Guiding Questions to Consider Before Writing

• How does Ifemelu describe her initial awareness of being "Black" in America? What does this moment reveal about the nature of race as a social construct?
• How do Ifemelu's blog posts serve as a narrative device? What unique perspective do they provide that the main narrative lacks?
• What does Ifemelu's natural hair symbolize at various points in the novel? How does her relationship with her hair reflect her changing sense of identity?
• How does Adichie contrast the American experience of race with that in Nigeria? What does this contrast imply about the universality—or absence—of racial categories?

Requirements

• A clear, arguable thesis statement
• Textual evidence accompanied by analysis (avoid summarizing the plot)
• Consideration of at least one counterargument
• MLA or Chicago citation format
• Suggested length: 4–6 pages

In your essay, make sure to

• Craft a clear, defensible thesis that takes a stance on how the novel critiques the construction of racial identity.
• Choose and analyze at least three specific passages or episodes from the novel as supporting evidence.
• Investigate the significance of Ifemelu's blog as a narrative tool that allows Adichie to share insights on race.
• Reflect on how Ifemelu's perspective as an immigrant, both on the outside and within, uniquely highlights the arbitrariness and consequences of racial classifications.
• Consider how the novel's conclusion — Ifemelu's return to Nigeria — complicates or resolves her identity negotiation.

Scoring Focus

Strength of thesis, quality of textual evidence and analysis, depth of argument, and clarity of organization.

In your essay, be sure to

• Present a clear, defensible thesis that goes beyond merely summarizing the plot
• Choose and analyze at least three specific scenes, passages, or narrative techniques (e.g., Ifemelu's blog posts, her hair, her relationships) as supporting evidence
• Investigate how Adichie's narrative choices — such as point of view, tone, or structure — strengthen your argument
• Address at least one counterargument thoughtfully and substantively
• Conclude by linking your argument to a broader thematic or real-world significance

Suggested pre-writing question

Before you start writing, think about — In what moment does Ifemelu first truly "become" Black in America? What does that moment reveal about the functioning of race?