Writing a DBQ AP US History

What is a DBQ? … There is no “right” or “correct” response 1 2 3 A document-based essay question that asks you to take a position on an issue that has several possible answers 2 There is no “right” or “correct” response 3 You must develop a thesis based on your own knowledge and your interpretation of the evidence presented

Will always focus on one of the following: An APUSH DBQ DBQ 55 min. 25 % of total AP score Will always focus on one of the following: Causation Change/Continuity over time Comparison Interpretation Periodization Will always assess: Historical argumentation Appropriate use of relevant historical evidence Contextualization Synthesis

The Question Read the question carefully and then consider the following: What is the question really asking? (are there words you don’t know…) Is it a “yes/no”, “to what extent” or a “compare/contrast” question? Are there multiple parts to the question?

Analyzing the Documents A document is not fact! It is a piece of evidence to interpret. Point of view is important! Put names and dates in context. Decide whether the doc supports or refutes your thesis and use it accordingly!

Writing the Essay Thesis Analysis Support Synthesize State a relevant thesis that directly relates to all parts of the question Argument Support the thesis or a relevant argument with evidence from all of the documents Analysis Focus your analysis of each document on at least one of the following: intended audience, purpose, historical context, point of view Support Support your argument with relevant analysis of historical examples not used in the docs Synthesize Connect your examples to broader events or processes and synthesize into a persuasive essay

Introduction Paragraph Start by giving broad background information related to the question – you want to make a strong impression! Give insight into the topic – analysis, perspective and point of view Thesis statement your argument should be explicitly clear to the reader after the first paragraph!!

Thesis Statement Answer the question in one sentence! Don’t discuss the documents in the thesis statement! Present an argument backed with specific factors, reasons or examples

Body Paragraphs Support from docs Support from outside sources Think before you write – organization is key! Insight should support your argument, not just list facts Each point should support the thesis Use all docs Use them when relevant, don’t list! Support from docs Support from outside sources Organize your thoughts Analysis, not narrative

DBQ #1 – Jacksonian Era Question: “What were the major arguments used, pro and con, in the debate over expanding suffrage during the Age of Jackson? Which arguments were most valid?”

Background Info (Info that is NOT in the Historical Context Section) Declaration of Independence (“all men created equal”) early views on suffrage – (only white, property-owning Christian men could vote) Founding Fathers’ views on suffrage/political participation Madison’s Federalist #10 (Federalist Papers) Creation of the Democratic party 1829 Inauguration of Jackson (how did this vary from past inaugurations?) Criticism of Jackson “King Andrew”

Essay Outline Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion Give brief background info regarding a history of suffrage rights in the US, leading up to your thesis Thesis: This is where you need to directly address the question and include not only the arguments you will be discussing, but also an assertion regarding which were considered to be most valid Body Paragraphs 1st – Arguments (pro and con) related to the expansion of suffrage in the US during the “Age of Jackson” 2nd – Which arguments were considered the most valid Conclusion Recap going from specific (restate your thesis) to broad (to expansion of suffrage rights in later times (African Americans, women)