1. R A C E S R = Restate the prompt/question/statement
A = Answer the “restatement”
C = Cite textual evidence to support your claim Sentence #2
E = Elaborate with basic commentary (use the sentence starters)
Sentence #3 (and maybe more )
S = Summarize your thoughts/response. What does it mean? Develop a conclusion.
Sentence #4 (and maybe more  )
These two items become your “CLAIM” and are usually combined
Sentence #1

2. What Is Commentary?
Commentary - your explanation and interpretation of the text evidence
Commentary shows how the text evidence helps to prove the claim or position

3. This means . . . This shows . . . This illustrates . . .
When introducing commentary, use the following sentence starters as prompts
This means . . .
This shows . . .
This illustrates . . .
This reveals . . .
This highlights . . .

4. Question/ Prompt
In the story, The Three Little Pigs, which of the pigs is the smartest?

5. C The third little pig took 3 days to build his house of bricks.
R&A In the story, The Three Little Pigs, the third little pig was the smartest!
C The third little pig took 3 days to build his house of bricks.
Explain evidence with commentary!!!
(Which of the following is more effective?)
This means that the first and second pigs moved too quickly.
This shows that the third pig spent more time on his house than the other pigs.
This reveals that he recognized the importance of taking the time needed to use strong materials that were durable and capable of providing safety.

6. Evidence and Commentary
Text Evidence
The third little pig took three days to build his house with bricks.
Commentary
This reveals that he recognized the importance of taking the time needed to use strong materials that were durable and capable of providing safety.

7. Completed Paragraph Sample
(RA) In the story, The Three Little Pigs, the third little pig was the smartest! (C) The third little pig took 3 days to build his house of bricks. (E) This reveals that he recognized the importance of using strong materials that were durable and capable of providing safety. (S) The other pigs were done in less than one day and able to enjoy time in their homes. However, they used weak and easily found materials that provided little protection in their time of need. The third little pig worked harder and longer because he realized that his rewards would pay off in the end.