RACER
When you need to drive a nail into a piece of wood, what tool would you select? Would you
use a screwdriver, a saw, a pair of pliers, or a hammer? You would obviously use a hammer
because it is a tool specifically designed for that task.
When writing it is just as important to utilize the proper strategy for the task you have been
given. Every job requires the proper tool.
RACER is a strategy, or tool, you will use as a writer when you are given an informational text/
non-fiction reading and are asked to respond to an open ended question. RACER is not a
strategy you should use when writing a narrative, a research paper, a persuasive (opinion)
essay, or an expository essay.
Understanding the Prompt
It is important that before you begin writing that you understand what you are being asked
and how to properly respond.
Restate the
Answer the Cite
Explain how Raise new
question
question
the example
supports your
topic
(Topic
Sentence)
Examples
from the Text
(cite a page or
paragraph number)
insight
Additionally, if the prompt asks two specific questions, then you must respond by creating
two RACER paragraphs.
Sample Prompt #1: In Oh Rats! by Albert Marrin , how does the author prove that rats are champions at
survival?
a) How many RACER paragraphs are required for this response?
b) Read the response below and highlight where the writer has cited evidence to support their answer.
c) Underline where the writer has explained how the example supports their answer.
In the book Oh Rats! the author proves that rats are champions at survival. He gives a lot of different
examples of how rats have adapted to various environments. The body of a rat is built to get the food and
nutrients needed to stay alive. Their jaws are incredibly powerful. On page 10 it states that, “Rats gnaw
through iron cabinets to get at food, and concrete to get to various minerals.” This shows that rats’ jaws are
built to keep them alive since they can bite down with incredible force. The fact that their teeth can gnaw
through iron and concrete shows just how strong their jaws and teeth are. In the animal kingdom, rats could be
considered the super powered species.
Sample Prompt #2: In class we read about slavery in Frederick Douglas's NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF
AN AMERICAN SLAVE.
 What did you learn about the treatment and effects of slavery on slaves?
 What effects did slavery have on slave owners?
a) How many RACER paragraphs are required for this response?
b) Restate the first question in the prompt in the space below.
Sample Prompt #3: Do you think students at MJS should have to wear a school uniform?
a) How many RACER paragraphs are required for this response?
Practice Prompt #1: Excerpt is from page 193 of James Swanson’s book Chasing Lincoln’s Killer.
1
If Booth could return today to the scene of his crime and visit, as one million visitors do
every year, the basement museum at Ford’s, he might conclude, from what he found there, that
it was again April 14, 1865. He would find preserved, in climate-controlled, shatterproof
display cases, the prized relics of the assassination: the original door to the president’s box, its
peephole still luring curious eyes; his revolvers and knives; the carbine Booth and Herold
picked up on their midnight run to Surratt’s tavern; his whistle keys; photos of his sweehearts,
his pocket diary, its pages still open as if awaiting another entry; his Deringer pistol; and,
resting in its velvet-lined box, his pocket compass which guided him during his dangerous days
on the run.
2
John Wilkes Booth did not get what he wanted. Yes, he did kill Abraham Lincoln, but in
every other way, Booth was a failure. He did not inspire the South to fight on, prolong the Civil
War, or win the battles the Confederate armies had lost. He did not undo the Emancipation
Proclamation and revive slavery.
3
And yet we still remember Booth to this day. But he is not the hero of the story. The real
hero is Abraham Lincoln and the principles for which he lived – and died: freedom and equal
rights for all Americans.
Prompt: After reading the excerpt from the epilogue of Chasing Lincoln’s Killer, why
does the author think Booth was a failure?
Record bullet notes in the graphic organizer before writing.
Restate the
question
(Topic Sentence)
Answer the
question
Cite Examples
What
paragraph?
Explain how
the example
supports your
topic
Raise new
insight
Practice Prompt #2: Excerpt is from pages 7 & 8 of James Swanson’s book Chasing Lincoln’s
Killer.
1.
John Wilkes Booth, was drinking with a friend at a saloon on Houston Street in New
York City. Booth struck the bar table with his fist and regretted a lost opportunity. "What an
excellent chance I had, if I wished, to kill the President on Inauguration day! I was on the stand,
as close to him nearly as I am to you."
2.
Crushed by the fall of Richmond, the former rebel capital, John Wilkes Booth left New
York City on April 8 and returned to Washington. The news there was terrible for him. On
April 9, Confederate General Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered to
Union General Grant at Appomattox. Booth wandered the streets in despair.
3.
On April 10, Abraham Lincoln appeared at a second-floor window of the executive
mansion, as the White House was known then, to greet a crowd of citizens celebrating General
Lee's surrender. Lincoln did not have a prepared speech. He used humor to entertain the
audience.
4.
On the night of April 11, a torchlight parade of a few thousand people, with bands and
banners, assembled on the semi-circular driveway in front of the Executive Mansion Lincoln
delivered a long speech, without gloating over the Union victory. He intended to prepare the
people for the long task of rebuilding the South. When someone in the crowd shouted that he
couldn't see the president Lincoln's son, Tad, volunteered to illuminate his father. When
Lincoln dropped each page of his speech to the floor it was Tad who scooped them up.
5.
Lincoln described recent events and gave credit to Union General Grant and his officers
for the successful end to the war. He also discussed his desire that black people, especially
those who had served in the Union army, be granted the right to vote.
6.
In that crowd standing below Lincoln was John Wilkes Booth. He turned to his
companion, David Herold, and objected to the idea that blacks and former slaves would become
voting citizens. In the darkness Booth threatened to kill Lincoln: "Now, by God, I'll put him
through."
7.
And as Booth left the White House grounds he spoke to companion and co-conspirator,
Lewis Powell:"that is the last speech he will ever give."
8.
On the evening of April 13, Washington celebrated the end of the war with a grand
illumination of the city. Public buildings and private homes glowed from candles, torches,
gaslights, and fireworks. It was the most beautiful night in the history of the capital.
9.
John Wilkes Booth saw all of this-the grand illumination, the crowds delirious with joy,
the insults to the fallen Confederacy and her leaders. He returned to his room at the National
Hotel after midnight. He could not sleep.
Prompt: Why was John Wilkes Booth actively searching for a way to kill Abraham
Lincoln?
Record bullet notes in the graphic organizer before writing.
Restate the
question
(Topic Sentence)
Answer the
question
Cite Examples
What
paragraph?
Explain how
the example
supports your
topic
Raise new
insight