Split Information Task

Groups receive different clues to the same text or story. They must exchange information through ambassadors to piece together the full picture.

Procedure

1. Divide the class into A and B groups (or more).
2. Give each group a different set of clues from the same text.
3. Groups discuss their clues and construct a prediction or partial story.
4. Each group selects an ambassador who prepares to share their version.
5. Ambassadors visit the other group, share their information orally (may use up to 10 key words as notes).
6. Ambassadors return; groups combine information and create a final version.
7. Groups report their combined version to the class.
8. Students read the original text to check.

Variations

• Jigsaw the text: Give different paragraphs to different groups for reconstruction.
• Crumpled paper: Scrunch text into a ball; groups can only read visible fragments, then exchange ambassadors.
• Jigsaw note-taking: All read the same text but take notes on different aspects, then combine.

Tips

• Limit the number of words ambassadors can write down — this forces oral communication.
• Works well as an extension of a prediction task when you want more interaction.