RACES
Write a sentence starter that strongly RESTATES this question: Why is the character brave?
The character is brave because...
How many paragraphs should you write for your essay?
4-5
This very first part of the essay grabs the reader’s attention with a question, fact, or interesting statement.
Hook
Based on the thesis statement below, what would the first body paragraph be about?
School uniforms are beneficial because they reduce bullying and help students focus.
What's missing from this thesis statement?
Dogs are better than cats.
Reasons
Ex) Dogs are better than cats because they are more friendly and obedient.
Write a strong sentence starter for explain evidence in a RACES paragraph.
This shows...
This proves...
This reveals...
Introduction, body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, conclusion
This sentence clearly states the main idea of the essay. It typically includes a claim and reasons OR a main idea and supporting ideas. It is found at the end of the introduction.
Thesis statement
Based on the thesis statement below, what would the second body paragraph be about?
Recycling should be required in schools because it protects the environment and teaches responsibility.
How recycling in schools teaches responsibility
What is missing from this short answer (RACES paragraph)? BONUS: Write the missing sentence.
According to the text, “students who read for 20 minutes a day improved their vocabulary scores over time” (Source 1). This shows that reading regularly can help students become better readers and writers because it builds important language skills. Overall, reading every day has clear academic benefits for students.
Topic sentence
Ex) Reading is an important habit for students because it improves academic skills.
Write a strong sentence starter for citing evidence in a RACES paragraph.
The text states...
Source __ says...
According to the text...
What are the parts of an introduction?
Hook, background information, thesis statement
This part of the conclusion provides meaningful idea that leaves the reader thinking, such as a lesson, question, or big idea.
Final thought
Based on this thesis statement, how many body paragraphs would this essay have? BONUS: What would each body paragraph be about?
Sports should be required in middle school because they improve health, teach teamwork, and reduce stress.
3 - How sports improve health, how sports teach teamwork, how sports reduce stress
What's missing from this introduction paragraph? BONUS: write the missing sentence.
Have you ever felt stressed during the school day? Homework should be reduced because it causes stress and can negatively affect student mental health.
Background information
Ex) Schoolwork expectations have increased over time, with many students now completing several assignments each day as homework after school hours.
What is one transition word you could use when you summarize at the end of a RACES paragraph.
Thus, ...
Therefore, ....
In conclusion, ...
What are the parts of a body paragraph?
Topic sentence, cite evidence, explain evidence, cite evidence, explain evidence, summarize
This is the first sentence of a body paragraph that introduces one specific reason supporting the thesis and controls what the rest of the paragraph will be about. It should NOT include evidence or quotes, only a clear idea.
Topic sentence
Based on the thesis statement below, the first body paragraph should be about how recess improved focus. What should the second body paragraph be about?
Students should have longer recess because it improves focus, reduces behavior problems, and increases physical activity.
How recess reduces behavior problems
What's missing from this RACES paragraph?
Getting enough sleep is important for students. According to the text, “students who sleep at least 8 hours a night score higher on tests and have better concentration in class” (Source 1). In conclusion, sleep plays an important role in student success.
Explain evidence
Ex) This shows that sleep is important for student success because when students are well-rested, their brains can focus better, remember information more easily, and perform better in school.
What is this RACES paragraph missing?
The character is brave because he is willing to risk his life to help others. In Source 1, the text states, “He ran back into the burning building without hesitation.” Therefore, it is clear he is brave.
Explain evidence
What are the parts of a conclusion?
Restate thesis statement, summarize key points, final thought
This part of the introduction gives general information about the topic so the reader can understand the context before the writer states their main argument. It does NOT include opinions or the thesis.
Background information
Based on the thesis statement below, what should the third body paragraph be about?
Reading should be required every day in school because it builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and strengthens writing skills.
How reading strengthens writing skills
What's missing from this introduction?
PROMPT: Write an essay about whether technology benefits or hurts student learning.
Introduction: How has technology changed the way students learn in school? Many students use laptops, tablets, and phones to complete assignments, communicate with teachers, and find information quickly. Technology is now a major part of everyday learning in classrooms.
Thesis Statement
Ex) Technology benefits student learning by making information more accessible and increasing engagement in the classroom.