Diamond sorting

Give each small group 9 cards.  Each person gets one or two to write a statement about the reading on- it can be something they agree or disagree with.  The group should then sort the cards into rows of 1, 2, 3, 2, and 1 in a diamond shape.  The 1 at the top is something the group strongly agrees with, row 2 is somewhat agree, 3 is neutral, 2 somewhat disagree, and 1 strongly disagree.  You can also have people write cards then trade with another group.  This way, no one needs to argue for their own statements to be in a certain place and people may feel more comfortable.  It's a collaborative activity that lets people think about the strengths and weaknesses of an article or chapter.