Structure Studio Slides RACE Strategy
| Writing Lesson
Intro & Outro Paragraphs
Mastering the full structure of introductions and conclusions for your essays.
Gradual Release Model
I Do ● We Do ● You Do
01 // Explain
The Three Intro Parts
THE FORMULA
1. The Setup
Introduce the Question: Let the reader know what prompt or main question you are talking about.
01 / SETUP
2. The Link
The Connection: Connect the question to your answer. Give 1 sentence of background details.
02 / LINK
3. The Claim
Restate & Answer: Turn the prompt into a statement and give your answer. Put "because" in the middle.
03 / R-A CLAIM
💡 Fill in the blanks on Page 1 of your notes as we review these steps!
1. Ways to Set Up
PART 1: THE SETUP
Everyday Detail
"At school, many kids love to pull out their cell phones during lunch to show friends videos or play mobile games."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
Basic Fact
"Almost every student has a cellular phone in their pocket or tucked away inside their backpack today."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
Simple Question
"Have you ever wondered what would happen if teachers let us use cell phones during our lessons?"
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
💡 All three choices introduce the cell phone topic without stating our final answer!
2. Ways to Link
PART 2: THE LINK
Give a Reason
"Many students love texting friends or looking at screens, which takes their eyes and attention away from the blackboard."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
State the Problem
"When smart devices buzz or ring in class, it makes a loud noise and interrupts lessons for all the other students."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
State Both Sides
"While cell phones are great tools for emergencies, they can also become a major distraction during classroom lessons."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
💡 The Link connects your setup sentence to your specific answer by adding helpful context!
3. Ways to Claim (R-A)
PART 3: THE CLAIM
The "Yes" Claim
"**Schools should ban cell phones inside classrooms** because students need a quiet environment to learn."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
The "No" Claim
"**Schools should allow cell phones in class** because they are great tools for looking up helpful learning facts."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
The Middle Ground
"**Schools should only allow cell phones during recess** because students need to stay focused during actual lessons."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
💡 Notice how "because" is always in the middle to join the answer to the reason!
Full Teacher Model (I Do)
I DO
PROMPT: Should schools have longer recess?
1. Setup: "Every single day, kids love to run, jump, and play active games outside on the school playground."
2. Link: "While classes are very busy, run-around playtime helps students burn off extra physical energy."
3. Restate & Answer: "**Schools should have longer daily recess** because running outside helps kids focus."
👀 Notice how each sentence connects perfectly to build a clear, complete paragraph.
Let's Try Together (We Do)
WE DO
PROMPT: Should pets be allowed at school?
1. Setup: How can we introduce this pet question? Let's write it together!
2. Link: What is one helpful detail we can add about animals at school?
3. R-A Claim: Let's Restate and Answer: "Schools [should/not] allow pets because [reason]..."
Let's call out ideas and write this introductory paragraph together!
The Three Conclusion Parts
THE OUTRO FORMULA
1. Rephrase
Rephrase your R-A: Say your main claim or answer in a completely new, fresh way.
STEP 01
2. Review
Summarize Details: Quickly review the main body reasons and details you shared with your reader.
STEP 02
3. Reflect
The Clincher: Leave a final thought. Why does this topic matter tomorrow or in the future?
STEP 03
💡 Fill in the blanks on Page 2 of your notes as we review these steps!
1. Ways to Rephrase
CONCLUSION: STEP 1
Simple Statement
"To sum up, classrooms should be phone-free zones because kids need a quiet room to study."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
Bold Rephrase
"Ultimately, banning smart devices during lessons is necessary because a quiet classroom is the best place to learn."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
A Direct Close
"In the end, phones should be tucked away during lessons because student learning must come first."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
💡 Say your Restate & Answer claim again, but use completely new, fresh words!
2. Ways to Review
CONCLUSION: STEP 2
Focus on Focus
"When students are not staring at screens, they can easily listen to directions and work well with partners."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
Focus on Noise
"Keeping devices put away prevents loud ringtones and buzzes from interrupting important school lessons."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
Focus on Learning
"Without the distraction of texting or mobile games, children pay better attention and learn a lot more."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
💡 Summarize the body details you shared to remind your reader of your evidence!
3. Ways to Reflect
CONCLUSION: STEP 3
State a Warning
"If schools do not make this change, classrooms will stay noisy, and students will continue to miss important lessons."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
State a Hope
"By setting phones aside, we can create a happy, active school where every child is ready to think and grow."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
Call to Action
"It is time for teachers and principals to put learning first and make our classrooms phone-free today."
TOPIC: CELL PHONES
💡 The Clincher. Leave your reader with a final lingering thought about why this topic matters!
Full Conclusion Model (I Do)
I DO
PROMPT: Should schools ban cell phones?
1. Rephrase R-A: "To sum up, classrooms should be phone-free zones because kids need a quiet room to study."
2. Review Details: "When students are not staring at screens, they can easily listen to directions and work well with partners."
3. Reflect (Clincher): "By setting phones aside, we can create a happy, active school where every child is ready to think and grow."
👀 See how compiling the three pieces makes a strong and satisfying ending paragraph?
The Complete Essay Model
FULL BLUEPRINT
Introduction Paragraph
Almost every student has a cellular phone in their pocket or tucked away inside their backpack today. While cell phones are great tools for emergencies, they can also become a major distraction during classroom lessons. **Schools should ban cell phones inside classrooms** because students need a quiet environment to learn.
Body Paragraph
To begin with, cell phones cause constant distractions when they ring or buzz during a lesson. When students look down at screens to read texts, they miss what the teacher is saying. This makes it very hard to learn new skills. Therefore, keeping phones put away helps everyone pay attention and do their best schoolwork.
Conclusion Paragraph
To sum up, classrooms should be phone-free zones because kids need a quiet room to study. When students are not staring at screens, they can easily listen to directions and work well with partners. By setting phones aside, we can create a happy, active school where every child is ready to think and grow.
✨ This is how our intro, body, and conclusion paragraphs connect to build one perfect, complete essay!
Intro Detective
CHALLENGE
Look at Page 1 of your Notes under "Paragraph Detective":
Almost every student has a cellular phone in their pocket or tucked away inside their backpack today. While cell phones are great tools for emergencies, they can also become a major distraction during classroom lessons. Schools should ban cell phones inside classrooms because students need a quiet environment to learn.
Find the three parts: Underline the Setup, Star the Link, and Squiggle under the R-A Claim!
Intro Revealed!
REVEAL
Check your work with the master blueprint:
Almost every student has a cellular phone in their pocket or tucked away inside their backpack today. ★ While cell phones are great tools for emergencies, they can also become a major distraction during classroom lessons. Schools should ban cell phones inside classrooms because students need a quiet environment to learn.
✨ Give yourself a checkmark on your notes if your markings match the screen!
Outro Detective
CHALLENGE
Now find the parts on the Conclusion Paragraph:
To sum up, classrooms should be phone-free zones because kids need a quiet room to study. When students are not staring at screens, they can easily listen to directions and work well with partners. By setting phones aside, we can create a happy, active school where every child is ready to think and grow.
Find the parts: Underline the Rephrase, Star the Review, and Squiggle under the Reflect!
Outro Revealed!
REVEAL
Check your conclusion markings:
To sum up, classrooms should be phone-free zones because kids need a quiet room to study. ★ When students are not staring at screens, they can easily listen to directions and work well with partners. By setting phones aside, we can create a happy, active school where every child is ready to think and grow.
✨ Give yourself a checkmark on your notes if your markings match the screen!
Your Turn (You Do)
YOU DO
Your Writing Mission:
Now it is time to write your own paragraph setups and R-A claims! Open your worksheets and check your work with our checklist:
1. Introduce the question first (Setup)
2. Add a helpful connection sentence (Link)
3. Restate & Answer clearly (R-A)
4. Check off your worksheet checklist!
Get your pencils ready! RACE Intro Practice
Intro Drafting Organizer RACE Notes // Student Sheet NAME: ___________________________ DATE: _________
Paragraph Guided Notes
Fill in the blanks as we go through the slides together!
The Introduction
1. The Setup: Let the reader know what prompt or main ______________________ you are talking about.
2. The Link: Connect the question to your answer. Give 1 sentence of background ______________________ .
3. Restate & Answer (R-A): Turn the prompt into a statement (__________________ ) and give your __________________ . Put "__________________" in the middle.
The Conclusion
1. Rephrase: Say your main claim or answer in a completely new, ______________________ way.
2. Review: Quickly review the main body reasons and ______________________ you shared with your reader.
3. Reflect: Leave a final ______________________ . Explain why this topic matters tomorrow or in the ______________________ .
Paragraph Detective
Underline the Setup/Rephrase Star next to Link/Review Squiggle under R-A/Reflect
INTRO REMINDER: 1. Setup ➔ 2. Link ➔ 3. R-A Claim Intro Paragraph
Almost every student has a cellular phone in their pocket or tucked away inside their backpack today. While cell phones are great tools for emergencies, they can also become a major distraction during classroom lessons. Schools should ban cell phones inside classrooms because students need a quiet environment to learn.
CONCLUSION REMINDER: 1. Rephrase ➔ 2. Review ➔ 3. Reflect Conclusion Paragraph
To sum up, classrooms should be phone-free zones because kids need a quiet room to study. When students are not staring at screens, they can easily listen to directions and work well with partners. By setting phones aside, we can create a happy, active school where every child is ready to think and grow.
The Golden Rule: Never write your answer without introducing the question first. Always set up the prompt so your reader understands!
RACE WRITING SERIES INTRO STUDY GUIDE STRUCTURE STUDIO
Bridge Builders Worksheets RACE Skills // Sheet A NAME: ___________________________ DATE: _________
Intro Writing Drills
Let's lock in your skills in multiple ways! Follow the directions for each part.
🔍 Reference Guide: The Parts of an Intro
1. The Setup (Introduce Question): Tells the reader the main topic. Example: "Almost every kid today has a cellular phone."
2. The Link (The Connection): Tells a helpful detail about the topic to connect it to your answer. Example: "However, these phones buzz and distract students during lessons."
3. Restate & Answer (The Claim): Turns the prompt into a statement with your answer. Example: "Schools should ban phones because kids need to focus."
PART A Restate & Answer (R-A) Claims
Fill in the blanks to restate the prompt and complete the sentence using "because" in the middle.
💡 Word Bank of Reasons
● "helps our brains focus in class"
● "gives us a fun break to run around"
● "gives families more time to travel"
● "lets kids rest and play in the sun"
Prompt: Should schools have longer recess?
Schools should have longer daily recess because _________________________________________________ .
Prompt: Should schools have a longer summer break?
Schools [ should / should not ] have longer summer breaks because _________________________________ .
PART B Multiple-Choice Link Challenge
Circle the letter of the best Link sentence that connects the Setup to the Claim smoothly!
SETUP: "Every day, kids spend a lot of time sitting inside classrooms doing hard work."
CLAIM: "Schools should have longer daily recess because running outside helps kids focus."
A Dogs are highly friendly animals, and many families choose to adopt them as school pets. B While classes are very busy, run-around playtime helps students burn off extra physical energy. C Classroom cell phones can make loud ringing sounds that interrupt reading and math lessons.
RACE WRITING SERIES PAGE 1 OF 2 INTRO DRILLS
RACE Practice // Sheet B NAME: ___________________________ DATE: _________
Setup & Link Practice
Let's practice matching setup sentences and identifying paragraph parts!
PART C Match Prompt to Setup Sentence
Draw a line from the Prompt Question to its perfect Setup Sentence :
Q1. Should kids eat sweet dessert for breakfast?
Q2. Should video games be played in class?
Outro Writing Drills RACE Skills // Sheet C NAME: ___________________________ DATE: _________
Outro Writing Drills
Let's lock in your conclusion skills! Follow the directions for each part.
🔍 Reference Guide: The Parts of a Conclusion
1. Rephrase R-A: States your main claim/answer again using completely new, fresh words. Example: "To sum up, classrooms should be phone-free zones because kids need a quiet room to study."
2. Review: Summarizes the main reasons you shared. Example: "When students are not staring at screens, they can easily listen and work well."
3. Reflect (Clincher): Leaves a final thought, prediction, or hope. Example: "By setting phones aside, we can create a happy school where every child is ready to grow."
PART A Rephrase Your Claim Drills
Rephrase the claim below using different words. Start with a word from the box!
💡 Conclusion Starters Word Bank
"To sum up,"
"Ultimately,"
"In conclusion,"
Claim: "Schools should have longer daily recess because active play helps kids focus."
Your Rephrased Claim: __________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________ .
PART B Multiple-Choice Reflect Challenge
Circle the letter of the best Reflect (Clincher) sentence that leaves a strong final thought!
REPHRASED CLAIM: "To sum up, classrooms should be phone-free zones because kids need a quiet room to study."
A By setting phones aside, we can create a happy school where every child is ready to think and grow. B Cell phones are very common devices that let us look up directions and play text games with friends. C Furthermore, playgrounds are active places where children like to slide and swing on the school swings.
RACE WRITING SERIES PAGE 1 OF 2 OUTRO DRILLS
RACE Practice // Sheet D NAME: ___________________________ DATE: _________
Conclusion Assembly Practice
Let's practice matching conclusion sentences and identifying paragraph parts!
PART C Match Rephrased Claim to Reflect Sentence
Draw a line from the Rephrased Claim to its perfect Reflect (Clincher) Sentence :
Claim 1. In conclusion, schools should ban weekend homework because kids need rest.
Claim 2. Ultimately, zoos should be banned because wild animals belong in nature.
Blueprint Key Teacher Guide Teacher Resource // Page 1
Lesson Guidelines
Instructional guide and pacing plan for the RACE Intro Blueprints lesson.
🎯 Lesson Objective
Students will recognize, compare, and identify the 3 parts of introductory and concluding paragraphs using the RACE strategy, preparing them to successfully revise their own movie essays.
🛠️ Materials Needed
● 18-Slide Whiteboard Presentation
Recommended Lesson Pacing (60 Minutes)
1. Explain & Take Notes (15 mins) [Slides 1-2]: Project Slide 2. Have students complete Page 1 of their organizer (Fill-in-the-blank notes) as you introduce the three parts of an introduction (Setup, Link, Claim).
2. Model Side-by-Side (15 mins) [Slides 3-5]: Walk through the three different styles of writing setups, links, and claims using the **Cell Phone** topic. Emphasize that there are multiple easy ways to introduce a topic.
3. Full Essay & Detective Game (15 mins) [Slides 6-12]: Show the full recess and cell phone models. Pause on Slide 14 & 16. Have students act as "Paragraph Detectives" on Page 1 of their organizer to text-mark. Click slides to **reveal chunk-by-chunk**.
4. Locked-In Drills & Movie Revision (15 mins) [Slides 13-14]: Distribute Sheet A-D to check skills in multiple formats (matching, MC, fill-in). Once finished, send students off to independently revise their own movie essay intros/conclusions!
Facilitation Tips & Traps
💡 The Middle-"Because" Rule: Fifth graders often write fragments when beginning sentences with "Because." Enforce putting "because" in the middle of the claim: "[Claim] because [Reason]."
💡 Simplicity Over Fancy Vocabulary: Keep definitions basic. The "Setup" is simply saying something everyday about the topic. The "Link" is just a connected detail. Avoid confusing them with college-level "hooks."
RACE WRITING SERIES PAGE 1 OF 2 TEACHER GUIDE
Teacher Resource // Page 2
Master Answer Keys
Exact correct answers for Guided Notes, Student Worksheets A-D, and Exit Tickets.
1. Guided Notes Blanks
● Setup Blank: question / prompt
● Link Blank: background / connection
● Intro R-A Blanks: restate / answer / because
●
Intro & Outro Exit Tickets Ticket Out the Door // Intro NAME: ___________________________
Intro Exit Ticket
1. SETUP (Introduce Question) ➔ 2. LINK (Connect Ideas) ➔ 3. CLAIM (Restate & Answer)
Q1. STEP 1 (The Setup): What is the main goal of the Setup sentence?
A ) To give away your answer B ) To introduce the big question/topic
Q2. STEP 2 (The Link): What does the Link sentence do?
A ) It connects the setup to your answer B ) It is the last sentence of your essay
Q3. STEP 3 (Restate & Answer): Finish this R-A claim for the recess prompt:
"Schools should have longer daily recess because _______________________________________ ."
CUT SLIPS IN HALF HERE
Ticket Out the Door // Conclusion NAME: ___________________________
Conclusion Exit Ticket
1. REPHRASE (Restate Claim) ➔ 2. REVIEW (Summarize Details) ➔ 3. REFLECT (Final thought)
Q1. STEP 1 (Rephrase): What is the main goal of Rephrasing?
A ) Copying your intro statement B ) Saying your claim in a fresh way
Q2. STEP 2 (Review): What is the job of the Review sentence?
A ) To summarize your main reasons B ) To make a completely new argument
Q3. STEP 3 (Reflect/Clincher): Finish this final Reflect sentence for the pets prompt:
"By letting dogs come to class, we can create a happy school where _________________ ."
RACE WRITING SERIES EXIT TICKETS STRUCTURE STUDIO
