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

Alongside the R.A.C.E strategy, what is another important element to include in an essay?

1. Introduction paragraph

2. Constructed response

3. Supporting details

4. Chapter summaries

The correct answer is: Constructed response

The inclusion of constructed responses in an essay is vital, particularly in demonstrating a student's ability to articulate their thoughts and analysis effectively. Constructed responses go beyond mere facts; they require the writer to engage critically with the material, synthesizing information and presenting it in a coherent and persuasive manner. This strategy supports deeper analytical thinking, allowing students to showcase their understanding of a topic through not just what they know, but how they can communicate that knowledge. While elements such as an introduction paragraph, supporting details, and chapter summaries are also significant components of writing, they do not encapsulate the same active engagement with the text as constructed responses do. A well-crafted constructed response includes a clear thesis, evidence, and reasoning, making it essential in building a strong argumentative or analytical essay. It ensures that the writer is not only summarizing information but is also interpreting and critiquing it, which aligns well with the R.A.C.E strategy focused on effectively answering prompts.