Bear Adaptations RACE Guide
Bear Adaptations: Grade 3 RACE Guide
Short Constructed Response (SCR) Model & Strategy
Grade 3 ELA / Science
The Prompt:
“Explain which bear is better adapted to survive in its environment: the American black bear or the polar bear. Use details from the text about appearance, diet, habitat, and behavior to support your opinion.”
R
Restate
Turn the question into a statement
A
Answer
State your choice clearly
C
Cite Evidence
Give facts from the text
E
Explain
Tell how the facts prove it
Model Response: Polar Bear Choice (Grade 3 SCR)
Meets 100% of Standards
R + A In my opinion, the polar bear is better adapted to survive in its environment because its body, diet, and behavior help it stay warm and hunt in the freezing Arctic.
C (Evidence 1) According to paragraph 4, polar bears have clear fur that reflects light to look white, black skin to absorb heat from the sun, and a thick layer of fat to keep warm.
C (Evidence 2) The text also explains in paragraphs 7 and 9 that because no plants grow in the icy Arctic, polar bears hunt seals and continue hunting even in freezing winter cold.
E (Explanation) These details prove that polar bears have special physical features and hunting habits that allow them to live in a harsh, icy habitat where other animals would freeze or starve.
Why This Response Earns a High Score
Restate & Answer: Combines prompt words (“better adapted to survive in its environment”) with a distinct claim.
Appearance & Diet: Directly cites black skin, fat layer, and hunting seals from paragraphs 4 & 7.
Habitat & Behavior: Notes year-round freezing Arctic conditions and active winter hunting from paragraph 9.
Clear Explanation: Connects the facts directly back to *how* they ensure survival in the cold.
Grade 3 RACE Sentence Starters Bank
Restate & Answer (R & A)
- In my opinion, the ___ bear is...
- The text shows that the ___ bear is better adapted because...
Cite Evidence (C)
- According to the text, “...”
- Paragraph ___ states that...
- The author explains that...
Explain (E)
- This shows that the bear...
- These details prove that...
- This adaptation helps it survive by...
Grade 3 Short Constructed Response Writing Page 1 of 2: Strategy & Model
Student Practice & Alternative Model
Write Your Own Constructed Response
Name:
Date:
Can You Pick the American Black Bear Instead? Yes! Alternative Exemplar
[R+A] In my opinion, the American black bear is better adapted to survive in its environment because its varied diet and winter denning behavior protect it in North American forests. [C] The author explains in paragraph 6 that black bears eat many foods including berries, grasses, roots, and insects. In paragraph 8, the text notes that when food is scarce in winter, black bears stay inside dens and survive off stored fat. [E] This proves black bears adapt well because their flexible diet and winter rest allow them to thrive, which is why paragraph 10 states their numbers are growing in the wild.
Quick Text Clues (Choose Your Bear & Gather Evidence)
Polar Bear (Arctic) Icy & Cold
- • Appearance: Clear fur reflects light; black skin & fat hold heat (P4)
- • Diet: Hunts seals and whales (no plants grow) (P7)
- • Behavior: Hunts all winter; does not stay in dens (P9)
American Black Bear (Forest) Woodlands
- • Appearance: Fur blends with woods; 5-6 ft long (P3, P5)
- • Diet: Eats berries, roots, insects, and fish (P6)
- • Behavior: Builds fat stores; dens in winter; population growing (P8, P10)
Your Constructed Response (Write in Complete Sentences) Target: 4–6 Sentences
R + A
CITE 1
CITE 2
EXPLAIN
EXPLAIN
SUM UP
3rd Grade RACE Self-Check Checklist Check each box when done!
R: Restated prompt A: Picked one bear C: 2 text details E: Told how it helps
Grade 3 Short Constructed Response Writing Page 2 of 2: Practice & Checklist
