R.A.C.E.S.

How to write organized paragraphs

What is R.A.C.E.S.?
RACES is a strategy
to write organized
paragraphs. It is
used for paragraph
response questions.
RESTATE KEY WORDS
Use the question to
create a topic
sentence. Restate
key words from the
question or prompt.
RESTATE KEY WORDS--
Paragraph
What led to the fall of the
Western Roman Empire?

Restatement
The Western Roman Empire
fell…
ANSWER THE QUESTION
Provide a clear
answer that gets right
to the point. Put the
in the same sentence
as the restatement.
ANSWER THE QUESTION--
Paragraph
Restatement
The Western Roman Empire fell…
Answer
…in part because of instability within
the empire.

The Western Roman Empire fell in part

because of economic turmoil within
the empire.
CITE EVIDENCE
Use evidence from the
text to support your
answer.
• Evidence can be
stated in your own
words. This is called
paraphrasing.
• Evidence can also
be given as a quote.
CITE EVIDENCE--
Paragraph
• The Western Roman Empire fell in part
because of economic turmoil within the
empire. For instance, document 1 states
that because of overspending “Rome used
high taxes to pay its military and ensure
the defense of its borders” (Smith 12).
Document 3 reveals that many wealthy
Romans avoided paying taxes by moving
into the countryside where they would
establish their own fiefdoms (Johnson 7).
EXPLAIN THE EVIDENCE
Clarify how the
evidence supports your
answer.
EXPLAIN THE EVIDENCE--
Paragraph
The Western Roman Empire fell in part because of a failing
economy. For instance, document 1 states that because of
overspending “Rome used high taxes to pay its military
and ensure the defense of its borders” (Smith 12).
Document 3 reveals that many wealthy Romans avoided
paying taxes by moving into the countryside where they
would establish fiefdoms (Johnson 7). In other words,
because of high expenses, Roman leaders levied high taxes
on their citizens. This in turn led to further economic
problems and political instability as some citizens evaded
taxation and sought independence within the empire.
SUM IT UP
Restate your
answer in a new
way and bring the
paragraph to a
close.
SUM IT UP--
Paragraph
• The Western Roman Empire fell in part because of a failing
economy. For instance, document 1 states that because of
overspending “Rome used high taxes to pay its military and
ensure the defense of its borders” (Smith 12). Document 3
reveals that many wealthy Romans avoided paying taxes by
moving into the countryside where they would establish
fiefdoms (Johnson 7). In other words, because of high
expenses, Roman leaders levied high taxes on their citizens.
This in turn led to further economic problems and political
instability as some citizens evaded taxation and sought
independence within the empire. In short, while there were
many factors that contributed to Rome’s fall, economic
failure played a major role in the decline of the empire.
PRO TIP: Use Signal Phrases
for smooth transitions
• Cite Evidence
• According to the text
• For instance
• For example
• Explanation
• This shows
• In other words
• Sum it up
• In sum
• In short
REVIEW 1
Write out what each letter stands for:

R
A
C
E
S
REVIEW 2
• Identify each part of where each part of RACES is in the following
paragraph:

The Western Roman Empire fell in part because of a failing economy.

For instance, document 1 states that because of overspending “Rome
used high taxes to pay its military and ensure the defense of its
borders” (Smith 12). Document 3 reveals that many wealthy Romans
avoided paying taxes by moving into the countryside where they
would establish fiefdoms (Johnson 7). In other words, because of high
expenses, Roman leaders levied high taxes on their citizens. This in
turn led to further economic problems and political instability as some
citizens evaded taxation and sought independence within the empire.
In short, while there were many factors that contributed to Rome’s
fall, economic failure played a major role in the decline of the empire.
About the Author
Dustin Stevens is an online writing tutor and the director
of Good English Tutors. He is passionate about inspiring
the next generation of communicators and celebrating
the success of his students.