SAMPLE RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE



SAMPLE RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE

I. Introduction (Need Hook/attention grabber)

a. Controversy

i. Should the Washington Redskins change their name/logo?

ii. Is the name/logo a racial slur?

b. Statement of Background

i. Native American individuals, tribes, and organizations have been questioning the use of the name and image for decades.

ii. Over 115 organizations taking stand. Believe the name/symbol is harmful for of ethnic stereotyping.

c. Proposition (thesis/main idea)

i. The word is defined as a racial slur. The name and logo need to be changed because they are important symbols with deeper psychological and social effects. A racial slur should not be plastered all over a sports team because of the negative effects it could have on the youth of the Native American population. The name must change.

II. Proof (min. of two)

a. Argument 1

i. The dictionary defines “Redskins” as an outdated word; a racial slur.

ii. A racial slur should not be the name of a sports team.

b. Argument 2

i. Research shows the harm of stereotyping.

ii. Exposure to stereotyping, to the point where it is desensitized, leads to stereotypical thinking among citizens with regard to other populations of people.

c. Argument 3

i. Research shows that the self esteem of Native American children is hurt by the name.

ii. When a population is desensitized to a racial slur, they are more likely to use it in a harmful way.

III. Counterargument/Refutation (two counters w/ one refutation per counter)

a. Some people say that changing the name would cost too much money.

b. Refutation: It does not matter how expensive it is. You cannot put a price on protecting the self esteem of Native American children.

IV. Conclusion/ Call to Action (How are we as a society ethically/morally bound to issue? Where do we go from “here” on issue? What should be done?)

a. The Washington Redskins need to change their name…

*The Roman Numerals represent sections of your paper, not individual paragraphs. Remember, this paper must be 4-5 pages, not including the Works Cited page and any graphs, charts, pictures, etc. used within the paper.

*You must have a minimum of TWO arguments supporting your side and TWO counterarguments (with your refutations of counterarguments) in your paper.

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