T: What is the topic of section of reading? 

A: What is the author saying about the topic? (This is a summary of the 1-2 main points of the reading section) 

P: What is the point of view and purpose of this informational text? 

S: What is the structure of the text? (options: chronological, compare and contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect) 

R.A.C.E. is an acronym used when writing open ended responses, specifically to not fiction text. The acronym supports students with how to respond to the question and provide evidence to support their response. 

R: Restate the question

A: Answer the question 

C: Cite text evidence (either quote it or paraphrase) 

E: Explain and expand on the evidence and claim being made with the writer's reasoning 

Some tips: 

• Use a sentence starter to introduce the cited evidence.

• When explaining evidence, also use sentence starters. 

• Clearly and directly answer the question, no need for extra wording