ANALYZATION QUESTION: Which of the following responses below BEST helps to complete the R.A.C.E (restate, answer, cite evidence, explain evidence) strategy for responding to the following prompt: In 2-3 sentences, explain what can be inferred about beavers.

Question

Beavers are an unlikely ally in the fight against wildfires. While beavers are most commonly known for their industrious dam building, they are also surprisingly beneficial to fire prevention. Beavers are able to create their own wetlands and slow the flow of water by damming streams, which in turn reduces the risk of wildfire. By slowing the flow of water, beavers create a buffer zone between the forest and the water source, reducing the risk of the fire spreading. The wetlands created by beavers also act as a firebreak, preventing the fire from spreading further into the forest. Additionally, the moist environment created by beavers helps create a fire-resistant habitat, making it less likely for a fire to take hold in the first place.

(4 points)
Responses

It can be inferred that beavers are very helpful in fighting wildfires. Many people think that they should be protected by wildlife reserves in order to ensure they are around for many years to come. They are important!
It can be inferred that beavers are very helpful in fighting wildfires. Many people think that they should be protected by wildlife reserves in order to ensure they are around for many years to come. They are important!

It can be inferred that beavers are extremely beneficial to nature. They are able to provide a variety of services that help to fight against wildfires. These services illustrate how helpful these creatures are in our ecosystem.
It can be inferred that beavers are extremely beneficial to nature. They are able to provide a variety of services that help to fight against wildfires. These services illustrate how helpful these creatures are in our ecosystem.

It can be inferred that beavers are great animals. They are cute and furry, and many people thoroughly enjoy watching these animals in their natural habitats.
It can be inferred that beavers are great animals. They are cute and furry, and many people thoroughly enjoy watching these animals in their natural habitats.

It can be inferred that beavers are great at slowing the water of streams. This can be useful in dealing with wildfires. We don't want wildfires to spread, so this is very important.
It can be inferred that beavers are great at slowing the water of streams. This can be useful in dealing with wildfires. We don't want wildfires to spread, so this is very important.
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Answer 1

To determine which response best completes the R.A.C.E. strategy (restate, answer, cite evidence, explain evidence), we should analyze each option in terms of how well it incorporates these components.

1. Response 1: "It can be inferred that beavers are very helpful in fighting wildfires. Many people think that they should be protected by wildlife reserves in order to ensure they are around for many years to come. They are important!"

   • Analysis: This response restates the inference, but it does not cite specific evidence from the prompt about how beavers help prevent wildfires. Moreover, while it mentions protection, it lacks a direct connection to their role in wildfire prevention.

2. Response 2: "It can be inferred that beavers are extremely beneficial to nature. They are able to provide a variety of services that help to fight against wildfires. These services illustrate how helpful these creatures are in our ecosystem."

   • Analysis: This response effectively restates the inference and includes a general reference to the services beavers provide. However, it does not provide specific evidence or examples from the text that illustrate what those services are.

3. Response 3: "It can be inferred that beavers are great animals. They are cute and furry, and many people thoroughly enjoy watching these animals in their natural habitats."

   • Analysis: While this response provides an inference, it focuses on the appeal of beavers rather than their ecological role concerning wildfires. It does not cite evidence relevant to fire prevention and therefore is not appropriate for the prompt.

4. Response 4: "It can be inferred that beavers are great at slowing the water of streams. This can be useful in dealing with wildfires. We don't want wildfires to spread, so this is very important."

   • Analysis: This response restates the inference and directly cites the specific role of beavers in slowing water, tying it back to wildfire prevention. It explains the importance of this function in relation to the prompt effectively.

Conclusion: Response 4 is the best fit as it effectively incorporates the R.A.C.E. strategy by restating the inference, providing specific evidence about water flow, and explaining why this is significant for wildfire prevention.