California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English Practice Exam

What strategy should be used for writing an effective essay?

1. R.A.C.E strategy

2. PEEL strategy

3. K.W.L technique

4. 5 Paragraph approach

The correct answer is: R.A.C.E strategy

The R.A.C.E strategy is a highly effective framework for writing essays, particularly in responding to prompts that require evidence-based answers. This strategy stands for Restate, Answer, Cite, and Explain. When employing the R.A.C.E strategy, the writer begins by restating the question or prompt in their own words, which helps to clarify the focus of the response. Following this, they directly answer the question, providing a clear stance or thesis. Citing evidence is the next crucial aspect; this involves referencing specific examples or quotations from texts or other sources to support the answer. Lastly, the writer explains how the cited evidence backs up their answer, thus reinforcing their argument with a thorough analysis. This structured approach not only keeps the writing organized but also ensures that all components of a strong response are addressed, making it particularly effective for essays that demand a critical analysis of texts or topics. The clarity and depth provided through this method can significantly enhance the overall quality of the essay. In contrast, while the PEEL strategy, K.W.L technique, and 5 Paragraph approach all have their merits, they serve different purposes. The PEEL strategy focuses on Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link, which is also effective but slightly less focused on rest