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:

Question

In 2-3 sentences, explain how the writer uses transition or sequence words to create a clear flow of ideas in the story.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sarah felt a sense of tranquility settle over her. Earlier that day, she had been hiking through the rugged terrain, each step bringing her closer to the heart of nature. In the afternoon, as she reached the summit, a breathtaking vista unfolded before her eyes. Taking a deep breath, Sarah closed her eyes, letting the cool evening breeze wash over her. It was as if time stood still, and she was simply a part of the natural rhythm of the universe. Later that evening, she opened her eyes once more, ready to cherish this moment of peace before the stars emerged in the darkening sky.

(2 points)
Responses

Sarah saw an incredible view as she hiked through the mountains. She felt very peaceful as she took in the beauty of the earth. She enjoyed hiking because it took her back to her childhood days of walking in the mountains with her family.
Sarah saw an incredible view as she hiked through the mountains. She felt very peaceful as she took in the beauty of the earth. She enjoyed hiking because it took her back to her childhood days of walking in the mountains with her family.

First, Sarah climbs the mountain. Then, she looks over the valley as she reaches the summit. Finally, she looks forward to a peaceful night under the stars.
First, Sarah climbs the mountain. Then, she looks over the valley as she reaches the summit. Finally, she looks forward to a peaceful night under the stars.

The narrator uses a third person point-of-view as they describe Sarah’s hike to the top of the mountain. We know this because they use words like “she” and “her.” These are third person pronouns that are important to use in some stories.
The narrator uses a third person point-of-view as they describe Sarah’s hike to the top of the mountain. We know this because they use words like “she” and “her.” These are third person pronouns that are important to use in some stories.

The writer uses several transition words to create a clear flow of ideas in the story. They use phrases like “Earlier that day” and “Later that evening” to help the reader clearly understand how time has passed throughout Sarah’s day. This helps keep the reader engaged, and it helps them better visualize what is happening in the story.

Answer 1

The BEST response that completes the R.A.C.E strategy for the prompt is:

The writer uses several transition words to create a clear flow of ideas in the story. They use phrases like “Earlier that day” and “Later that evening” to help the reader clearly understand how time has passed throughout Sarah’s day. This helps keep the reader engaged, and it helps them better visualize what is happening in the story.

This response effectively restates the question, answers it directly, cites specific evidence from the text, and explains how that evidence supports the answer.