1. How to Write a Thesis for a DBQ

2. Writing a thesis for a document-based question (DBQ) is not easy if YOU don’t know how to approach the historical material.
A DBQ is an attempt to analyze history from multiple sources and to defend a thesis in your writing.
The best way is to remember that your interpretation is correct as long as you SUPPORT your thesis.

3. There are few right or wrong answers in history, and a DBQ is no exception.
You will want to provide a logical thesis for YOUR argument-that is, one backed up by EVIDENCE as well as YOUR interpretation.
The organization of YOUR DBQ will also strengthen YOUR thesis.

4. Gathering DBQ-related documents
Gather the documents you need to write the DBQ.
Compare primary and secondary sources before you begin writing.

5. Primary Sources
A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study.
 Primary sources enable researchers to get as close as possible to what actually happened during an historical event and or time period. Examples include: ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings

6. Secondary Sources Interprets and analyzes primary sources.
These sources are one or more steps removed from the event.
Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them.
Examples include textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, and encyclopedias.

7. Gathering DBQ-related documents
AP test provides only original documents and sources.
Use secondary sources to help expand and refine your argument, but always cite from the original source.
Write down the author’s point of view as well as your thoughts and opinions about the documents.

8. Writing and proofreading the DBQ
Write your thesis for your DBQ based on the document and supplementary readings.
Question yourself as you write the DBQ.
For example ask: What is the author trying to say? DO you agree or disagree? Is the document supported by logic or opinion? If it were written in the current era would the thesis still be the same? Is my analysis of the document supported by evidence in the document itself as well as supplementary readings?

9. Writing and proofreading the DBQ
Expand your DBQ so it includes all the main points you want to include in your essay.
The thesis itself should forecast the points made in your DBQ and be supported by EVIDENCE for the documents.
PROOFREAD YOUR DBQ THESIS AND SUPPORTING POINTS.