1. Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay
Nine Steps to Success
Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay

2. What is a DBQ
A DBQ is a Document-Based Question that you answer as an essay.
Your goal: Write a coherent essay that answers the question by MAKING AN ARGUMENT and supporting that argument with evidence from the documents and class.
In order to answer the question properly, you must first understand the question, understand what each of the documents say and how they relate to one another, identify the relevant information you learned about the time period from your textbook and class notes, analyze the documents provided, and pull all of the information together in a well-argued, clearly written essay.
Remember: Analyze don’t summarize

3. Step 1. Read the Question Show that you understand the question:
Underline the key parts of the question
Rephrase it

4. Step 2. Take Inventory, Strategize, Brainstorm
Brainstorm relevant information about the topic at hand
Personalities
Events
Date
Historians, titles, etc.

5. Step 2. Strategize = Brainstorm
Use a chart, concept web, or other brainstorming tool to identify all of the relevant and significant OUTSIDE information
Begin to organize your inventory list so that you have at least 5 specific pieces of evidence for each part of the question

6. Step 3. Tentative thesis and outline
Answer the question in one sentence
MUST have at least THREE subtheses
Allude to the sub-topics you will discuss to support your thesis statement
Should be a complex thesis that shows you understand historical complexity
Must show some evaluation or analysis
Use a 2:1 ratio
Outline:
Five-Six Paragraph Essay:
Introduction
Example/Mini-thesis A
Example/Mini-thesis B
Example/Mini-thesis C
“But” Paragraph?
Conclusion

7. Step 4. Analyze the Docs Analyze the documents
Use SOAPS-IT Indicate the subject, occasion, audience, purpose, speaker, and inference. You can use symbols like underlining, circling, or staring some of this information
Show what the doc says
Show why this document is important
Show how this document fits into your possible thesis (you can use symbols here too)
Show how the documents relate to one another (symbols are helpful!)
Revise your thesis and concept web to include the documents

8. Step 5: Write the Intro
Background information on historical time period
Places the essay in context
Establishes clear parameters
LAST SENTENCE: Thesis that includes subtheses

9. Step 6. Make Argument; Present Evidence
Each Body paragraph must:
Begin with a mini-thesis (what you will argue in that paragraph)
Further explain one of your subtheses
For each example/argument, provide at least five pieces of supporting historical information
Use at least one document. Most will use 2-3 docs. YOU MUST USE 80% of the docs in your essay
End with a CLINCHER: ties the paragraph to the MAIN thesis

10. Step 6. Make Argument; Present Evidence
Effectively “using” a document means:
Refer to docs by name of author and title
For each doc state:
what the doc said
what it means
How it fits in with your thesis, the other docs, and your historical evidence
Tips:
Be clear, coherent, consistent
Remember your goal is to ANALYZE NOT SUMMARIZE
Cite sources to enhance credibility

11. Step 7. Concession Statement
AKA the “But” Paragraph or the “Idiot” Paragraph
Talk about an alternative position…
…then refute it!
Can be either your 1st body paragraph or the last body
It can be woven into other body paragraphs instead of presented separately
Separate: may help transition into conclusion

12. Step 8. Conclusion = Closing Arguments
“…Tell them what you said.”
Begin by rephrasing your thesis
Summarize your main points
Build on your concession statement
Reiterate the strengths of your position
Do not introduce new information

13. Step 9. The Intangibles Making an impression Spelling Grammar/style
Punctuation
Sophisticated language
Use transition phrases
AVOID:
Arrows and lines
Arrogant or immature commentary
1st and 2nd person pronouns (I, you, me, our, we, us, etc.)
Judgment words or phrases
Colloquial language
Passive voice