Evidence Detectives

Starter 1: According to paragraph 1, "..."

Starter 2: In paragraph 1, the author states that "..."

Starter 3: The text explains that "..."

Model Evidence Citation

In paragraph 1, the author writes that "the ground baked in the sun and cracked into dry dirt" and "his cows were thirsty."

Quotation marks are the evidence handcuffs!

Always double check that your quote matches the exact words in the story.

Step 4 & 5: E & S Explaining and Wrapping Up Your Case

E

Explain the Evidence

Tell your reader why this quote proves your answer is right.

"This shows that Rancher Henderson was worried his cows would not survive without fresh drinking water."

Starter: "This shows that..."

S

Summarize & Wrap Up

Write one final sentence that closes your paragraph with confidence!

"In conclusion, the dry creek created a dangerous water emergency for the cattle."

Starter: "In conclusion, ..."

The "S" finishes your response cleanly so your writing doesn't stop suddenly!

The Finished Paragraph Complete 5-Color Model Response

Complete 5-Step R.A.C.E.S. Model

Rancher Henderson was worried about Willow Creek because the creek was dry and his cows were thirsty. In paragraph 1, the author writes that "the ground baked in the sun and cracked into dry dirt" and "his cows were thirsty." This shows that the rancher feared his cows would not survive without fresh water. In conclusion, the severe drought created a serious emergency for the valley animals.

R = Restate A = Answer C = Cite E = Explain S = Summarize

5 distinct colors, 5 complete sentences, 1 airtight paragraph!

Detective Watchout 3 Common Traps to Avoid

1

The "Quote Drop"

Dropping a quote alone without saying what paragraph it came from.

Fix: Add "In paragraph..."

2

The "Ghost Evidence"

Writing your own guess without copying any real words from the story.

Fix: Copy exact words in " "!

3

The "Sudden Stop"

Stopping right after your quote without explaining or summarizing.

Fix: Add E & S wrap-up!

Check your packet for these traps before you hand it in!

Your Turn Detective Practice Launch

Time to Investigate Willow Creek!

3 Steps for R.A.C.E.S. Success:

1 Read paragraphs 1 through 4 and underline clues.

2 Use the 5-step R.A.C.E.S. organizer on Page 2 and 3.

3 Check off all 5 boxes on your Detective Checklist!

Open your Detective Packet to Page 1 Let's crack the case!

Student Packet Exemplars (Prompt 2: Wildlife Benefits) Use for Calibration & Anchor Charts

Level 4 Exemplar (All 5 R.A.C.E.S. Components Present) Exemplary

"The beaver dam helped other animals living in the valley by giving them fresh water and shelter. In paragraph 4, the author states that 'rainbow trout swam in the deep pool, and yellow birds made nests in the willow trees.' This shows that the dam created a safe habitat with plenty of water for fish and birds to thrive during the hot summer. In conclusion, the beavers' hard work rescued the valley's wildlife from the drought."

Level 2 Non-Exemplar (Common Traps Demonstrated) Developing

"Because it helped the valley. 'Rainbow trout swam in the deep pool.' Willow Creek was cool."

Diagnostic: Missing restatement (starts with "Because"); dropped quote without paragraph tag; missing explanation; lacks an "S" summarizing sentence.

On-the-Fly Conferencing Stems

For students missing "R":

"Read me your first sentence. Does it turn the prompt question into a clear opening statement?"

For students missing "S":

"How can you wrap up your case? Try adding a closing sentence starting with 'In conclusion, ...'"

Evidence Detectives • Comprehensive Scoring & Assessment Guide Page 2 of 2