Slam Dunk Evidence Activity
Grade 6 ELA • Evidence Skills Reading & Writing Goal
SLAM DUNK EVIDENCE
NAME:
DATE:
The 4-Step Court Playbook (R.A.C.E.):
Restate Prompt Answer Clearly Cite Text Details Explain Proof
Text Passage: The Secret Behind the Swish
Read carefully for exact facts
¶ 1
When fans watch Stephen Curry step onto the basketball court, he makes long-range three-pointers look effortless. Balls snap through the net from 35 feet away with a satisfying swish. However, this unmatched skill was not born overnight. As a teenager, Curry was considered too short and too thin by college scouts. He knew that to compete at the highest level, he had to outwork everyone else on the floor.
¶ 2
Curry's transformation began with disciplined, repetitive training habits. Every morning before team practice, he shoots 500 game-speed shots. He refuses to count a shot unless it passes clean through the rim without touching the iron. To improve his hand-eye reaction time, Curry dribbles two basketballs simultaneously while wearing sensory goggles that flash blinding strobe lights.
¶ 3
Beyond physical drills, Curry trains his mind to stay calm during high-pressure moments. He works with sports scientists to track his breathing between plays, forcing his heart rate to drop back down in under 45 seconds during timeouts. Because of this relentless preparation, Curry stays composed when taking game-winning shots with seconds left on the clock.
Scout Warm-Up: Hunt for 2 Accurate Details
Locate exact facts before writing!
Detail #1: Practice Routine Look at ¶ 2
What is one exact drill Curry does every morning?
Detail #2: Mental Recovery Look at ¶ 3
What exact goal does he have for his heart rate?
Scout Tip: When citing details, use sentence starters like "According to paragraph 2..." or "The text states that..." Page 1 of 2 • Turn over for the Game Plan →
P2
The Extended Response Challenge
Goal: Include at least 2 accurate text details
Official Game Prompt
Based on the text, what specific training habits helped Stephen Curry become one of the greatest shooters in basketball history? Explain how these habits prepare him for success, using at least two accurate details from the passage.
Step-by-Step Organizer: Build Your Triple-Threat
Draft your parts below before writing full sentences
R/A
Restate & Answer: (Stephen Curry became a legendary shooter because of his habits such as...)
C1
Detail #1 + Starter: ("According to the text in paragraph 2, Curry...")
C2
Detail #2 + Starter: ("The author also points out in paragraph 3 that...")
E
Explain Connection: ("These specific habits help him succeed because...")
Final Shot: Write Your Complete Extended Response
Combine all 4 parts into a full paragraph
Buzzer Beater Self-Monitoring Checklist
Check each box before turning in your paper
I restated the question.
I clearly answered the prompt.
I cited 2+ accurate details.
I explained how they connect.
Slam Dunk Answer Key
Teacher Resource • Answer Key CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1 / W.6.9
SLAM DUNK EVIDENCE • ANSWER KEY
Master Guide
Key Goal: Verify student accurately cites at least two explicit facts from paragraphs 2 and 3. R.A.C.E. Framework
Page 1 • Scout Warm-Up Answer Key
Detail #1: Morning Drill (Paragraph 2) Acceptable Evidence
Accept either exact text detail:
- Curry shoots 500 game-speed shots every morning before practice.
- He dribbles two basketballs at once while wearing flashing sensory goggles.
- He only counts shots that go in clean without touching the rim.
Detail #2: Mental Recovery (Paragraph 3) Acceptable Evidence
Accept either exact text detail:
- Forces his heart rate to drop back down in under 45 seconds during timeouts.
- He works with sports scientists to track and control his breathing between plays.
P2
Page 2 • Exemplar Extended Response
Restate & Answer Text Detail 1 Text Detail 2 Explain Connection
Stephen Curry became one of the greatest shooters in basketball history because of his disciplined morning shooting routine and mental recovery habits. According to paragraph 2, Curry shoots 500 game-speed shots every morning and only counts those that swish clean through the net without touching the iron. In addition, the author states in paragraph 3 that he works with scientists to force his heart rate down in under 45 seconds during timeouts. These specific training habits prepare him for success because high-repetition shooting builds perfect muscle memory, while mental control keeps him calm when taking clutch shots with the game on the line.
Scoring Criteria (4 Points)
Restate & Answer: Clear thesis statement 1 pt
Detail #1: Accurate fact from ¶2 cited 1 pt
Detail #2: Accurate fact from ¶3 cited 1 pt
Explanation: Connects facts to success 1 pt
Targeted Reading Support Tips
- • Highlighter Strategy: Have student highlight physical drills in yellow (¶2) and breathing/mental drills in green (¶3).
- • Oral Rehearsal: Have the student read their organizer notes aloud before copying into the final writing court.
- • Proof Tags: Encourage starter phrases: or
