Mastering Textual Evidence: The RACE Method

• newEditor
• ELA
• 10th Grade

Mastering Textual Evidence:

The RACE Method

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support your analysis and inferences using the RACE method.

What do you already know about citing evidence in your writing?

What is the RACE Method?

RACE stands for:

Restate

Answer

Cite

Explain

It is a structured approach to writing responses that require evidence from texts.

Step 1: Restate the Question

Begin by restating the question in your own words. This helps you focus your response and directly address the prompt.

Remove the question words and restate the question as a statement.

Step 2: Answer the Question

Provide a direct answer or claim.

Ensure it’s clear and directly responds to the question or prompt.

The answer must be in your own words.

Step 3: Cite Textual Evidence

Use quotes from the text to support your answer.

Always introduce your evidence properly.

Your quotes must be relevant.

Step 4: Explain the Evidence

Explain how the evidence supports your answer.

Connect it back to your main point for clarity.

This is your last chance to prove to me that your answer is correct.

Practice: Restate and Answer

Read the provided text excerpt. Restate the question and write a clear answer.

Text

Last week, our school cafeteria switched to reusable trays instead of disposable ones. Students now place used trays on a conveyor belt that leads to the dishwasher. Since making the switch, our school has eliminated 2,500 foam trays from the waste stream each week. The initial cost of the trays and dishwasher will be offset by savings within two years.

Question: Is the switch to reusable trays a good decision?

Practice: Cite Evidence

Using the same excerpt, find and cite a piece of evidence that supports your answer.

Text

Last week, our school cafeteria switched to reusable trays instead of disposable ones. Students now place used trays on a conveyor belt that leads to the dishwasher. Since making the switch, our school has eliminated 2,500 foam trays from the waste stream each week. The initial cost of the trays and dishwasher will be offset by savings within two years.

Practice: Explain Your Evidence

Explain how your cited evidence supports your answer. Ensure your explanation is thorough.

Review and Reflect

Reflect on how the RACE method helps in structuring your responses. Share insights or challenges you faced.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.