3c’s/RACE

Why??? Why do I need to learn the 3C’s or RACE writing strategies?   How can 3C’s or RACE help me become a better writer? When will I ever really use 3C’s or RACE? OK…(I’m convinced); let’s learn how to write using 3C’s!!!

How? First- encounter a question or prompt that requires an evidence-based written response (this will happen more often than you think)   Second- underline the key words in the question, so you are certain your answer the question you are being asked Next- dig into your information source (text) to find the best answer to your question AND the BEST quote to backup, or support, your answer NOW- FOLLOW the FORMAT below as you put your work into writing

RACE R= restate the question A= answer the question C= cite your evidence E= explain your reasoning in your own words RA= 1 sentence C= 1 sentence E= 2-3 sentences

3c’s CLAIM: 1) restate key words from the question 2) answer the question *One sentence CITE: 1) introduce the quote 2) QUOTE 3) Citation Clarify: Explain in 2-3 well-written sentences- 1) how the cite proves the claim 2) how the question relates to the text as a whole *Without simply repeating the words in the claim and cite

3c’s and RACE 3c’s and RACE are the same thing, you choose which one you feel works best for you.

Claim, RA Claim, RA info Your opinion or answer to the question- a thesis of sorts. Often identifies a central idea or main point. It is YOUR WORDS, not taken from the text.

Claim, RA Claim/RA example Question: Why does Scrooge change by the end of A Christmas Carol? Answer: Scrooge changes at the end of A Christmas Carol because he realizes how greedy he is. Question: What does 11:59 symbolize? Question: How are the Greasers characterized?

Cite, C Cite, C info Whenever you make a claim, you MUST back it up with evidence. This evidence is called a citation. Citations are a direct quote, paraphrase, or general summary from the text. Ways to introduce your citation: “According to the text…” “The text states…” “The author describes…” “In the article…”

Cite, C continued Cite, C example According to the text, Lester Simmons says, “ ” (14). In The Outsiders, Ponyboy explains, “ ” (8). In chapter 8, Johnny says, “ ” (140).

Claim/RA and Cite put together How does the author use allusion? The author uses allusion to emphasize the senseless nature of talking to his mother’s family. In the passage, his mother says, “You’d be better off watching the Three Stooges than to interview them” (1).

Clarify CLARIFY: Add 3-5 sentences of explanation to help the reader of your response understand your thinking. Explain what things you know about the text that helped you make the connection between the text you cited (look at the quote) and your answer.   FINAL PRODUCT- a 5-7 sentence paragraph that provides a focused, well-written answer to your question or prompt

Now you try In most cases, you can transplant a tree successfully, at any time, if you follow the instructions for planting a tree. The most important thing is to dig out enough roots, but this process is difficult with a large tree. When you dig out the tree, leave a ball of earth around its roots. This ball of earth should measure about a foot wide for every inch of tree trunk's diameter. Dig deep enough to avoid cutting off too many taproots. It is wise to call in a professional tree expert to transplant a tree more than a few inches in trunk diameter. Question: Is it difficult to transplant a large tree? Why?