1. Writing A DBQ Essay Mr. Sandford AP American History

2. WHAT IS IT? 4 The DBQ requires you to read 8 - 10 primary sources in order to answer a question. 4 The documents will be new to you and are usually 1/2 a page long. 4 You are expected to read and analyze the documents for the first 15 minutes and then write for 45 minutes. 4 3 parts: directions, question, and documents

3. WHAT YOU ARE EXPECTED 4 You must construct a coherent essay which integrates your understanding of the documents and your knowledge of the period. 4 Higher scores: successfully uses the documents to support traditional historical themes and show a historical perspective. 4 Lower scores: students who just describe the documents.

4. THE DIRECTIONS 4 They should take you 15 minutes to read and take notes about the documents. 4 They will identify the historical period being discussed. 4 Develop your opinion after reading directions. 4 BASICALLY: you MUST SUPPORT YOUR OPINION through the use of historical documents.

5. BRAINSTORMING 4 List a quick list of issues, terms, people, and events that fit into the historical period the question is asking about. 4 This will help establish your writing organization and will help you to demonstrate your understanding of outside knowledge.

6. READING THE DOCUMENTS 4 As you read and analyze the documents, write notes in the margins. 4 Continually refer back to your brainstorming list to embellish it so when you write your essay, you can include outside knowledge. 4 As you read, continue to strengthen your thesis.

7. THE DOCUMENTS 4 The order in which the documents are arraigned are not random. 4 They are usually arranged chronologically. 4 They also may be grouped by point-of-view. 4 They will not all agree with each other. 4 They may offer a different perspective on a single historical event. 4 You must identify and analyze the point of views.

8. PARAGRAPH ONE 4 Write a clear and concise thesis that you will prove in the essay. 4 Briefly describe three to four logical sub- topics of the thesis. 4 You should define these subtopics with defining sentences. –Remember the historical theme of the essay. You may get these subtopics from the documents.

9. BODY PARAGRAPHS 4 Each subtopic should begin with a sentences that re-introduces the subtopic. 4 Support the subtopic with outside info. 4 Support your outside info., with references to one or two documents. CITE!!!!! 4 Your concluding sentences should relate to the paragraph’s topic (sub-topic) 4 Use a transition sentence for each paragraph.

10. HELPFUL SUPPORT INFORMATION 4 All accurate outside information included in your essay will earn points - even without support from the documents. 4 ANY USE OF PRIMARY DOCUMENTS NOT SUPPORTED WITH OUTSIDE INFORMATION WILL NOT EARN ANY POINTS!

11. CONCLUSION 4 Your conclusion should be more then just restating your thesis. 4 Although, you do not want to offer new information that was not mentioned in the body of your essay. 4 A helpful hint in writing your conclusion, remember who your audience is!