A three-part differentiated reading comprehension unit focusing on character situational motivation and RACE constructed responses for 3rd grade resource and at-risk reading groups.
Explain why cutting down the tree shows his motivation:
These details prove that Keenan wants __________________________________________________
because even though he loved the tree, his biggest goal was to ____________________________.
This shows his motivation in this moment is _______________________________________________.
◻ Named character ◻ Two details cited ◻ Explained motivation
Page 2 of 3 • Part 2: R.A.C.E. Planning Sheet
Grade 3 ELA • Final Written Response Day 2 • The Woodpecker
Situational Motivation Written Response
Name: ____________________
Question: On page 13, Keenan thinks, "Enough is enough... Where is my saw? No tree, no nest, no woodpecker!" What is Keenan’s situational motivation in this moment, and why is he willing to cut down his favorite tree? Use two details from the text to support your thinking.
Page 3 of 3 • Part 3: Written Response
Answer Keys & Scoring Rubric Day 1 & Day 2 • The Woodpecker
Master Answer Keys & RACE Models
Day 1 Multiple Choice Key:
1. A: To see who is knocking at his door (p. 4).
2. A: To scare the bird away from his tree (p. 5).
3. A: He wants to block the tapping noise to sleep (p. 7).
4. A: To do something to the nest hole to stop the bird (p. 8).
Day 2 Multiple Choice Key:
1. A: To scare the woodpecker away so it leaves (p. 9).
2. A: To plug every hole so the bird cannot peck (p. 12).
3. A: To remove the tree so the bird has no home (p. 13).
4. A: He still wants peace and quiet to sleep (p. 15).
Day 1 RACE Exemplar Response (Score: 4/4):
[R & A] In this moment on page 7, Keenan’s situational motivation is to block out the tapping sound so he can finally get some sleep because he is feeling exhausted and frustrated. [C] The text states on page 7, "They helped, but they did not stop the tapping, which continued to find its way into his dreams." [E] This evidence proves that Keenan desperately wants silence. When people are woken up early every single day at 5:30 a.m., they try anything to get rest. This shows his motivation in this moment is to protect his sleep.
Day 2 RACE Exemplar Response (Score: 4/4):
[R & A] On page 13, Keenan’s situational motivation is to eliminate the woodpecker's nesting spot forever by cutting down the tree because he is willing to do whatever it takes to sleep. [C] The text states on page 12 that "the tree was crowded with all sorts of things," and on page 13 Keenan thinks, "No tree, no nest, no woodpecker!" [E] This shows that Keenan had already tried softer solutions like toys and rags, but they all failed. Even though the tree was his favorite, his need for peace was greater. This proves his motivation was to permanently remove the source of the noise.
4 - Mastery: Restates, correctly names motivation, quotes direct text evidence, explains why using schema.
3 - Approaching: Names motivation and quotes text, but explanation is brief or repeats the quote.
2 - Developing: States motivation or quotes text, but lacks clear link between evidence and character want.
1 - Emerging: Incomplete response; needs heavy verbal prompting and sentence stem re-reading.
Teacher Guide • Page 2 of 2
This evidence proves that Mouse wants _________________________________________________
because when small creatures are in mortal danger, they __________________________________.
This shows her motivation in this moment is ______________________________________________.
◻ Named character ◻ Quoted evidence ◻ Explained motivation
Page 2 of 3 • Part 2: R.A.C.E. Planning Sheet
Grade 3 ELA • Final Written Response Day 1 • The Lion and the Mouse
Situational Motivation Written Response
Name: ____________________
Question: On page 6, Mouse cries out, "Spare me, and one day I will help you in return." What is Mouse’s situational motivation in this moment, and why does she make this promise to Lion? Use your completed RACE plan to write your full response below in neat handwriting.
Page 3 of 3 • Part 3: Written Response
These details show that while other animals were afraid, Mouse wanted to ________________
because when someone shows you kindness, you ________________________________________.
This proves her motivation in this moment is ______________________________________________.
◻ Named character ◻ Two details cited ◻ Explained motivation
Page 2 of 3 • Part 2: R.A.C.E. Planning Sheet
Grade 3 ELA • Final Written Response Day 2 • The Lion and the Mouse
Situational Motivation Written Response
Name: ____________________
Question: On page 12, Mouse runs to Lion and uses her sharp teeth to chew away the net. What is Mouse’s situational motivation in this moment, and what does this action prove about her character? Use two details from the story to support your thinking.
Page 3 of 3 • Part 3: Written Response
Answer Keys & Scoring Rubric Day 1 & Day 2 • The Lion and the Mouse
Master Answer Keys & RACE Models
Day 1 Multiple Choice Key:
1. A: To catch the animal that woke him up (p. 4).
2. A: To eat Mouse for a quick afternoon meal (p. 5).
3. A: To save her own life by persuading Lion (p. 6).
4. A: He is amused by her promise and shows mercy (p. 7–8).
Day 2 Multiple Choice Key:
1. A: To break free from the trap and get help (p. 9–10).
2. A: They are afraid of Lion's fierce power (p. 11).
3. A: To rescue Lion and keep her promise (p. 12).
4. A: He respects Mouse and is truly thankful (p. 14).
Day 1 RACE Exemplar Response (Score: 4/4):
[R & A] In this moment on page 6, Mouse’s situational motivation is to convince Lion to spare her life so that she does not get eaten because she is terrified. [C] The text states on page 6, "'Spare me,' she cried, 'and one day I will help you in return.'" [E] This evidence proves that Mouse was willing to make a bold promise to survive. When small animals are trapped under a giant predator's paw, they will say anything to stay alive. This shows her situational motivation was self-preservation.
Day 2 RACE Exemplar Response (Score: 4/4):
[R & A] On page 12, Mouse’s situational motivation is to rescue Lion by chewing through the hunter's ropes, which proves that she is brave and keeps her word. [C] The text states on page 11 that "none came to help," but on page 12 "Mouse chewed away the net with her sharp little teeth." [E] This demonstrates that even though Lion was huge and terrifying to other animals, Mouse remembered his mercy. When someone saves your life, you return the favor. This proves her motivation was to fulfill her promise and free her friend.
This evidence proves that they want to __________________________________________________
because good friends work together to ___________________________________________________.
This shows their motivation in this moment is ______________________________________________.
◻ Named characters ◻ Quoted evidence ◻ Explained motivation
Page 2 of 3 • Part 2: R.A.C.E. Planning Sheet
Grade 3 ELA • Final Written Response Intervention Day • Bake Sale
Situational Motivation Written Response
Name: ____________________
Question: On pages 5–7, after hearing Billy cannot afford to fix his bike, Mac and Tosh decide to hold a bake sale. What is their situational motivation in this moment, and what does this action reveal about their friendship? Use your completed RACE plan to write your full response below in neat handwriting.
Page 3 of 3 • Part 3: Written Response
2. A: To earn money to fix Billy's broken bike (pp. 6–7).
3. A: To invite townsfolk to come buy treats (p. 8).
4. A: To make delicious goods people will buy (p. 9).
RACE Exemplar Written Response (Score: 4/4):
[R & A] In this moment on pages 5–7, Mac and Tosh’s situational motivation is to raise money to fix Billy’s broken bike because they want to cheer him up, which shows they are caring and loyal friends. [C] The text states on page 5 that Tosh says, "Mac, we must help Billy fix his bike," and on page 7 Mac says, "We can have a bake sale." [E] This evidence proves that the trees immediately jumped into action to solve Billy's problem. When true friends see someone in trouble who doesn't have enough money, they use what they have to help. This shows their situational motivation was to help their friend smile again.
