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How to Write a DBQ!

Document Based Questions

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What is a “DBQ?”

  • An essay that addresses a specific task using documents.

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How to write a great DBQ

3. Write an amazing thesis

2. Group the Documents

1. Analyze the Documents

4. Organize the Essay

5. Write an awesome DBQ!

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1. Analyzing the Documents

  • Source: Where from?
    • Is that significant?
    • What point of view or possible bias?
    • Who wrote it?
  • Important facts?
  • Main idea?
  • How does this document address the task?
    • The DOTS! “Do the dots or die trying.”
      • not literally,but your grade!

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2. Grouping/“Bucketing” Documents

  • Group your documents for each task (dot)
    • Usually two or three tasks for each example.
  • Each group is the basis of a paragraph.

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  • Use a majority of the documents to get full credit for the essay. (1/2 plus 1)

Docs 1, 3, 7

Docs 4, 10, 11

Docs 2, 13

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  1. Write an AWESOME Thesis
  • Great essays have a clear thesis statement
    • Addresses the task
    • Takes a position
  • Preview main points
    • “road map” of the essay (your buckets!)
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4. Organize the DBQ

  • Introductory Paragraph
    • Thesis Statement!
  • Body Paragraph
    • Docs __, __, and __
  • Body Paragraph
    • Docs __, __, and __
  • Body Paragraph
    • Docs __, __, and __
  • Conclusion

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5. Write your Essay!

  • Outline provides structure
  • Keep the body paragraphs in the order of your thesis statement
  • Create an intro and conclusion!

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The Introductory Paragraph

  • Establish TIME & PLACE.
    • When did these events happen and where?

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  • Use a clear THESIS STATEMENT.
    • What are you trying to prove?�
  • Allude to the MAIN POINTS or categories that develop and support thesis statement
    • (your “buckets” of documents)

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Body Paragraphs

  • Identify sub-topic or category in the first sentence.
  • Include the documents that are relevant to support the ideas in the paragraph.
  • Use most of the documents given [60%].
  • Bring in supportive outside information

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NEEDS Outside Info! (OI)

Outside information is anything not in your documents in your DBQ.

The following techniques can be used to find outside information stored in your memory.

  1. The 5W's of History - Answering the 5w's of History for your document.
    • Who - Is there someone that the document is not mentioning that you know took part in the event?
    • What - Does the document explain what happened in detail? If not, add some additional detail about what happened.
    • Where - Does the document explain where the event took place? If not, add some detail where the event took place.
    • When - Does the document explain when the event took place? If not, add some detail when (time period, date, or century) the event took place.
    • Why - Does the document explain why or the causes the event happened? If not, add some detail why or what were the causes of the event.

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Needs Outside Info! (OI)

  1. Result/Outcome
    • If the document does not explain the result/outcome of the event, add some detail of some of the results or outcomes.
  2. Worldly Relationship
    • Relate the document to the World. Explain some similarities and differences, or compare and contrast the time period of the world in the document to the world today.

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Conclusion

  • Start with a “concluding phrase.”
  • Restate your thesis statement a bit differently.
  • Put your essay answer in a larger historical perspective.

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You’re Ready!

Now go conquer your DBQ!