1. Tackling the AP World History Exam

2. What is the DBQ? ► “Document based question” ► You will be given multiple primary source docs (6-10) ► You must read all of them, determine their common link (and differences) ► Answer the question provided using EVIDENCE and ANALYSIS from the ALL the documents

3. What is the DBQ? ► You must make at least 3 arguments (or points) ► These arguments will be your body paragraphs or your “groupings”  Group the documents to support your arguments  i.e. Point 1: The shift from hunter-gatherer societies to agriculture-based societies lead to an increase in disease. Documents 1,5, and 7 prove this.

4. What is the DBQ? ► For at least 2 of your points/arguments/body paragraphs, you must discuss POV (point of view) of the documents  (We’ll discuss more) ► By the end of your paragraph, you must request additional documents at least once (preferably twice)  i.e. “It would be great to hear from a woman on this point, were a valued part of Egyptian culture and retained many rights that men had, such as...”  (We’ll discuss more)

5. 2004 DBQ Prompt Based on the following documents, analyze the spread of Buddhism in China. What additional documents would you need to evaluate the extent of Buddhism's appeal in China?

7. Important Things to Know ► 1. Read carefully the question prompt and the historical background. Underline the tasks demanded and the terms which are unique to the question. Make sure you understand EXACTLY what the question is asking (social responses? economic impact? causes for rebellion?). DO NOT MAKE UP YOUR OWN QUESTION!!! ► 2. Read the documents carefully.  a. Make sure that you understand the content of the document.  b. What is the author's Point of View (POV).  c. Where is the tension?  d. What is the origin of the document?  e. Is the document valid or is it hearsay?  f. If time, gender or age were changed would the person be saying the same thing?

8. Important Things to Know ► 3. You must use all of the documents. ► 4. Do not simply cite the documents in "laundry list" fashion. You should strive to IMPOSE order on the documents. Find for the documents. Can they be organized into three or four strong, analytical points? What is the OVERALL picture presented by the documents? ► 4. Do not simply cite the documents in "laundry list" fashion. You should strive to IMPOSE order on the documents. Find groupings for the documents. Can they be organized into three or four strong, analytical points? What is the OVERALL picture presented by the documents?

9. Important Things to Know ► 5. Your essay should be an ANALYSIS of the documents and their content. You are demonstrating analysis if you are doing the following:  a. The essay contains a thesis which divides your answer into three to four categories.  b. The documents are used as evidence to support your thesis.  c. Frequent reference is made to the terms of the question. Constantly and consistently return to the question to make sure that all of your points (evidence and analysis) go to answer the question. Be certain that your answer is always focused directly on the question. Do not drift afield. ► 6. Be certain that, if the question allows, you exploit all of the following in writing your answer.  a. Point of View (POV) is both indicated and discussed from several angles. You must analyze at least TWO POVs in the essay.  b. You request an additional document that (1) Represents a voice that is missing and (2) could plausibly be found in history.

10. Sample “9” Thesis As Buddhism spread from India to China beginning in the first century C.E., it was met with mixed results. Many Chinese accepted Buddhism and defended its policies while others scrutinized Buddhism’s absence from past texts and used it as a scapegoat for political and social problems. Still others remained indifferent, wishing to meld the aspects of belief systems in China to create a unique Chinese culture. Documents 2 and 3 defend and support Buddhism in China, while documents 4 and 6 scrutinize it and discourage its spread. Documents 1 and 5 neither encourage nor discourage the religions spread, but provide a third perspective on how it should be dealt with. An additional document that shows the actual numbers of converts to Buddhism during this time, preferably in a graph, would be useful in determining whether or not the worries of the authors in documents against Buddhism were grounded.