1 WRITING A DBQ: AP * U.S. History

2 What Is a DBQ? An essay question that asks you to take a position on an issue that has several possible answers No “right” or “correct” response You must craft a thesis based on your own knowledge and your interpretation of the evidence presented

3 DBQ Documents Charts, graphs, and maps Newspaper articles/editorials Speeches Letters Diaries Laws Treaties Executive orders Editorial cartoons

4 Prompt Analysis Format

5 The Question Read the question carefully, then think about the following: What is the essence of the question? Is it a yes/no, “to what extent,” or “compare and contrast” question? Does it have more than one part? Are there bullets provided? Is there a choice of responses?

6 Sample DBQ: Multipart Question Discuss the changing ideals of American womanhood between the American Revolution (1770s) and the outbreak of the Civil War. What factors fostered the emergence of “republican motherhood” and the “cult of domesticity”? Assess the extent to which these ideals influenced the lives of women during this period. In your answer be sure to consider issues of race and class.

7 Discuss the changing ideals of American womanhood between the American Revolution (1770s) and the outbreak of the Civil War. What factors fostered the emergence of “republican motherhood” and the “cult of domesticity”? Assess the extent to which these ideals influenced the lives of women during this period. In your answer be sure to consider issues of race and class. Key Terms

8 Discuss the changing ideals of American womanhood between the American Revolution (1770s) and the outbreak of the Civil War. What factors fostered the emergence of “republican motherhood” and the “cult of domesticity”? Assess the extent to which these ideals influenced the lives of women during this period. In your answer be sure to consider issues of race and class. Date Parameters

9 Date Parameters (continued) Does the question state specific dates? What are they? If no specific date parameters are given, set ones of your own List presidents of the period Put the question in chronological context of the events and culture of the period

10 Construct a Database Use a database to organize outside information you know that may be relevant to the question Write down headings on the back of your test booklet Create the database before you read the documents Next, read the documents and add any other info to your database that occurs to you