R.A.C.E. Writing Strategy
In the R.A.C.E. writing strategy, what does the "R" stand for?
Restate the question
Lily clutched her teddy bear tightly as the thunder boomed outside. She peeked out the window, but quickly hid behind the curtains. How do you think Lily is feeling? Why do you think so?
Lily is probably scared. The thunder is booming (which can be frightening), she is holding her teddy bear tightly (which people often do for comfort when scared), and she hides behind the curtains (to feel safer)
If a character always shares their toys, what is one word to describe them?
Kind or generous
After reading a short story, what is the most important idea or message the author wants you to understand called?
Theme
What do we call the most important idea in a passage?
Central idea
After you restate the question, what is the next step in the R.A.C.E. strategy (the "A")?
Answer the question
Marco's stomach growled loudly during the quiet part of the movie. He looked longingly at the popcorn stand. What is Marco probably wanting? What clues in the story help you know this?
Marco probably wants some popcorn (or food). The clues are that his stomach is growling (which happens when you're hungry), and he is looking longingly at the popcorn stand (showing he desires it).
If a character makes a does something even when they are scared, what trait do they show?
Brave or courageous
When you retell a story in your own words, what are the most important events you should include?
Key details or main events.
When you make a guess based on clues in the story and what you already know, what is that called?
Inference
Why is it important to "cite" evidence from the text (the first "C") in your writing?
To prove your answer is correct and comes from the text.
The little puppy wagged its tail excitedly and jumped up and down when Maya came home from school. It licked her hand and brought her a slobbery tennis ball. How does the puppy feel about Maya? What makes you think that?
The puppy probably loves or is very happy to see Maya. The clues are that it wags its tail excitedly, jumps up and down (both signs of happiness in dogs), licks her hand (a sign of affection), and brings her a toy (wanting to interact and play).
What kind of character might you call someone who likes to play tricks on others?
playful, joker, trickster, prankster
If a story describes a character's thoughts and feelings, what does that help you understand better?
It helps you understand their perspective, feelings, or character traits.
What reading strategy do you use when you briefly tell the main points of a story in your own words?
Summarize
What does the "E" stand for in the R.A.C.E. strategy, and why is it important?
Explain your answer. It's important to help the reader understand why your evidence supports your answer.
The baker smiled as he handed a warm, sweet-smelling treat to the customer. The customer's eyes widened, and they took a big bite. "Mmm," they sighed happily. How did the treat probably taste? What clues tell you this?
The treat probably tasted very good. The clues are that it was warm and sweet-smelling (appealing to the senses), the customer's eyes widened (often a sign of surprise and pleasure), and they sighed happily after taking a bite.
In a story, what can you look at to understand a character's personality traits?
What the character does, says, thinks, or feels.
When you compare and contrast two stories, what are you looking for?
Their similarities or differences.
What should you do first when you don’t know the meaning of a word?
Use context clues
Put the steps of the writing strategy in the correct order.
Restate, Answer, Cite, Cite, Explain
Sam looked down at the broken vase on the floor. His little sister, Daisy, was hiding behind the couch with wide, innocent eyes. Who do you think might have broken the vase? What makes you suspect this?
It's likely that Daisy broke the vase. The clues are that the vase is broken, and Daisy is hiding behind the couch with wide, innocent eyes (which can sometimes suggest guilt or that they know they did something wrong).
Name three character traits that a helpful friend might have.
kind, helpful, honest, loyal (Accept any three reasonable traits)
Why is it important to identify the beginning, middle, and end of a story?
To understand the story in order and what happened first, next, and last.
How can you figure out the theme of a story?
Looking at how the character solves a problem and