Department of Afro-American Studies/Africana Studies

AFRO 006 Introduction to Afro-American Studies II

Fall 2021
Argumentative Paper Outline
Due: Friday, December 10, 2021 @11:59p ET via Blackboard (emailed submissions
will not be accepted.)

Instructions: Using the word doc version, complete the outline below by filling in each
portion with the corresponding information.
Paper Prompt: Describe how the role of Black women in the family changes over the
decades following the Civil War through the mid to late 1900s.

I. Introduction

a. Background on topic: include background information on the prompt’s topic.

b. Reference the prompt: include a few sentences that discuss the issue outline in
the prompt.

c. Thesis statement (claim): state your position on prompt—whether you’re in

support (pro) or against (con). Sentence starters may include:

i. In this paper I will argue…

ii. This paper will argue…

d. Reasons: include at least 3-4 reasons for your claim. These reasons will serve
as the basis for the next 3-4 sections of your paper.

II. Section #11

a. Topic Sentence(s): begin with a topic sentence that supports claim and include
reason number 1.

b. Background: provide some background information on your reason. Do not

include any in-text citations or reference the authors text directly. This portion
should be a general overview of the topic in this section of your paper.

c. Evidence: include three citations (direct quotes) from the text of your choice
that support your claim. Introduce each example, and then present the citation.
It’s important that you include all of the citation information including the
work cited as well.

i. Citation, then summarize the citation and connect back to the

topic sentence and the claim.
ii. Citation, then summarize the citation and connect back to the
topic sentence and the claim.
iii. Citation, then summarize the citation and connect back to the
topic sentence and the claim.

d. Concluding Statement: complete this section by referencing your paper’s

overall claim and the reason argued in this section.

1
Sections are made up of multiple pages NOT a singular paragraph. The structure of this outline looks
similar to a five paragraph essay in order to give the students context when constructing the assigned paper.
The final paper assignment should meet or exceed the 5-7 page requirement.
III. Section #2

a. Topic Sentence(s): begin with a topic sentence that supports claim and include
reason number two.

b. Background: provide some background information on your reason. Do not

include any in-text citations or reference the authors text directly. This portion
should be a general overview of the topic in this section of your paper.

c. Evidence: include three citations (direct quotes) from the text of your choice
that support your claim. Introduce each example, and then present the citation.
It’s important that you include all of the citation information including the
work cited as well.

i. Citation, then summarize the citation and connect back to the

topic sentence and the claim.
ii. Citation then summarize the citation and connect back to the
topic sentence and the claim.
iii. Citation then summarize the citation and connect back to the
topic sentence and the claim.

e. Concluding Statement: complete this section by referencing your paper’s

overall claim and the reason argued in this section.

IV. Section #3

a. Topic Sentence: Begin with a topic sentence that supports claim and include
reason number three.

b. Background: Provide some background information on your reason. Do not

include any in-text citations or reference the authors text directly. This portion
should be a general overview of the topic in this section of your paper.

c. Evidence: Include three citations (direct quotes) from the text of your choice
that support your claim. Introduce each example, and then present the citation.
It’s important that you include all of the citation information including the
work cited as well.

i. Citation, then summarize the citation and connect back to the

topic sentence and the claim.
ii. Citation then summarize the citation and connect back to the
topic sentence and the claim.
 iii. Citation then summarize the citation and connect back to the
topic sentence and the claim.

f. Concluding Statement: complete this section by referencing your paper’s

overall claim and the reason argued in this section.

V. Conclusion:
a. Summary Statement: include a summary of your initial claim and reasons,
suggest some larger historical implications for your argument and why your
readers should support your claim.