RACE Writing Reminder Cards
Print on Cardstock • Cut on Dashed Line • Laminate for Desks
R.A.C.E. Standard (1 Evidence)
R.A.C.E. Writing Helper
Constructed Response Desk Strategy • Grades 2–4
4 Power Steps
R
Restate Turn question into a statement
"The text explains that..." "[Question words] because..."
A
Answer Give your full thought
"I think that..." "The main reason is..."
C
Cite Evidence Show proof from the text
"The author writes, \"...\"" "On page __, it says \"...\""
E
Explain Show how proof supports answer
"This shows that..." "This means that..."
ESL Tip: Put copied words inside quotation marks (" ")!
Desk Reminder Card 1
CUT HERE
R.A.C.E. Writing Helper
Constructed Response Desk Strategy • Grades 2–4
4 Power Steps
R
Restate Turn question into a statement
"The text explains that..." "[Question words] because..."
A
Answer Give your full thought
"I think that..." "The main reason is..."
C
Cite Evidence Show proof from the text
"The author writes, \"...\"" "On page __, it says \"...\""
E
Explain Show how proof supports answer
"This shows that..." "This means that..."
ESL Tip: Put copied words inside quotation marks (" ")!
Desk Reminder Card 2
Print on Cardstock • Cut on Dashed Line • Laminate for Desks
R.A.C.C.E. Advanced (2 Evidences)
R.A.C.C.E. Writing Helper
Double-Evidence Paragraph Helper • Grades 2–4
5 Star Steps
R
Restate Turn question into starter
"The text states that..." "[Question words] because..."
A
Answer Share your complete answer
"I know that..." "The main answer is..."
C
Cite Evidence 1 First fact from text
"First, the author writes, \"...\"" "In paragraph __, it says \"...\""
C
Cite Evidence 2 Second fact from text
"Also, the text mentions, \"...\"" "Another detail is, \"...\""
E
Explain Connect both clues together
"Both details prove that..." "This explains why..."
ESL Tip: Connect with words like "First", "Also", and "In addition"!
Desk Reminder Card 1
CUT HERE
R.A.C.C.E. Writing Helper
Double-Evidence Paragraph Helper • Grades 2–4
5 Star Steps
R
Restate Turn question into starter
"The text states that..." "[Question words] because..."
A
Answer Share your complete answer
"I know that..." "The main answer is..."
C
Cite Evidence 1 First fact from text
"First, the author writes, \"...\"" "In paragraph __, it says \"...\""
C
Cite Evidence 2 Second fact from text
"Also, the text mentions, \"...\"" "Another detail is, \"...\""
E
Explain Connect both clues together
"Both details prove that..." "This explains why..."
ESL Tip: Connect with words like "First", "Also", and "In addition"!
Desk Reminder Card 2
RACE Strategy Teacher Guide
Instructional Coaching Guide
R.A.C.E. & R.A.C.C.E. Strategy Guide
Explicit Constructed Response Framework for Grades 2–4 ESL Learners
Teacher Reference
Part 1: Launch & Models
R.A.C.E. (Single Evidence)
Best for Grade 2, early Grade 3, and Entering/Emerging ESL writers. Focuses on mastering the link between one direct citation and one explanation.
R.A.C.C.E. (Double Evidence)
Best for late Grade 3, Grade 4, and state test preparation. Teaches students to substantiate claims using two distinct pieces of textual proof.
Core Strategy Breakdown & ESL Gestures
Match colors to student desk cards
R
Restate (Turn the Key)
Teach students to cross out question words (Who, Why, What) and use the prompt's leftover words as their opening sentence starter.
A
Answer (Give the Idea)
Provide vocabulary banks. Encourage combining R + A into one clear compound sentence using "because" for fluent phrasing.
C
Cite (Show Me the Proof)
Students highlight exact text clues with green markers. For RACCE, add transitional stems ("Also," "Furthermore," "In paragraph 3").
E
Explain (The "So What?")
Prevent students from simply repeating the quote. Use the formula: "This shows that [concept] because [reason]."
Mentor Modeling Example (Read-Aloud Passage: "The Brave Little Fox")
Grade 3 Benchmark
Prompt Question: How does Oliver the fox show he is determined to help his pack?
R.A.C.E. Model (Single Evidence)
Oliver shows he is determined by continuing to search for fresh water during the drought. According to the text, "Oliver dug into the dry riverbed for hours until cool water appeared." This shows he did not give up even when finding water was difficult and tiring.
4 concise sentences • 1 strong anchor quotation
R.A.C.C.E. Model (Double Evidence)
Oliver shows determination because he pushes past exhaustion to protect his family. First, the author writes, "Oliver walked three miles across the hot desert without stopping." In addition, page 14 states, "He shared every drop with the cubs before resting." Both details prove that Oliver put his pack's needs ahead of his own comfort.
5 sentences • Multi-evidence synthesis
R.A.C.E. Strategy Resource • ESL Writing Toolkit Page 1 of 2
Scaffolding & Planning
