How to Write a
“RACES” Paragraph
English, Oh My!
Example Short Response Question
English, Oh My!
After reading the article, “Natural Disasters,” should people evacuate hurricane-prone areas if suggested by officials and emergency responders?
R
English, Oh My!
Example Question-After reading the article, “Natural Disasters,” should people evacuate hurricane-prone areas if suggested by officials and emergency responders?
______the question as a statement.
This becomes your ____ _______! (The POINT)
Step # 1, get rid of the question stem-should, could, would, how, why, etc.
Step # 2, cross out the question mark.
After reading the article, “Natural Disasters,” people should evacuate hurricane-prone areas if suggested by officials.
A
English, Oh My!
People should leave hurricane-prone areas if suggested by officials or emergency responders because it could be dangerous if they do not leave the area.
_____ the question with a “______”.
C
English, Oh My!
MLA cite evidence to support your claim.
____ text-based ______. (The PROOF)
Use the proper and formal way in citing evidence:
The author states, /says, /explains, “ Word-for-word text ” (Smith 5) .
#2: In “Natural Disasters,” Smith states, “ word-for-word text ” (5) .
#1: Smith explains, “ word-for-word text ” (“Natural Disasters” 5) .
E
AVOID USING THE WORD “THIS”
2-3 sentences of elaboration shows your understanding.
_______ on the citation.
Sentence # 1
Starters
To explain,
In other words,
The author means...
Sentence # 2
Starters
“______” shows
____ expresses…
____ suggests...
Sentence # 3 Starters
The effect of ___ is…
The result of ____ is…
A consequence of ___ is…
____ may make someone feel…
S
English, Oh My!
_____ up the paragraph and ______ (add a _______ in essays).
______ the topic sentence from sentence # 1.
Change the verb/s or adjective/s used to give variety.
EXAMPLE:
Overall, people should leave hurricane-prone areas to stay safe and protect their families.
Short Response Question
English, Oh My!
After reading the article, “Natural Disasters,” should people evacuate hurricane-prone areas if suggested by officials and emergency responders?
Notice I did not use the word “THIS” in the Elaboration section.
Exemplar Paragraph
After reading the article, “Natural Disasters,” people should evacuate hurricane-prone areas if suggested by officials because it is dangerous if they stay.
The author states, “45% of people who stay in these storm areas and do not evacuate face catastrophic damage, injuries or even death” (Burke 44).
To explain, such a high statistic means people who do not listen to authorities can face devastating consequences to their property and family. Data suggests people should definitely listen to local emergency responders, and if responders tell people to leave, it is not a suggestion but rather a directive. Leaving their homes may make a family feel nervous or scared, but it is for a purpose. Authorities want the best for people, and they do not want anyone to get hurt.
In the end, people should leave hurricane-prone areas if there is an emergency evacuation; this is the difference between life or death.
Things to Remember