Jigsaw reading is a useful technique to make reading into a communicative activity, as it creates an information gap and the reading is integrated with speaking. Each student reads either a different section of the same text or a different text on a related topic, and then students group together to share their information.
If you'd like to try this technique, here's a ready-made 90-minute lesson designed for sixteen students at upper intermediate level.
1. Lead-in 15 minsa. Give out the
questions and check understanding
b. Play the
video clip
c. Check answers
2. Jigsaw Reading 30 minsa. Group students in fours and give each group a different text cut into four sections
Text A Text B Text C Text Db. Students each read their section then summarise it for the rest of their group
c. Each group of four makes notes:
i. summarising the key points of their text
ii. Giving their personal views of the topic
3. Presentations 45 minsa. Students use their notes to prepare a 4-minute presentation
b. Tell them that at the end of each presentation
i. the group must ask the rest of the class questions for 2 - 3 minutes
ii. the rest of the class must ask the group questions for 2 - 3 minutes