1. We’re off to the RACES
with Writing at PES!

2. Why is writing important? We want our students to be able to:
Do well on the ACT Aspire Test
Write well thought out answers on Weekly Reading Tests
Meet Common Core Writing Standards
Express their thoughts and ideas in a clear, organized way

3. R A C E S RACES estate key words from the prompt.
nswer all parts of the question
ite evidence from the text.
xplain each piece of evidence.
um it up. R A C E S

4. What do the colors mean? We use green, yellow and red to help us organize our writing.
Green means “go.” Restate the question.
Yellow means “slow down.” Answer all parts of the question. Cite evidence from
the text. Use signal words.
Red means “stop.” Explain and give
examples for each piece of evidence.
Green means “go.” Sum it up. Go back
and remind the reader of your topic.

5. Write your first sentence using the key words.
estate key words from the prompt.
Circle key words in the prompt.
Cross out the question words.
Prompt:
How do the main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end? Use evidence from the passage to support your response.
Write your first sentence using the key words.
The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.

6. The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Sum it Up

7. A nswer all parts of the question. Prompt:
How do the main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end? Use evidence from the passage to support your response.
Our answer should have evidence that shows how the character’s feelings changed from the beginning to the end. This means the beginning, middle, and end of the story.

8. C ite evidence from the text. Use signal words and
quote or paraphrase the text.

9. Let’s look at the passage:
How did Will feel at the beginning of the story?
Let’s look at the passage:
Today was the day. Will was so excited he could barely contain himself. He had this date marked on his calendar ever since Evan had invited him three weeks ago. Will had always loved skateboarding, but he had never had the chance to test out his skills on snow. For the past three years, he dreamt of gliding down sparkling slopes with the chill of the winter air whipping at his face. Although his parents would have loved to take him on a snowboarding adventure at the nearby ski mountain, they never seemed to have quite enough money to take the whole family. However, Will’s luck changed when his best friend, Evan, was given permission to invite one friend to go snowboarding with him as a birthday present. Will was so thankful that Evan invited him for this amazing experience.

10. Today was the day. Will was so excited he could barely contain himself
Today was the day. Will was so excited he could barely contain himself. He had this date marked on his calendar ever since Evan had invited him three weeks ago. Will had always loved skateboarding, but he had never had the chance to test out his skills on snow. For the past three years, he dreamt of gliding down sparkling slopes with the chill of the winter air whipping at his face. Although his parents would have loved to take him on a snowboarding adventure at the nearby ski mountain, they never seemed to have quite enough money to take the whole family. However, Will’s luck changed when his best friend, Evan, was given permission to invite one friend to go snowboarding with him as a birthday present. Will was so thankful that Evan invited him for this amazing experience.

11. C ite evidence from the text. Use signal words and
quote or paraphrase the text.
At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.”

12. The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.
At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.”
Explain / Examples
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Sum it Up

13. E xplain each piece of evidence.
After each example that you cite from the text, be sure to think about how you would feel or what you would have done in that situation. Have you had similar experiences? Why do you think the character acted that way?
Students use background knowledge and personal experiences to explain Will’s excitement.
I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go.

14. The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.
At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.”
I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go.
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Sum it Up

15. Now we need to do the same for the middle and end of the story
Now we need to do the same for the middle and end of the story. We will cite evidence and explain from personal experiences how Will felt in the middle and at the end of the story to show how his feelings changed.

16. How did Will feel in the middle of the story
How did Will feel in the middle of the story? Let’s look at the passage:
“Is your room clean yet?” Will’s mother called from the kitchen, interrupting his daydream “Ugh! I don’t have time to clean my room! Evan’s parents will be here to pick me up in half an hour!” Will replied from the dining room as he looked up from his bowl of cereal “Don’t you remember? That was our deal, buddy. Yesterday you promised that your room would be clean so that you could go snowboarding today,” his mother reminded him “I’ll do it as soon as I get home. There is no way that I’ll have enough time to get all of my snow gear together and clean my room before Evan gets here,” Will argued “A promise is a promise,” Will’s mom replied. “You are going to have that room clean before Evan arrives or else you will not be going anywhere today.” “Ugh!” Will moaned as he threw his empty bowl and spoon into the sink, stomped up the stairs, and slammed his bedroom door Will growled and grumbled as he rushed to get his room cleaned up in a hurry. This was by far his very least favorite chore “Why should my bed be made if I’m only going to mess it up again night after night?” Will pouted out loud “I need to hear the vacuum cleaner running, too, Will!” his mother called up the stairs “Seriously?!” Will groaned. Looking at the clock, Will could tell that he only had ten minutes until Evan’s parents would pull up in the driveway.

17. How did Will feel in the middle of the story
How did Will feel in the middle of the story? Let’s look at the passage:
“Is your room clean yet?” Will’s mother called from the kitchen, interrupting his daydream “Ugh! I don’t have time to clean my room! Evan’s parents will be here to pick me up in half an hour!” Will replied from the dining room as he looked up from his bowl of cereal “Don’t you remember? That was our deal, buddy. Yesterday you promised that your room would be clean so that you could go snowboarding today,” his mother reminded him “I’ll do it as soon as I get home. There is no way that I’ll have enough time to get all of my snow gear together and clean my room before Evan gets here,” Will argued “A promise is a promise,” Will’s mom replied. “You are going to have that room clean before Evan arrives or else you will not be going anywhere today.” “Ugh!” Will moaned as he threw his empty bowl and spoon into the sink, stomped up the stairs, and slammed his bedroom door Will growled and grumbled as he rushed to get his room cleaned up in a hurry. This was by far his very least favorite chore “Why should my bed be made if I’m only going to mess it up again night after night?” Will pouted out loud “I need to hear the vacuum cleaner running, too, Will!” his mother called up the stairs “Seriously?!” Will groaned. Looking at the clock, Will could tell that he only had ten minutes until Evan’s parents would pull up in the driveway.

18. The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.
At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.”
I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go.
In the middle of the story, Will’s feelings change. Will becomes pouty and unhappy because he has to clean his room before he can go snowboarding with his friend. The text says that Will moaned, threw his dishes in the sink, stomped upstairs, and slammed his bedroom door.
Explain / Examples
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Sum it Up

19. The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.
At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.”
I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go.
In the middle of the story, Will’s feelings change. Will becomes pouty and unhappy because he has to clean his room before he can go snowboarding with his friend. The text says that Will moaned, threw his dishes in the sink, stomped upstairs, and slammed his bedroom door.
I know when I have to do something I don’t want to, I groan and complain about it.
Cite Evidence
Use Signal Words
Explain / Examples
Sum it Up

20. How did Will feel at the end of the story? Let’s look at the passage:
“Seriously?!” Will groaned. Looking at the clock, Will could tell that he only had ten minutes until Evan’s parents would pull up in the driveway With the speed of a cheetah, Will swept his bedroom with the vacuum cleaner, tossed a few articles of clothing into his hamper, and placed a few toys back in his closet “Done!” Will exclaimed as he collapsed on top of his bed. After he caught his breath, Will remembered that he had no time to waste. He poked his head out of his door and called, “Hey, mom! I’m ready for my inspection!” When his mother entered his room a moment later, a huge grin spread across her face. “Well, Will, I do believe this is a new world record,” she began. “It seems that you are, in fact, capable of cleaning your room in a matter of minutes rather than taking all day like you usually do.” “Yeah,” Will replied. “I guess you’re right, mom. But… I’d rather be an Olympic snowboarder rather than an Olympic room cleaner, so I better jet.” “Well, have fun and try not to break any bones today,” Will’s mother answered “No prob, mom!” Will laughed as he gave her a giant hug In a flash, Will had his snow gear gathered up and ready to go just as the doorbell rang.

21. How did Will feel at the end of the story? Let’s look at the passage:
“Seriously?!” Will groaned. Looking at the clock, Will could tell that he only had ten minutes until Evan’s parents would pull up in the driveway With the speed of a cheetah, Will swept his bedroom with the vacuum cleaner, tossed a few articles of clothing into his hamper, and placed a few toys back in his closet “Done!” Will exclaimed as he collapsed on top of his bed. After he caught his breath, Will remembered that he had no time to waste. He poked his head out of his door and called, “Hey, mom! I’m ready for my inspection!” When his mother entered his room a moment later, a huge grin spread across her face. “Well, Will, I do believe this is a new world record,” she began. “It seems that you are, in fact, capable of cleaning your room in a matter of minutes rather than taking all day like you usually do.” “Yeah,” Will replied. “I guess you’re right, mom. But… I’d rather be an Olympic snowboarder rather than an Olympic room cleaner, so I better jet.” “Well, have fun and try not to break any bones today,” Will’s mother answered “No prob, mom!” Will laughed as he gave her a giant hug In a flash, Will had his snow gear gathered up and ready to go just as the doorbell rang.

22. The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.
At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.”
I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go.
In the middle of the story, Will’s feelings change. Will becomes pouty and unhappy because he has to clean his room before he can go snowboarding with his friend. The text says that Will moaned, threw his dishes in the sink, stomped upstairs, and slammed his bedroom door.
I know when I have to do something I don’t want to, I groan and complain about it.
Finally, at the end of the story, Will’s feelings change again and he becomes happy and excited. In the story, he decides to hurry up and clean his room. When his mother congratulated him on getting his bedroom cleaned so quickly, Will laughed and gave her a hug.
Explain / Examples
Sum it Up

23. The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.
At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.”
I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go.
In the middle of the story, Will’s feelings change. Will becomes pouty and unhappy because he has to clean his room before he can go snowboarding with his friend. The text says that Will moaned, threw his dishes in the sink, stomped upstairs, and slammed his bedroom door.
I know when I have to do something I don’t want to, I groan and complain about it.
Finally, at the end of the story, Will’s feelings change again, and he becomes happy and excited. In the story, he decides to hurry and clean his room. When his mother congratulated him on getting his bedroom cleaned so quickly, Will laughed and gave her a hug.
I know when I get something done, even when I didn’t want to do it, I feel good about it.
Sum it Up

24. S um it up. Use signal words and key words from the prompt
to write a concluding sentence.
As you can see, Will’s feelings changed from the beginning
to the end of the story.

25. The main character’s feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end.
At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.”
I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go.
In the middle of the story, Will’s feelings change. Will becomes pouty and unhappy because he has to clean his room before he can go snowboarding with his friend. The text says that Will moaned, threw his dishes in the sink, stomped upstairs, and slammed his bedroom door.
I know when I have to do something I don’t want to, I groan and complain about it.
Finally, at the end of the story, Will’s feeling change again and he becomes happy and excited. In the story, he decides to hurry up and clean his room. When his mother congratulated him on getting his bedroom cleaned so quickly, Will laughed and gave her a hug.
I know when I get something done, even when I didn’t want to do it, I feel good about it.
As you can see, Will’s feeling changed from the beginning to the end of the story.

26. Completed paragraph:
The main character’s feelings changed from the beginning of the story to the end. At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.” I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go. In the middle of the story, Will’s feelings change. Will becomes pouty and unhappy because he has to clean his room before he can go snowboarding with his friend. The text says that Will moaned, threw his dishes in the sink, stomped upstairs, and slammed his bedroom door. I know when I have to do something I don’t want to, I groan and complain about it. Finally, at the end of the story, Will’s feelings change again, and he becomes happy and excited. In the story, he decides to hurry up and clean his room. When his mother congratulated him on getting his bedroom cleaned so quickly, Will laughed and gave her a hug. I know when I get something done, even when I didn’t want to do it, I feel good about it. As you can see, Will’s feelings changed from the beginning to the end of the story.

27. Completed paragraph:
The main character’s feelings changed from the beginning of the story to the end. At the beginning, Will felt excited because he was about to go snowboarding for the first time. The passage stated that “Will was so excited that he could barely contain himself.” I know when I get invited to something special like a birthday party, I feel excited and can’t wait to go. In the middle of the story, Will’s feelings change. Will becomes pouty and unhappy because he has to clean his room before he can go snowboarding with his friend. The text says that Will moaned, threw his dishes in the sink, stomped upstairs, and slammed his bedroom door. I know when I have to do something I don’t want to, I groan and complain about it. Finally, at the end of the story, Will’s feelings change again and he becomes happy and excited. In the story, he decides to stop pouting and clean his room. When his mother congratulated him on getting his bedroom cleaned so quickly, Will laughed and gave her a hug. I know when I get something done, even when I didn’t want to do it, I feel good about it. As you can see, Will’s feelings changed from the beginning to the end of the story.

28. If you have any questions, please write them on index cards and place them in the dropbox.
Your name _____________________
Child’s name ____________________
Homeroom teacher _______________
___________________
Question: ____________________