DBQ Skill – planning your essay
1. Read the question carefully and underline key words
2. Set up a planning chart based on the task
a. Rows = parts of the task to be discussed (# varies based on task)
b. Columns = task, outside information and information from documents (3)
c. Complete brainstorming for outside info related to task
d. Read documents using strategies and record info and doc. # of information related to the task.
e. Determine what theme relates to the task (What is the big idea? Manifest Destiny?
Imperialism? Industrialization? Urbanization? Justice? Equality? Human Rights? Democracy?
Geography? Social, Political or Economic Change? Global interdependence?)
f. Write an introduction answering the 5w’s and identifying the “big” idea
g. Write a thesis statement that specifically answers the task.
h. Use the information from your chart to explain and support your answer with specific
evidence. Be sure to include outside information and CITE the documents.
**Generally each row of your chart will become a body paragraph****
Planning practice
Evaluate the effects of political, social and economic changes on peoples’ lives during the 1920’s.
President Harding said the business of America is business. Explain how business affected life in the 1920’s.
Describe the causes of change in the 1920’s and their results.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Treaty of Versailles in solving the issues that caused WWI.
Describe the positive and negative social and economic effects of the rapid growth of the U. S. during the
late 1800’s.
Explain the reasons why the U. S. could be described as an imperialist nation in the early 1900’s.
Describe three reform movements of the Progressive Era in which women were involved and explain two
changes that might account for women’s increasing involvement in those movements.
Plan for DBQ
INTRO – (5 W’s + big idea +thesis statement)
TASK
OUTSIDE INFORMATION
INFO. FROM DOCUMENTS
CONCLUSION- (Restate your thesis and your strongest reasons that
support it, add appropriate evaluate or predictions only in the conclusion)