Same Writing › Answering questions › RACES
What is the RACES writing strategy?
RACES is a five-step formula for answering a question about a text: Restate the question, Answer it, Cite evidence, Explain the evidence, and Sum it up. It's RACE with a closing sentence added, and it's the most common answer format in upper elementary and middle school.
- R, A, C, E: the same four steps as RACE.
- S: a closing sentence that wraps up the answer.
- Some classes cite and explain twice for longer answers.
Why schools teach it
It's a complete short answer, every time
Kids are expected to support answers with specific evidence from the text (RI.4.1, W.4.9, W.6.9). RACES makes sure they do, then explain how the evidence proves the point. The final S turns a list of steps into a finished paragraph.
Our RACE guide in the reading section covers the first four steps for grades 3–5. RACES adds the summary that middle school teachers often expect.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
Use words from the question to start your answer.
RestateWhere does the text prove that?
CiteWhat does that evidence show?
ExplainHow can you wrap it up in one sentence?
Sum it up
Skip this
- Starting with “Because...”Restating the question makes the answer a full sentence.
- Copying the restate sentence as the summary.Sum it up in fresh words that pull it together.
- Skipping the quotation marks.Cited words from the text go in quotes.
See it in action
Answering “Why can camels walk on sand without sinking?”
Restate and Answer
Camels can walk on sand without sinking because they have wide, padded feet.Cite and Explain
The text says, “Wide, padded feet keep them from sinking.” This shows their feet spread out their weight.Sum it up
Their feet are one way camels are made for desert life.
Sentence starters help: “The text says,” “This shows that,” “In conclusion.”
Free practice sheet
Make a RACES sheet
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Every writing method in one printable book (78 pages): a cheat sheet page like this guide, plus a practice sheet and its answer key for each, in Classic and handwritten Notebook styles. $9 one time, or all 7 subjects for $29.99. See all prices.
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
What's the difference between RACE and RACES?
RACES adds S: a final sentence that sums up the answer. Some teachers use S for “summarize.”
How long should a RACES answer be?
Usually five to seven sentences: one for each letter, sometimes two cites and two explains.
Is RACES used in other subjects?
Yes. Social studies and science teachers often use it for written answers.
What if the question has two parts?
Answer both parts in the restate-and-answer sentence, then give evidence for each.