The RACE strategy helps you write complete, organized answers in paragraph form. Each letter is a step you should follow:

• R – Restate the question
  Begin by turning the question into a statement. This shows you know what is being asked.
  Example: If the question is “Why is teamwork important?” you might start, “Teamwork is important because…”

• A – Answer the question
  After restating, give your direct answer. Be clear and focused.
  Example: “Teamwork is important because it helps people reach goals together.”

• C – Cite text evidence
  Use a detail, example, or quote from the text to prove your answer.
  Example: “In the article, it says that when students work in groups, they finish projects faster.”

• E – Explain your evidence
  Tell how your evidence supports your answer. This shows your thinking.
  Example: “This proves teamwork is important because it makes tasks easier and more successful.”

When you put it all together, you have a strong paragraph that fully answers the question.

Example

Passage

Many communities encourage recycling to protect the environment. Recycling means turning old materials, such as plastic bottles, cans, and newspapers, into new items instead of throwing them away. This process helps reduce the amount of trash in landfills and saves natural resources. For example, recycling paper means fewer trees need to be cut down, and recycling aluminum cans uses less energy than making new ones from raw materials. By recycling, people can help keep the Earth clean and conserve resources for future generations.

Question

What is one reason recycling is important for the environment?

R (Restate): One reason recycling is important for the environment
A (Answer): is because it saves natural resources.
C (Cite): In the passage, it says, “Recycling paper means fewer trees need to be cut down, and recycling aluminum cans uses less energy.”
E (Explain): This shows recycling is important because it helps protect resources like trees and energy, making the Earth healthier for future generations.

Full RACE Paragraph:
One reason recycling is important for the environment is because it saves natural resources. In the passage, it says, “Recycling paper means fewer trees need to be cut down, and recycling aluminum cans uses less energy.” This shows recycling is important because it helps protect resources like trees and energy, making the Earth healthier for future generations.