How to Write a DBQ!

How to Write a DBQ!How to Write a DBQ!

Document Based QuestionsDocument Based Questions

What is a “DBQ?”What is a “DBQ?”

• An essay that answers a specific question.

• An essay that cites specific documents to support the writer’s point.

• An essay that answers a specific question.

• An essay that cites specific documents to support the writer’s point.

3. Write an amazing thesis

2. Group the Documents

1. Analyze the Documents

4. Organize the Essay

5. Write an awesome DBQ!

How to How to write a write a

great DBQgreat DBQ

1. Analyzing the 1. Analyzing the DocumentsDocuments

• Source: Where from?– Is that significant?

– What point of view or possible bias?

• Important facts?

• Inferences?

• Main idea?

• How does this document answer the question? [Which bucket does it fit into?]

• Source: Where from?– Is that significant?

– What point of view or possible bias?

• Important facts?

• Inferences?

• Main idea?

• How does this document answer the question? [Which bucket does it fit into?]

2. Grouping/“Bucketing” 2. Grouping/“Bucketing” DocumentsDocuments

• Group your documents into 3 “buckets” – consider grouping by similar qualities,

contents, or purposes.

• Each group is the basis of a paragraph.

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

• Group your documents into 3 “buckets” – consider grouping by similar qualities,

contents, or purposes.

• Each group is the basis of a paragraph.

• 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

3.3. Write an AWESOME Write an AWESOME ThesisThesis

• Great essays have a clear thesis statement

– Answers the question – Takes a position

• Preview main points– “road map” of the essay (your buckets!)

• Think of it like a “chicken-foot”

• Great essays have a clear thesis statement

– Answers the question – Takes a position

• Preview main points– “road map” of the essay (your buckets!)

• Think of it like a “chicken-foot”

THESIS

Point 3

Point 2

Point 1

Using the “Chicken Foot”Using the “Chicken Foot”• Thesis is the leg• Each group (main point) will

branch out with supporting ideas. (toes)

• Thesis is the leg• Each group (main point) will

branch out with supporting ideas. (toes)

Reason 2

Reason 1

Reason 3

Carnegie was a hero (or was not, or a mixture) because…

• Introductory Introductory ParagraphParagraph– Thesis Statement!Thesis Statement!

• Body ParagraphBody Paragraph– Docs __, __, and __Docs __, __, and __



• ConclusionConclusion

4. Organize 4. Organize the DBQthe DBQ

5. Write your Essay!5. Write your Essay!

•Outline provides structure

•Keep the body paragraphs in the order of your thesis statement

•Create an intro and conclusion!

•Outline provides structure

•Keep the body paragraphs in the order of your thesis statement

•Create an intro and conclusion!

The Introductory The Introductory ParagraphParagraph

• Establish TIME & PLACE.

• Use a clear THESIS STATEMENT.

• Allude to the MAIN POINTS or categories that develop and support thesis statement

– (your “buckets” of documents)

• Focus on the question at hand—do NOT begin with a “flowery” sentence!

• Establish TIME & PLACE.

• Use a clear THESIS STATEMENT.

• Allude to the MAIN POINTS or categories that develop and support thesis statement

– (your “buckets” of documents)

• Focus on the question at hand—do NOT begin with a “flowery” sentence!

Body ParagraphsBody 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%].

• Be sure to indicate Point-of-view/ bias.

• Bring in supportive outside information

• Why were these documents selected?

• 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%].

• Be sure to indicate Point-of-view/ bias.

• Bring in supportive outside information

• Why were these documents selected?

ConclusionConclusion

• Start with a “concluding phrase.”

• Restate your thesis statement a bit differently.

• Put your essay answer in a larger historical perspective.

• Start with a “concluding phrase.”

• Restate your thesis statement a bit differently.

• Put your essay answer in a larger historical perspective.

You’re Ready!You’re Ready!

Now go conquer your DBQ!Now go conquer your DBQ!