and explain which quote they chose and why

What the activity achieves:

• Requires students to read, interpret text and decide if they agree
• Provides students with a range of ideas on a topic
• Requires students to explain what they chose and why
• Requires students to listen to the ideas of their peers

Alternatives:

• Stick the quotes around the room and get the students to stand by the one that they like or agree with
• Add a more specific task
  • Summarize statement in your own words – what is it saying?
  • What does it tell us about x?
  • How does it help us understand x today?
  • Have you read/heard anything that suggests a different position?
  • Which claim is more convincing and why?