The Document-Based Question DBQ

What Is It? An essay question that requires you to interpret primary source documents. Documents might include the following: Newspaper articles/editorials Letters/diaries Speeches Legislation Political cartoons Charts and graphs

What Are the Documents for? To discuss events and ideas with which you are familiar. To support or refute the essay questions Focus around the essay topic

How Do I Take the DBQ? Begins with a 15 minute reading period Evaluate and interpret the documents

Is There a Right Answer to Each DBQ? Yes Multiple arguments Develop your argument (thesis) with evidence (include outside information) Use a strong historical argument

I Have the Question, Now What Do I Do? Getting Started Read the question thoroughly Explore all parts of the question (how many parts) Highlight important aspects Ask these two questions Do I have an opinion about this subject? What must I discuss in order to write a successful essay? (most important)

Getting Started Cont. Your essay will follow the standard writing formula Thesis or introductory paragraph Opening sentence Rephrase question Your thesis Introduce your arguments Body At least 3 full length paragraphs You need to use the majority of the documents to backup your argument The more you use, the better your essay if they are used correctly Conclusion

Getting Started Cont. Gather information Address issues Decide on data Organize plan of attack

Circle or underline the key parts to the question. Sample Question Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by the people of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur? Use the documents AND your knowledge of the colonial period up to 1700 to develop your answer…. Circle or underline the key parts to the question.

Sample Question Breakdown 1) Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by the people of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur?

Question Breakdown New England region Chesapeake region

Question Breakdown Both settled English origin Why settled, when settled, how settled?

Question Breakdown By 1700----colonial time period Evolved---grew into or developed Two distinct societies---different

Question Breakdown Why did this difference in development occur

OUTSIDE INFORMATION Question Breakdown Your knowledge of the colonial period up to 1700 to develop your answer….. OUTSIDE INFORMATION

Sample Question Breakdown Thoroughly examine and analyze the question Brainstorm for information Cluster/outline List of important events, people and other pertinent information OUTSIDE INFO!!!!

Gather Outside Information Jot down terms, ideas, and/or concepts 2 or 3 minutes Decide what you can and cannot use Insert into cluster/outline

Outside Information Information same as the documents That means you are on target Read question and brainstorm

Reading the Documents To understand the documents: A = Author P = Place and Time P = Prior Knowledge A = Audience R = Reason T = The Main Idea S = Significance

Reading the Documents Document Order Chronological - if the test is asking you trace the historical development. Thematic Organization (PREFFERED)! Otherwise – organized for compare and contrast (draw comparisons in your essay).

Reading the Documents Inconsistencies Not all documents agree Present different view points or biases from author Recognize inconsistencies APPARTS help you identify the source and differing opinions of the same event or data

Reading the Documents Once you decided on your thesis: (documents) Supporting evidence Contradicting evidence - incorporate and acknowledge these Why was that document included? Add more outside info (???)

Thesis Development Read question one more time Develop an argument you can prove Make sure your thesis addresses all pertinent aspects of the question

Write Your Essay Get to the point Back thesis up with facts, solid evidence not fluff opening statement, restate the question, and thesis containing 3 arguments 3 or 4 different issues or topic sentences Make sure you are addressing the question Refer back to the question several times Include as many documents as possible and be sure you cite each document used Don’t quote document----summarize or main idea Underline factual information you want “readers” to see….and list documents when you use them…. (DocA)

Final Conclusion Ending paragraph which summarizes what you have written. This is not part of the body…….

The Last Word Stay confident Don’t panic Take a deep breath to relax You are going to learn how to write these