1. How do you outline a thematic and DBQ Essay for the NYS Regents?

2. Theme: Individuals, Groups, Institutions—Writing and Reform
Throughout United States history, individuals have used writing as a way to focus attention
on issues facing the American people. To resolve the issues raised in these writings, actions
have been taken by the government, groups, or individuals.
Task: Select two pieces of writing that have focused attention on issues facing American society
and for each
• Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the issue addressed by the author
• Discuss an action taken by the government or a group or an individual in response to the
issue raised by the author.
You may use any piece of writing from your study of United States history that focuses attention on an issue facing American society. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include
Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776)
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852)
How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis (1890)
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair (1906)
“I, Too, Sing America” by Langston Hughes (1925)
The Other America by Michael Harrington (1962)
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962)
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan (1963)
“Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1963)

3. I) Introduction
Use the theme and add 2 – 3 sentences for a total of 3 – 5 sentences. Tell the reader what you are planning to write.
Throughout United States History, individuals have used writing as a way to focus attention on issues facing the American people. In order to resolve some of the issues the government and some groups have taken specific actions. Two of the most famous writings that led to reform include _________________ and _____________

4. II) Body of the Essay
In this essay, the task is calling for you to do 4 things.
Select 2 pieces of writing and for each one
Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the issue
Discuss and action taken by the government or a group or an individual in response to the issue raised by the author
Your body of the essay should have a minimum of 2 to as much as 4 paragraphs.

5. Body Paragraphs Select 1 Writing from the list (1 of 2)
Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the writing that is addressed by the author.
You must describe the events that led up to it. You can’t just say what the author wrote up you must write what led up to the author writing this work.
Discuss an action taken by the government or a group or an individual in response to the issue that was raised by the author

6. Body Paragraphs Select 1 Writing from the list (2 of 2)
Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the writing that is addressed by the author.
You must describe the events that led up to it. You can’t just say what the author wrote up you must write what led up to the author writing this work.
Discuss an action taken by the government or a group or an individual in response to the issue that was raised by the author

7. Writing the Body of the Essay
As the writer you MUST be clear in what you write.
Answer ALL parts of the task
Describe means to illustrate something in words or to tell about it. Tell the story!
Discuss means to make observations about something using facts, reasoning, and arguments to present in some detail.
Do NOT do more than the task is asking you to do. It will NOT show the grader that you are smart. The grader can only read what the task tell them to read. Therefore, if the task asks for two items and you write three the grader can only score the first two items.

8. III) Conclusion
Your conclusion is a Summary, a wrap-up, a conclusion your essay.
Tell the grader in summary what you wrote.
DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT add new information.
If you add any new information then your conclusion is NOT a conclusion