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, …”

Now, based on your survival guide project… How do civilizations adapt to their environment to survive? Use evidence from at least 2 different civilizations. Write your paragraph essay using the RACES model. Use your notes and what you learned as your evidence!