1. How To Do an APUS B D Q

2. A “Dazzling” D.B.Q. Is Like a Tasty Hamburger

3. The “Top Bun” of your essay!
The Introductory Paragraph
The “Top Bun” of your essay!
4-6 sentences

4. The Introductory Paragraph
Establish TIME & PLACE.
Create a clear, THESIS STATEMENT. [underline or highlight it!]
The thesis should answer the question and be the last sentence(s) of the intro.
Allude to the SUB-TOPICS or categories you will discuss to support your thesis statement
Focus on the question at hand—do NOT begin with a “flowery” sentence!
No “laundry list!”

5. The “tasty” part of your essay! 8-12 sentences+ per paragraph
The “”Meat”” Paragraphs
The “tasty” part of your essay!
8-12 sentences+ per paragraph

6. The “”Meat”” Paragraphs
Identify your sub-topic or category in the first sentence.
Include the documents that are relevant to support the ideas in the paragraph.
Use most of the documents given. The rule is half plus one.
Bring in supportive outside information. This is critical!! * o.i.’s = “outside information”
Why were these documents selected?

7. Remember, docs. can be used in a variety of ways!
Questions to Ask Yourself About the Documents
Attribution  Who is this person?
Why might they be significant?
What is the point of view (POV) of the author?
How reliable and accurate is the source?
What is the tone or intent of the document author?
What other information does this document call to mind? Use all available clues.
Remember, docs. can be used in a variety of ways!

8. NEVER begin with: In Document 3, …
How to Reference a Document in Your Essay
Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet, Common Sense, said: “………………….”
Joe Smith, a mid-Western delegate to the Republican convention in 1912, agreed with…..
The 19c historian, Frederick Jackson Turner, felt that …………………. (Doc. E)
NEVER begin with: In Document 3, …

9. The “Bottom Bun” of your essay! It holds it all together!
The Concluding Paragraph
The “Bottom Bun” of your essay!
It holds it all together!
3-4 sentences

10. The Concluding” Paragraph
Start with a “concluding phrase.”
Restate your thesis statement a bit differently.
Put your essay answer in a larger historical perspective.
End of some trend/movement/idea, etc.
Beginning of some trend/movement/idea
End of one & beginning of another.
Do NOT end on the note that this is the reason we are where we are today!

11. Put It All Together, And

12. Ummmmm, Burger!
I Mean, A Perfect Essay!

13. Outline Format
Write out your introductory paragraph in full, underlining your thesis statement.
¶1  sub-topic title
Information from a document (Doc-B)
Information from another document (Doc-E)
Some outside information (OI)
Different info. from the same document (Doc-E)
¶2  sub-topic title
Information from a document (Doc-A)
Information from another document (Doc-H)

14. Outline Format Information from another document (Doc-F)
¶3  sub-topic title
Information from a document (Doc-C)
Information from another document (Doc-D)
Some outside information (OI)
Information from another document (Doc-F)
New information from the same document (Doc-F)
Write out your concluding paragraph in full.

15. Thesis Example
In terms of relationships with the natives, the Spanish implemented the encomienda system (slavery) but later assimilated the natives; the French allied with the natives for the economic gain of fur trapping; and the English used the natives to teach them survival skills and then began to eradicate the population. The reasons for settlement were also varied in that Spain hoped to Christianize the natives and obtain gold; the French sought to trade fur; while the English wanted a base to attack Spanish shipping. Each nation wanted to increase its power, prestige and wealth in the world.