RAFT Writing

Creative writing from a specific Role, Audience, Format, Topic

25–45 min10–35 studentsStandard classroom seating, individual or paired desks

At a Glance

Duration

25–45 min

Group Size

10–35 students

Space Setup

Standard classroom seating, individual or paired desks

Materials

RAFT assignment card
Historical background brief
Writing paper or notebook
Sharing protocol instructions

Bloom's Taxonomy

ApplyAnalyzeCreate

SEL Competencies

Social AwarenessSelf-Awareness

What is RAFT Writing?

RAFT Writing is a versatile literacy strategy that improves student comprehension and creative expression by requiring writers to consider four distinct components: Role, Audience, Format, and Topic. By shifting the perspective away from the traditional student-to-teacher writing dynamic, RAFT forces students to process information deeply and demonstrate conceptual understanding through varied viewpoints. This methodology works because it leverages the cognitive load of perspective-taking to move students beyond rote memorization into higher-order thinking. When students must write as a 'Carbon Atom' (Role) to 'Future Generations' (Audience) in the form of a 'Time Capsule Letter' (Format) about 'Global Warming' (Topic), they must synthesize complex scientific data into a coherent narrative. This authentic engagement increases motivation and provides a clear framework for structured writing across all disciplines, particularly in science and social studies where abstract concepts can be humanized through persona-based writing. It serves as a powerful tool for differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to assign roles of varying complexity based on student readiness while maintaining the same core learning objectives.

Ideal for

Writing across the curriculumPerspective-taking and empathyCreative engagement with contentAssessment through authentic writing

When to Use It

Grade Bands

K-2 –3-5 ★6-8 ★9-12 ★

Subject Fit

Math ✓ELA ★Science ★Social Studies ★SEL ★Arts ✓

How to Run a RAFT Writing

Define the Learning Objective

Identify the specific content knowledge or skill you want students to demonstrate through their writing.

Brainstorm RAFT Components

Create a list of potential Roles (e.g., historical figures, elements), Audiences (e.g., a jury, a younger sibling), Formats (e.g., diary entry, protest song), and Topics.

Construct the RAFT Grid

Organize your brainstormed ideas into a 4-column table, providing several rows of pre-set combinations or 'mix-and-match' options.

Model the Strategy

Show students a completed RAFT example and think aloud as you write a short paragraph to demonstrate how the Role influences the tone and vocabulary.

Set Clear Constraints

Provide a rubric that outlines expectations for content accuracy, adherence to the chosen format, and the use of specific academic vocabulary.

Facilitate Writing and Peer Review

Allow students time to draft their pieces, then have them share with peers who can provide feedback based on whether the 'voice' matches the assigned Role.

Research Evidence

Santa, C. M., Havens, L. T., et al.

2004 · Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 3rd Edition

The RAFT strategy was popularized through Project CRISS as a primary method for helping students integrate reading and writing to improve content-area retention.

Groenke, S. L., Puckett, R.

2006 · The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 79(6), 281-286

This research demonstrates that RAFT writing helps students move beyond 'knowledge-telling' to 'knowledge-transforming' by requiring them to manipulate information for specific audiences.

Topics That Work Well With RAFT Writing

Browse curriculum topics where RAFT Writing is a suggested active learning strategy.

Common Sense & Public Opinion

8th Grade · American History

Mesopotamia: The Land Between Two Rivers

Cuneiform & Epic Literature

6th Grade · Ancient Civilizations

Curation and Critique: The Professional Gallery

Portfolio Development and Artist Statements

11th Grade · Visual & Performing Arts

Synthetic Biology and De-extinction

10th Grade · Biology

Personal Narrative Writing

1st Grade · English Language Arts

Voice and Point of View

10th Grade · English Language Arts

Rhetorical Precis and Synthesis Writing

11th Grade · English Language Arts

Crafting a Modest Proposal

12th Grade · English Language Arts

Opinion Writing and Persuasion

2nd Grade · English Language Arts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RAFT Writing and how does it work?

RAFT is an acronym for Role, Audience, Format, and Topic that serves as a structured framework for writing across the curriculum. It works by providing students with a specific persona and a target audience, which necessitates a deeper level of critical thinking and creative synthesis than standard essay prompts.

How do I use RAFT Writing in my classroom?

Begin by modeling the process with a shared text, then provide a grid of options for students to choose their own Role, Audience, and Format. You should ensure that each option aligns with your specific learning objectives and provides clear criteria for success through a rubric.

What are the benefits of RAFT Writing for students?

The primary benefit is increased engagement through choice and the development of 'writing-to-learn' skills that improve long-term memory. It also helps students practice empathy and perspective-taking, which are essential for both academic analysis and social and emotional learning.

How can I differentiate RAFT assignments for diverse learners?

Differentiation is achieved by offering a variety of roles and formats that range in complexity and required background knowledge. You can assign specific RAFT combinations to students based on their reading levels or allow them to propose their own combinations to increase agency.

Generate a Mission with RAFT Writing

Use Flip Education to create a complete RAFT Writing lesson plan, aligned to your curriculum and ready to use in class.

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