Document-Based Question (DBQ) Rubric = 7 points total and Suggested Writing
Outline for the DBQ (page 2) 
 This document is colorful  change the format if needed (color, font, etc.. to suit you)
A. Thesis and Argument Development – 2 points
1. Presents a Thesis that makes a historically defensible claim and responds to all parts of the question. The thesis must consist of
one or more sentences located in one place, either in the introduction or the conclusion. 1 Point
****Scoring Note: Neither the introduction nor conclusion is necessarily limited to a single paragraph.
2. Develops and supports a cohesive Argument that recognizes and accounts for historical complexity by explicitly illustrating
relationships among historical evidence such as contradiction, corroboration, and/or qualification. THIS APPEARS
THROUGHOUT THE ESSAY!!!! 1 point
B. Document Analysis – 2 points
1. Utilizes the content of at least six (6) of the documents [there will be 7 documents total]---to support the stated thesis or a
relevant argument. 1 Point
2. Explains the significance of the author’s point of view, author’s purpose, historical context, and/or audience {one H.I.P.P.
analysis tool per doc} for at least four (4) of the 7 total documents. [H.I.P.P.] 1 Point
[Remember ---you have to use ONE—of the H.I.P.P analysis tools per document (four-4 docs required} and it can be the
same analysis tool used for each document.]
C. Using the Evidence beyond the documents – 2 points
1. CONTEXTUALIZATION: Situates the argument by explaining the broader historical events, developments, or processes
immediately relevant to the question. {Contextualization is usually found in the introductory paragraph, but could be developed
in a full 2nd paragraph }***Scoring Note: Contextualization requires using knowledge not found in the documents to situate the
argument within broader historical events, developments, or processes immediately relevant to the question. The contextualization
point is not awarded for merely a phrase or reference, but instead requires an explanation, typically consisting of multiple sentences
or a full paragraph. 1Point
2. OUTSIDE INFORMATION -- EVIDENCE BEYOND THE DOCUMENTS (Specific Outside Information- not mentioned
or included in ***ANY of the docs): Provides an example or additional piece of specific evidence beyond those found in the
documents to support or qualify the argument. ****Scoring Notes: This example must be different from the evidence used to earn
the other points on this rubric. This point is not awarded for merely a phrase or reference. Responses need to reference an additional
piece of specific evidence and explain how that evidence supports or qualifies the argument. 1 Point
D. Synthesis – 1 Point
1. Extends the argument by explaining the connections between the argument and ONE of the following:
a) A development in a different historical period, situation, era, or geographical area.
b) A course theme and/or approach to history that is not the focus of the essay (such as political, economic, social, cultural, or
intellectual history).
****Scoring Note: The synthesis point requires an explanation of the connections to different historical period, situation, era, or
geographical area, and is not awarded for merely a phrase or reference. YOU must provide specific evidence and analysis of
how that evidence is connected to your argument and the question. YOU CANNOT MENTION your synthesis idea IN
THESIS!!!
2+2+2+1=7  each skill is graded independently.
Suggested Outline/Writing format for the DBQ:
Consider-- that you are answering a QUESTION! — Just like in the LEQ---The documents are there to ASSIST you in answering the
question---they are pieces of evidence to use in your essay to help you prove your claim/thesis---YOUR ANSWER TO THE
QUESTION  {the docs often help to trigger memories that will help you as well }
****1st-You should always write a brief outline as you consider THE QUESTION---with a preliminary THESIS/ANSWER {if A, then
X, Y, Z} to the question BEFORE EXAMINING THE DOCS---making sure you have acknowledged ALL ESSENTIAL PARTS OF THE
QUESTION—then as you examine the docs you can place them in the outline to support X-Y-Z.
I. Short Intro: that includes the Thesis Statement {If A, then X, Y, Z} --- You will earn the 1-point for Thesis in part A of the
Rubric.
II. 1st FULL Paragraph-“Context paragraph”-- that discusses the Context in which the question takes place... e.g.,
the historical era in general which should include specific historical terms as appropriate--- You will earn the 1-point for
Contextualization found in part C (1) of the Rubric.
III. IV. V. – Your traditional 3“body” paragraph(s)-- where you prove your thesis argument/claim. Each
paragraph should include a “topic sentence” that is tied to one of the three (3) main points (x, y, and z) found in your thesis.
****For example: Paragraph III – would be used to prove point X from your thesis and would
include the document(s), analysis, and outside information that support your point X.
****Note: after completing ALL three (3)-body paragraphs-III, IV, and V:
-You earn the 1-point for using ALL of the docs from part B (1) in the Rubric.
- You earn the 1-point for using one of the H.I.P.P. doc analysis tools from part B (2) in the
Rubric.
- You earn the 1-point for using outside information from part C (2) in the Rubric.
- You earn the 1-point for developing and supporting a cohesive argument—by showing
contradiction in the documents (opposing viewpoints), and/or corroboration (documents that support
each other and your argument), and/or qualification (how the documents are limited in some way in
illustrating the main idea of the question)--- from part A (2) in the Rubric.
VI. Conclusion/Synthesis Paragraph – this is where you re-state your argument/thesis—and tie your argument to
another time period/specific event in history using specific evidence and analysis of how these two events in different time
periods are intellectually similar, thus-- connected by some aspect in your argument—called synthesis (just like we did in the
LEQ ) by accomplishing this you will earn 1-point from part D in the Rubric.
If successful in this endeavor you will have earned all 7 points included in the DBQ Rubric 
*****Remember that this is a strategic formula for answering any DBQ—Strategic in that it allows you to accomplish every
required element of the DBQ by using this “formula.” YOU can deviate from this idea and still be successful, however, it can be
confusing to write or confusing to grade, thus a gamble. 