How to Cite Evidence From Text to Support your Arguments Using the R.A.C.E.S Method

Why do I need to cite evidence from a text? The textual evidence makes your argument more powerful. Textual evidence goes beyond just your opinions, thoughts, feelings. The evidence you pick shows that you understand what you are actually reading.

How do I cite evidence from a text? Read the text. Develop an answer to the question. Find pieces of text that will help you strengthen your answer. Use the evidence from the text in your paragraph-long answer.

How do I answer the question with textual evidence? Follow the R.A.C.E.S. Method: R – Restate the question in a topic sentence. A – Answer the question. C – Cite textual evidence to support your answer. E – Explain your thinking and the text evidence S – Sum it up. Write a conclusion and make a personal, textual, or global connection to the text.

Sentence Starters R – “I think…” or “I believe…” A – “I think _______ BECAUSE…” or “I believe _________ BECAUSE…” C – “In the reading passage…” or “In the text…” E – How does it fit together? “This means that…” S – Closing statement. “In conclusion, …”

Example – Immigrant Interviews: Was the immigrant pushed or pulled? My name is Ricardo. I am from Cuba, but I came to America in 1961. There are about a million other Cubans that have moved to the United States. Many Cubans live in Miami, Florida. We like to live near each other so that we don’t feel too far from home. It’s nice having a Cuban for a neighbor, one that speaks your language (Spanish) and cooks and eats the same kind of food you do. Most people that have come from Cuba like me are unhappy with the way the Cubans run their government. In the United States, a person has specific rights, based on the Constitution. In Cuba, the government decides what is best for a person. It is much safer to live in America.

Constructing A Complete Response – Determine Answer & Evidence Go back to the interview – Why did Ricardo move from Cuba to U.S.? He did not like the Cuban Government & Wanted Safety in America – “Most people that have come from Cuba like me are unhappy with the way the Cubans run their government. In the United States, a person has specific rights, based on the Constitution. In Cuba, the government decides what is best for a person. It is much safer to live in America.” (From actual text)