1. DBQs What do I do?

2. Understand the Question Read the historical context carefully to understand what it’s all about. Read the DBQ question. In almost all cases, there will be at least two parts to the task you are required to complete.

3. Circle and Box Circle the action/request words (discuss, evaluate. discuss means to make observations about something using facts, reasoning, and argument to present in some detail evaluate means to make judgments about an idea or material based on specific criteria; to determine value. Box the limiters. (American, late 1800s, early 1900s)

4. Rewriting the question Rewrite the question to insure you clearly understand how many parts there are. This is where you begin thinking about your “own” thesis statement for your paper that will clearly address the task (s) being described (-usually more than one). Your high school teachers will be looking for a thesis that is not simply a restatement of the DBQ task.

5. Brainstorm For at least 5 minutes, brainstorm everything you can think of about the topic. Ask yourself, “How would I answer this question if there were no documents provided? Write down your thoughts on paper to refer to as you work with the DBQ.

6. Carefully studying the docs Before answering any “scaffolding” questions, spend time truly studying the document. Make margin notes that will help you understand the words, symbols, pictures of the specific doc. THIS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR OUTSIDE INFORMATION.

7. Answer the questions You don’t need to use complete sentences, but make sure you write out your thoughts completely even if it is a few words. If the answer is in the document, use it. After answering the questions, reread the questions, refer back to the doc and insure your answer reflects what is being asked.

8. OUTSIDE INFORMATION- Making Connections Write down anything that comes to mind that might be relevant or relate to the document in question. Keep it neat and orderly so when you go back to organize your material into a graphic organizer, it will be easy for you to do.

9. Relate one doc to another Since you know you will not be using all of the docs in your essay, begin thinking about how one doc relates to others. In other words, look for similarities and/or differences between the docs. This will help you in deciding which documents to use for the actual essay.

10. Don’t forget to answer all of the questions! Remember, regardless of the number of documents you will actually use in your DBQ, you must answer all the questions for every document.

11. Organize your information Using some type of graphic organizer (doc box), begin organizing your information. This is an important step because it will help you decide which docs to use in your essay. Task, documents and outside information should be included in any graphic organizer.

12. Create an Outline After organizing the information, create an outline (indicating which docs you will use next to the major points of your outline). You should include a transition statement showing how you will get from one topic to another. You should end up with a very clear road map as to what you will be writing.

13. Write your essay Be sure to include an introduction with a proper thesis statement that expresses the exact direction/theme of the entire essay! Develop your arguments in the next few paragraphs remembering a topic sentence for each one. All information in a specific paragraph should relate to the topic sentence you used to begin the paragraph; if not, establish another paragraph to keep topics separated.

14. Write your essay Be sure to include transition statements/ sentences between topics. Be sure to include a proper conclusion that begins by restating your thesis statement and summarizes the main ideas covered in the essay. (Don’t say “In conclusion….”) Never use “I” or “me” or refer to the paper such as “This paper will say that….”

16. Cite the Docs You must refer to “half plus 1” documents in a typical DBQ.(some tests tell you exactly how many) Remember to limit the use of direct quotes from the docs. Paraphrasing is much better. Remember to cite correctly: (doc # 1). SAY IT OUT LOUD NOW!

17. Proofread When done, be sure to carefully proofread your work! Do your sentences make sense? Are your thoughts clear, concise and well organized? Have you used the docs to support your thesis? Are they properly cited? Have you used outside information to support your thesis? Do you have an introduction (with thesis), body paragraphs, and a conclusion?

18. Generic Scoring Rubric Score of 5: Thoroughly develops all aspects of the task evenly and in depth Is more analytical than descriptive (evaluates and creates new information) You are not restating what may be found in the documents or simply bringing in relevant outside information. You are going a step further and providing interpretation about the significance of the information provided. It’s the question, “SO WHAT?” Incorporates relevant information from at least “X” documents Incorporates substantial relevant outside information Richly supports the theme with many relevant facts, examples, and details Demonstrates a logical and clear plan of organization; includes an introduction and a conclusion that are beyond a restatement of the theme