How to Write a DBQ!
Document Based Questions
What is a “DBQ?”
• An essay that answers
a specific question.
• An essay that cites
specific documents to
support the writer’s
point.
1. Analyze the
Documents
5. Write an
awesome DBQ!
How to write
a great DBQ
4. Organize the
Essay
2. Group the
Documents
3. Write an
amazing thesis
1. Analyzing the Documents
•
Source: Where from?
–
Is that significant?
–
What point of view or possible bias?
•
Important facts?
•
Inferences?
•
Main idea?
•
How does this document answer the
question? [Which bucket does it fit
into?]
2. Grouping/“Bucketing” Documents
• Group your documents into 3 “buckets”
– consider grouping by similar qualities,
contents, or purposes.
• Each group is the basis of a paragraph.
Docs 1, 3, 7
Docs 4, 10, 11
Docs 2, 13
• Use a majority of the documents to get
full credit for the essay. (1/2 plus 1)
3. Write an AWESOME Thesis
•
•
•
Great essays have a clear thesis statement
– Answers the question
– Takes a position
Preview main points
– “road map” of the essay (your buckets!)
Think of it like a “chicken-foot”
Point 1
THESIS
Point 2
Point 3
Using the “Chicken Foot”
• Thesis is the leg
• Each group (main point) will branch
out with supporting ideas. (toes)
Carnegie was a
hero (or was not,
or a mixture)
because…
Reason 2
4. Organize
the DBQ
• Introductory
Paragraph
– Thesis Statement!
• Body Paragraph
– Docs __, __, and __
• Body Paragraph
– Docs __, __, and __
• Body Paragraph
– Docs __, __, and __
• Conclusion
5. Write your Essay!
• Outline provides structure
• Keep the body paragraphs in
the order of your thesis
statement
• Create an intro and conclusion!
The Introductory Paragraph
•
Establish TIME & PLACE.
•
Use a clear THESIS STATEMENT.
•
Allude to the MAIN POINTS or categories
that develop and support thesis statement
– (your “buckets” of documents)
•
Focus on the question at hand—do NOT begin
with a “flowery” sentence!
Body Paragraphs
•
Identify sub-topic or category in the
first sentence.
•
Include the documents that are relevant
to support the ideas in the paragraph.
•
Use most of the documents given [60%].
•
Be sure to indicate Point-of-view/ bias.
•
Bring in supportive outside information
•
Why were these documents selected?
Conclusion
•
Start with a “concluding phrase.”
•
Restate your thesis statement a bit
differently.
•
Put your essay answer in a larger
historical perspective.
You’re Ready!
Now go conquer your DBQ!