As we've learned from the success of previous initiatives, developing common language is essential for student achievement. Students who consistently practice the R.A.C.E. method in their written responses can strengthen their writing skills, regardless of their age, their ability level, or the assignment's expectations.

The most important thing to understand about the R.A.C.E. method is that it is simply a strategy to use to ensure you're answering a question in the most complete way possible. Therefore, it can be applied to any assignment in any content area, from brief answers in math class to lab reports in Biology class to five page essays in U.S. History II. After reviewing the R.A.C.E. method below, please check out the variety of sample assignments that would make sense in the kinds of classes you teach.

C = Cite

• Create a solid introduction for the quote

1. Justify the author in a research paper [The scientist, Dr. Smith states, ]
2. Or … refer to the author of the text [Klein shares why the experiment was successful by stating, ]

• Include the best quote to explain your “R”
• Cite properly [Professor Jones, an educator at Harvard University states, “CMS has the best staff!” ]
• All verbiage should be in present tense (10).

E = Explain/Expand

• Justify the importance of the chosen textual evidence and explain through using strong verbs [this proves, this shows, this teaches, this explains]
• The words “I”, “me”, and “we” are not permitted in formal writing. Instead, students can say, [While one may believe] [While society tends to assume]
• Encourage the students to close their paragraph by analyzing their findings
• The closing should refer back to “R” and should consist of analysis, not summary