1. DBQ Guide

2. RULE # 1 Decide how many documents must be used in the essay.
To do this you count the number of documents, then include ½ + 1 (or if there are an odd amount of documents, round up to the nearest whole number).

3. RULE # 2
Make sure you have at least 5 paragraphs to your essay. (Formal Style)
Introduction
3 Body
Conclusion
Clearly organized and develops cohesion between claims, reasons and evidence.

4. Rule # 3
Be sure your argument (thesis) is clearly stated and answers the inquiry question.

5. Rule #4
Be sure to use the documents to develop the claims you are making in your essay to respond to the inquiry question.
BE SURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ALTERNATE OR OPPOSING CLAIMS (COUNTERCLAIM)

6. Rule # 5
You must use in-text citations. This means that you will tell the reader which documents you took information from.
The documents should be used to help give reason and explain your argument.
Use the documents as evidence to support claims and counter claims.
Be sure to use language to tie all your thoughts together.

7. President John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration Address
Examples
Document 1:
“And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
President John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration Address
Eg 1: According to Kennedy’s inauguration address, the President feels Americans should be more willing to help their country.
Eg 2: Kennedy say’s “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” (Document 1). This means that Americans should be more willing to help their country.
Eg 3: According to document 1, President Kennedy asks his fellow Americans to help the country.

8. Rule # 6
CONCLUSIONS
Tie up all your ideas. Make sure you DO NOT bring up any new information in your conclusions. There are no “to be continued’s…..” in DBQs.
Be sure it connects to your argument presented.

9. Rule # 7
Use accurate historical (outside) information to strengthen argument.
Use proper background information, context or outside information to enhance your essay.