2. Slide 1 Writing the DBQ: Document-Based Question

3. Slide 2 What is the Document-Based Question? A document-based question requires students to defend an assertion by using an analysis of historical documents. While outside knowledge is helpful in understanding the documents, you are not graded on your introduction of outside knowledge. A document-based question requires students to defend an assertion by using an analysis of historical documents. While outside knowledge is helpful in understanding the documents, you are not graded on your introduction of outside knowledge.

4. Slide 3 Solving a Mystery Writing a DBQ is similar to solving a mystery or a crime Writing a DBQ is similar to solving a mystery or a crime You need to use your previous knowledge along with the evidence (the documents) to help solve the mystery – the question that is being asked. You need to use your previous knowledge along with the evidence (the documents) to help solve the mystery – the question that is being asked. As is true with a mystery or crime, some evidence is better than other evidence! As is true with a mystery or crime, some evidence is better than other evidence!

5. Slide 4 Best Practices One of the best ways to prepare for the DBQ on the AP Exam is to practice using APPARTS on various primary sources throughout the year! One of the best ways to prepare for the DBQ on the AP Exam is to practice using APPARTS on various primary sources throughout the year!

6. Slide 5 Six Steps to Answering a Document-Based Question 1. Read the question, and make sure you understand all parts of the question. 2. Read the documents, and analyze each document with APPARTS as you read. 3. Group the documents, thinking about how you will use each document to support your thesis. 4. Make an assertion – formulate a thesis, ensuring that it directly answers the questions. 5. Use the “Yes/But” Strategy to form the defense of your assertion and to test your assertion. 6. Write the essay. (Note: on the AP exam students have 10 minutes to read the documents and prewrite, and 40 minutes to write the essay.)

7. Slide 6 Step Five: Yes/But Here is where you will up your score by recognizing the other side of the assertion you made – and then destroying it in your writing. Here is where you will up your score by recognizing the other side of the assertion you made – and then destroying it in your writing. “Although slavery was morally and socially wrong, the thirteen colonies could not have been economically successful without the institution of slavery.” “Although slavery was morally and socially wrong, the thirteen colonies could not have been economically successful without the institution of slavery.” You recognize that slavery is wrong, you do not hide this fact, but will convince the reader that the economic situation made it a “necessary evil.” You recognize that slavery is wrong, you do not hide this fact, but will convince the reader that the economic situation made it a “necessary evil.” Effective thesis starter words include: Although, while, Despite/In spite of… Effective thesis starter words include: Although, while, Despite/In spite of…

8. Slide 7 Basic Facts Aim to use all of the documents somewhere in your analysis. Aim to use all of the documents somewhere in your analysis. Stay within the time period of the question Stay within the time period of the question You MUST discuss point of view for at least THREE documents! You MUST discuss point of view for at least THREE documents! Group the documents in a way that allows you to discuss three different topics (ie- political, economic, social) Group the documents in a way that allows you to discuss three different topics (ie- political, economic, social) In your conclusion, describe a document that would make the picture clearer (the missing voice). Don’t forget to tell WHY! In your conclusion, describe a document that would make the picture clearer (the missing voice). Don’t forget to tell WHY!

9. Slide 8 Basic Facts, cont. Analyze and make inferences, do not simply repeat what the document says Analyze and make inferences, do not simply repeat what the document says Always refer to the document parenthetically by the number of the document (Doc 1) Always refer to the document parenthetically by the number of the document (Doc 1) Students should use the introductory paragraph to define terms, provide historical background, define the time period, and state points of validation. Keep introductory information to a minimum. Students should use the introductory paragraph to define terms, provide historical background, define the time period, and state points of validation. Keep introductory information to a minimum.

10. Slide 9 Basic Facts, cont. Students should use specific names, terms and events Students should use specific names, terms and events Always make sure that you keep returning to the main topic/your thesis – do not wander! Always make sure that you keep returning to the main topic/your thesis – do not wander! Lastly, use as many documents as you can! (Aim for all of them.) Lastly, use as many documents as you can! (Aim for all of them.)