How to Cite Evidence From Text to Support your Arguments Using the R.A.S.C. 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. Figure out which sections of the text helps you determine your answer. Use the evidence from the text in your paragraph-long answer.

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.

How do I answer the question with textual evidence? Follow the R.A.S.C. Method: R – Restate the question or provide a topic sentence. A – Answer the question. S – Support the answer by citing specific evidence from the text. C – Closing statement.

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) Ricardo was both pushed and pulled.

Constructing A Complete Response – Writing the Response People may migrate because they are pushed from their community or pulled to a new one.(R) In Ricardo’s situation, he has been both pushed and pulled.(A) In his interview, Ricardo said he was unhappy with the Cuban government. When you are unhappy with the government, you are being pushed out of his community. Ricardo also said it was safer in America. This is a pull factor because the safety of America pulled him into a new community.(S) Ricardo’s interview is a good example of how a person can be both pushed and pulled.(C)

Constructing A Complete Response – Group Response Read Paul’s Interview. As a group, decide if Paul was pushed from Germany or pulled to America. Determine which parts of the interview helps you answer the question. As a group, write a 1-paragraph response that uses evidence from interview.

Constructing A Complete Response – Individual Response Read Clara’s Interview. On your own, determine if Clara was pushed from Guatemala or pulled to the United States. Determine which evidence from the interview supports your answer. On your own, write a 1-paragraph answer. (This will be collected!)