Document Based Question (DBQ)
Steps for Success
Step 1
Read through the DBQ
Step 2
Answer the short-answer questions
for each document
Underline / hilite key words
Write in complete sentences
In the margins, jot down notes about
related information that you might be
able to use as “outside information” in
your essay
OPTIONAL: brainstorm the topic (list, web, etc)
Step 3
Plan the essay
Box Organizer
Big picture first
How many body paragraphs?
What will each paragraph topic be?
Depends on the task.
– EX) if there are four major task components, you
may choose four body paragraphs; one for each
major part of the task.
Write paragraph topics on side of boxes –
this helps cover all aspects of the task
Body Paragraph Content
Outside Information
Not in documents
Consult your
margin notes
What fits with my
body paragraph
topics?
If I was writing this
without documents,
what would I
include?
Inside information
In documents
Consult your shortanswer responses
Which docs fit with
my body paragraph
topics?
How can I use the
docs to support
what I’m writing?
Meet minimum #
Double check: Have I addressed all aspects of the task in my planning?
Step 4
Write the Introduction Paragraph
DO: Use the Historical Context and Task for
direction. If the task gives you options, only
mention the options you are choosing.
DO: inform the reader about what your essay
is about
DO NOT: simply recopy the Historical
Context and Task
DO NOT: include document references.
DO NOT: write “In this essay I will tell you
about…” or anything similar
Sample Introduction
SAMPLE Historical Context
The geographic factors of location and
availability of resources have affected
the history of Great Britain and Japan.
SAMPLE Task
Compare and contrast the effect of
geographic factors such as location and
availability of resources on the political
and economic development of Great
Britain and Japan.
Sample Introduction
The availability of resources and location
have heavily influenced the development of
Great Britain and Japan. Both island
nations, Great Britain has benefitted from a
wealth of natural resources, while Japan
has been forced to deal with a lack of
them. Historically, these geographic factors
have played a role in the economic and
political advancement of both civilizations
and weighed heavily on decisions made by
their governments.
Body Paragraphs
Start with a Topic Sentence.
EX) Great Britain possessed an
abundance of natural resources that
played a major role in the Industrial
Revolution. Coal and iron ore were
readily available to be used in factories,
which allowed Britain to industrialize
first. ……………………..
Body Paragraphs: Citing Documents
How should I make document
citations (references)?
At the end of a sentence or sentences
that you refer to a document in, put
the document number in parentheses.
EXAMPLE)
Japanese imperialism extended to
resource rich Manchuria by 1934 (Doc
8).
Conclusion
DO: Summarize the essay
DO: Use the language from the task
and historical context
Rewrite in your own words
DO: Include a couple of examples
that you used in your body
paragraphs
DO NOT: recopy the intro
Sample Conclusion
The histories of Great Britain and Japan
were greatly influenced by geographic
factors. The availability of resources led to
the Industrial Revolution beginning in
Britain, while a lack of resources led to an
era of imperial expansion for Japan in
order to obtain them. Great Britain’s
location led to an easy outlet to sea trade,
while offering protection from invaders.
Japan’s close proximity to China enabled
cultural diffusion to bring political and
economic ideas from the mainland.