Using the RACE strategy, identify the theme of this passage and support it with details from the passage and support it with details from the passage.

Alia was dismayed to find herself in the drawing studio. She had been sick with the flu during the week when everyone else got to pick their classes. She had hoped for Astronomy or Marine Biology, but they were full by the time she got to choose. She loved everything about science, from the way it used facts and formulas to how revealed the basic nature of things. But art was so . . .un-scientific.

The first class project was self-portraits. Some students were drawing self-portraits using mirrors. Others were working from photographs. Alia glanced at the incomplete sketches, feeling like a cat in a dog show.

The teacher came up to Alia's easel and sat next to her.

"Every portrait begins with a circle," he said. "Then you create a series of lines."

To demonstrate, he drew a group of small, quick portraits. He began each one with a circle, some straight lines, and a triangle to determine where the eyes, nose, and chin should go. Alia had never thought about it, but the features of everyone's face were in the same spots.

Hesitantly, Alia began her own self-portrait. She drew the basic form of a head, the way she had been shown. From there, she used lines to plot the features of her face. The process took patience and precision. She had to take note of each detail. One wrong measurement could throw off the whole portrait.

Alia was surprised by the structure and discipline involved in drawing a portrait. Measuring, studying details, revealing the basic nature of something-it reminded her of what she loved about science.
use the word joy

7 answers

RACE Strategy Response:

R (Restate the question): The theme of the passage is the unexpected joy of discovering the similarities between art and science through the process of creating a self-portrait.

A (Answer the question): Throughout the passage, Alia's experience in the drawing studio initially fills her with dismay due to her preference for science-related subjects like Astronomy or Marine Biology. However, as she engages in the art of drawing, she uncovers a sense of joy in the discipline and structure required in portraiture that parallels her love for science.

C (Cite evidence): For instance, Alia reflects on the teacher's instructions, stating, "Every portrait begins with a circle," and recognizes the importance of "patience and precision" in creating her self-portrait. Initially viewing art as "so . . . un-scientific," she eventually realizes, "the process took patience and precision," which made her feel a sense of joy as she identified with the elements of measuring and studying details.

E (Explain your evidence): This realization brings Alia joy because it highlights how both art and science involve careful observation, structure, and an understanding of the fundamental nature of things. Thus, in finding joy in this artistic process, she discovers a meaningful connection between her passions for science and art, illustrating that creativity can be grounded in discipline and systematic thought, much like her favored scientific endeavors.

make it into sentences

The theme of the passage is the unexpected joy of discovering the similarities between art and science through the process of creating a self-portrait. Throughout the narrative, Alia initially feels dismayed by her placement in the drawing studio, as she would have preferred to take science-related classes like Astronomy or Marine Biology. However, as she engages with the art of drawing, she uncovers a sense of joy in the discipline and structure required in portraiture that parallels her love for science.

For instance, when the teacher demonstrates how to draw a portrait by starting with a simple circle, Alia begins to appreciate the importance of patience and precision in the artistic process. Initially perceiving art as "so . . . un-scientific," she later acknowledges that "the process took patience and precision," allowing her to feel a sense of joy as she identifies with the elements of measuring and studying details.

This realization brings Alia joy because it highlights how both art and science involve careful observation, structure, and an understanding of the fundamental nature of things. By finding joy in this artistic process, she discovers a meaningful connection between her passions for science and art, illustrating that creativity can be grounded in discipline and systematic thought, much like her favored scientific endeavors.

Put it into one paragraph.

The theme of the passage is the unexpected joy of discovering the similarities between art and science through the process of creating a self-portrait. Initially dismayed by her placement in the drawing studio, Alia had hoped to take science-related classes like Astronomy or Marine Biology. However, as she engages with the art of drawing, she finds joy in the discipline and structure required in portraiture, which parallels her love for science. When the teacher demonstrates how to draw a portrait by starting with a simple circle, Alia begins to appreciate the importance of patience and precision in the artistic process. Initially viewing art as "so . . . un-scientific," she later recognizes that "the process took patience and precision," which evokes a sense of joy as she connects with the elements of measuring and studying details. This realization underscores that both art and science involve careful observation and an understanding of the fundamental nature of things, allowing Alia to discover a meaningful connection between her passions, illustrating that creativity can be grounded in discipline and systematic thought, much like her favored scientific endeavors.

make it smaller

The theme of the passage is the unexpected joy of discovering the connections between art and science through creating a self-portrait. Initially dismayed by her placement in the drawing studio instead of her desired science classes, Alia finds joy in the discipline and structure required in portraiture. The teacher's demonstration emphasizes the importance of patience and precision, prompting Alia to realize that the artistic process shares similarities with scientific inquiry. As she acknowledges that both art and science involve careful observation and understanding of the fundamental nature of things, Alia discovers a meaningful connection between her passions, illustrating how creativity can thrive within discipline and systematic thought.