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What is the RACE strategy?
The RACE strategy teaches you to answer questions fully. RACE stands for:
Re-state the question
Turn the question into a statement to start your first sentence.
Example: How can students improve their study skills?
Students can improve their study skills by…
Answer all parts of the question
Remember that there may be more than one part to the question.
Cite the text to support your answer
Give an example from the text. If you use a direct quote, use quotation marks.
Make sure to introduce your example with a phrase like:
For example, According to the text, The author states that…etc.
Explain your citation
Explain how your evidence helps you prove your point.
Use phrases like: “this example shows how…,” “this quotation proves that...,” etc.
Tips:
While you read, circle and underline important sentences so they’re easier to find later
Check off each part of the RACE strategy as you write
Always re-read your work to check for mistakes and fix problems
Copyright © 2023 Emma Oliver all rights reserved by author
CITE THE SOURCE
According
to the text,
____
The author says
__________
For example,
_______
______
proves
that...
According to the
author, ________
For
instance,
_____
Copyright © 2020 Emma Oliver all rights reserved by author
RACE Strategy example:
Healthy Teeth
Dentists say that we should all brush
our teeth twice a day. Why do they say
this? It is because brushing your teeth
helps prevent cavities. When you eat,
pieces of food get stuck to your teeth,
and if the food stays there, it can cause damage.
Also, you should also floss to clean small pieces of food
between the teeth. This will keep your mouth healthy and
prevent cavities.
Use the RACE strategy answer the question: how can you avoid
cavities? Give reasons from the paragraph to support your answer.
R
You can avoid cavities by doing a few things. You
can brush and floss your teeth every day. The paragraph
C
says, “you should also floss to clean small pieces of food
between the teeth” and “if the food stays there, it can
cause damage.” Cleaning your mouth helps you avoid
cavities.
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E
A
Name:
Date:
All About Emojis
Emojis were first invented in Japan in
the 1990s. These days, most people use
Emojis. There are almost 2,000 of them!
You can find an Emoji for almost anything.
They let people express ideas with pictures. They can be a
lot of fun and a good way to show someone how you feel
without using words. Also, they help people say what they
mean with less effort, which is a good thing. Even young
kids who don’t know how to read yet can understand them.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
Why does the author think Emojis are good? Explain using reasons from the text.
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Flamingo Facts
One of the most colorful birds is
the flamingo. The reason they are pink
is because of their diets. They eat
shrimp and algae, which make their
feathers turn pink. They have long,
skinny legs, and sometimes stand on
one leg. An interesting fact about flamingos is that they turn
their heads upside down when they eat. They live in warm
climates. If you travel to Florida, you might see one.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
What makes flamingos special? Give reasons from the paragraph to support your answer.
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We Need Bees
In recent years, scientists have
noticed a large decrease in the bee
population. Although many people
think bees are bad, they are actually
very important for plant life. They help pollinate
flowers and plants. Without them, many plants would no longer
grow. Some plants that need bees to survive include apple trees,
broccoli, and squash. Of course, bees also give us honey. Bees
impact the entire food chain, so it would be terrible if they went
extinct.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
Why are bees important? Give reasons from the paragraph to support your answer.
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Backpack Trends
Backpacks have gone through many
changes in the last century. In the past,
students didn’t even have backpacks—
they just strapped their books together
with leather. Later, students carried leather
bags with one strap. In the 1980s, backpacks became more
colorful and began to feature images of characters that kids
liked. Nowadays, backpacks have fun, bright designs—not to
mention all of their features and compartments. Some even
have wheels!
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
How have backpacks changed over the years? Give reasons from the paragraph to support
your answer.
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Crazy about Legos
Legos are a very popular toy for kids.
These colorful bricks were invented in 1949.
Since then, Legos have been sold all over the
world. One reason they are so popular is that
they can be shaped into anything you want. Then, they can be
taken apart and made into something else. The possibilities are
endless. Also, Legos come in many different kits, such as Star
Wars. They are so popular that there have even been Lego
movies, and there are six different Lego amusement parks.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
Why are Legos so popular? Give reasons from the paragraph to support your answer.
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School Year-Round?
In many countries, students attend school
all year, with breaks every few months. In
contrast, students in the United States go to
school for nine months and then have a long
break in the summer. This is because in the past,
children were needed to help work on family farms. These days,
few people work on farms, but the tradition of summer break
continues. Some say that year-round school would help students
remember more information they learned during the year. Kids
forget a lot of what they learned in school during summer
vacation. Others say that kids need a break and that they can
benefit from spending time with their families.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
Do you think students should go to school year-round? Give reasons from the paragraph
to support your answer.
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Air Force One
America’s president rides on
a plane called Air Force One.
This plane is very different from a
normal plane. It has special shields
to keep it safe. Air Force One has a kitchen that can feed up to
100 people. It also includes a bedroom and bathroom for the
president. There is a meeting room onboard as well as a medical
office equipped with a doctor and nurse on each flight. There are
also rooms for secret service and security workers.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
What makes Air Force One unique? Give reasons from the paragraph to support your
answer.
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Buddhism
Buddhism is a very popular
religion. It is the world’s fourth
largest religion, with over 500
million people practicing it. Many
people in Asia are Buddhists. The
religion began in India around the 6th century. The leader of the
religion is The Buddha. He is often shown with his legs crossed in
a pose of meditation—the practice of concentrating and trying to
become calm. One of their beliefs is karma. Karma is the belief
that good deeds and bad deeds build up to later fate.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
What is special about Buddhism? Give reasons from the paragraph to support your
answer.
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Flying Drones
One of the newest technologies
that has been changing the world is
drones. Some people like to fly drones
as a hobby. Drones with cameras are used
to get views of places that we could
only see from airplanes in the past.
For instance, the army has used drones in risky war zones
without having to put soldiers in danger. Some people are even
thinking of ways to use drones to make deliveries. In the future,
maybe your mail will be delivered from a drone in the sky!
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
How are drones changing the world? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
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Single-Gender Schools
Some parents and teachers believe it is better
to put students in schools that are girls-only
or boys-only. These schools are called
single-gender. Many people say that girls learn
better when they are with other girls because
they have more confidence and are less likely to
be embarrassed when speaking up in class. Another positive of
single-gender schools is that students may be less likely to be
distracted.
However, there are some downsides. Some people say that if
boys and girls don’t interact, they will not develop good social skills
that they will need in their lives.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
Do you think single-gender schools are a good idea? Use evidence from the text to support
your answer.
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Possible Answers
All About Emojis
The author things emojis are a good thing for several reasons. The author thinks they
make communication easier. In the passage, the author says, “you can find an Emoji for
almost anything.” This shows how you can express a lot of ideas with only Emojis.
Flamingo Facts
Flamingos are unique birds. They are special because of their pink color. The author
states, “they eat shrimp and algae, which make their feathers turn pink.” The way their
diet affects their color is very interesting.
We Need Bees
Bees are important for several reasons. They play a part in helping plants grow.
According to the author, “some plants that need bees to survive include apple trees,
broccoli, and squash.” This shows how important they are to helping us grow food.
Backpack Trends
Backpacks are very different today than they were years ago. They now use different
materials, designs, and colors. The author states, “students carried leather bags with
one strap.” This shows how different backpacks used to be in the past.
Crazy about Legos
Legos are very popular for a few reasons. They are a fun way to use your imagination to
play. The author says, “they can be shaped into anything you want. Then they can be
taken apart and made into something else.” This quotation shows how versatile the
toys are.
Copyright © 2021 Emma Oliver all rights reserved by author
Possible Answers
School Year-Round?
I do believe that students should go to school year round. I think this would be
good because it would help kids learn more. The author mentions that “kids forget
a lot of what they learned in the school during summer vacation.” This shows how a
year-round school schedule would improve student learning.
Air Force One
Air Force One is a unique plane. One reason it is unique is that it is set up with
different rooms for the president to use. In the paragraph, it says, “Air Force One
has a kitchen than can feed up to 100 people.” This shows how the plane has
special features that most planes don’t have.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a unique religion. One of the things that make this religion unique is
the idea of karma. According to the author, “karma is the belief that good deeds
and bad deeds build up to a later fate.” This belief is interesting and can be applied
to people’s lives.
Flying Drones
There are a few ways that flying drones are changing the world. One way is through
photography. The authors states, “drones with cameras are used to get views of
places that we could only see from airplanes in the past.” This shows how drone
technology is changing the world.
Single Gender Schools
I do not think single gender schools are a good idea. I think boys and girls should
mix together to get ready for the real world. The author says, “some people say that
if boys and girls don’t interact, they will not develop good social skills that they will
need in their lives.” I agree with this statement because the real world has a mix of
genders.
Copyright © 2021 Emma Oliver all rights reserved by author
GRADING GUIDE
Answers will vary. Ensure that students have completed all four steps of the RACE
strategy in response to the passage: re-stating the question, answering it fully,
providing at least one citation, and explaining why that examples proves their
point.
This lends itself to easy grading: each step in the RACE strategy=25%, with
successful use of all parts of the RACE strategy equaling 100%.
For example: if a student re-states the question, answers it, provides one citation,
and explains, that would be 100%. If they did RAC, but did not Explain the
importance of their quotations, then they will score a 75%.
I always use the small checklist at the bottom of the page as I am reading and
grading student responses. Students use the checklist when they write, and I make
small checks to the side of the letters as I grade. Doing this leads to quick, no-fuss
scoring, and also gives students quick feedback about what they may be missing.
To increase the rigor, require your students to provide more than two pieces of
evidence or introduce a counterclaim.
Copyright © 2021 Emma Oliver all rights reserved by author
STANDARDS ALIGNMENT
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4-5.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4-5.1.A
Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which
related ideas are grouped to support the writer's purpose.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4-5.1.B
Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4-5.2.B
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and
examples related to the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.1
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing
inferences from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.A
Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B
Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating
an understanding of the topic or text.
Copyright © 2020 Emma Oliver all rights reserved by author
CREDITS:
All images not courtesy of the artists below are from the public domain. This includes images taken
by employees of various US Government agencies; images published prior to 1923; or images that
have otherwise been released to public domain via openclipart.org or similar websites.
All passages are the property of Emma Oliver.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Emma! After teaching language arts for seven years,
I’m now a full-time curriculum designer. My teaching
experience ranges from grades 6-12, in both general and
special education settings.
I have a Master’s degree in Reading from Mercer University
and a Bachelor’s degree in 7-12 English Language Arts
Education from Ohio University.
One of my favorite teaching experiences was completing
my student teaching in South Africa in 2012!
I love YA literature and enjoy creating resources for teachers
to bring culturally-responsive, high-interest lessons into their
classrooms.
Thank you for supporting my small business!
Let’s be friends!
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