How To Do
A
B
Q
D
A “Document Based Question”
A “Dazzling” D.B.Q.
Is Like a Tasty Hamburger
The Introductory Paragraph
The “Top Bun” of your essay!
4-6 sentences (depending on how
many sources—3 to 5 normally are
o.k
The Introductory Paragraph
1. Establish TIME & PLACE.
2. Create a clear, THESIS STATEMENT.
[underline or highlight it!]
3. Allude to the SUB-TOPICS or
categories you will discuss to support
your thesis statement
No “laundry list!”
4. Focus on the question at hand—do
NOT begin with a “flowery” sentence!
The “”Meat”” Paragraphs
The “tasty” part of your essay!
3-5 sentences+ per paragraph
(unless there are a lot of
sources—then it could be more)
The “”Meat”” Paragraphs
1. Identify your sub-topic or category in the first
sentence.
2. Include the documents (or the pieces of the
document) that are relevant to support the
ideas in the paragraph.
3. Use most of the documents given (If you have
more than one—we’ll start with John Smith’s two
about the Powhatan).
4. Bring in supportive outside information, if
possible.
* o.i.’s = “outside information” (in
many cases this might be from class
discussion/notes/textbook)
Questions to Ask Yourself About the Documents
1. Attribution  Who is this person?
2. Why might they be significant?
3. What is the point of view (POV) of the author?
4. How reliable and accurate is the source?
5. What is the tone or intent of the document
author?
6. What other information does this document call
to mind? Use all available clues.
Remember, docs. can be used in a variety of ways!
How to Reference a Document in Your Essay
1. Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet, Common
Sense, said: “………………….”
2. Joe Smith, a mid-Western delegate to the
Republican convention in 1912, agreed
with…..
3. The 19c historian, Frederick Jackson
Turner, felt that …………………. (Doc. 3)
NEVER begin with: In Document 3, …
The Concluding
Paragraph
The “Bottom Bun” of your essay!
It holds it all together!
3-4 sentences
The Concluding” Paragraph
1. Start with a “concluding phrase.”
2. Restate your thesis statement a bit
differently.
3. Put your essay answer in a larger historical
perspective.
End of some trend/movement/idea, etc.
Beginning of some trend/movement/idea
End of one & beginning of another.
Do NOT end on the note that “this is
the reason we are where we are today!”
Put It All Together, And . . . .
Ummmmm, Burger!
I Mean, A Perfect Essay!
NOW DO IT!
• We’ll practice with just two right now.
• First steps:
1. Read and Highlight the two documents from John Smith
(found slides 16 & 17)
2. Find a main idea (to create a thesis statement) that would
help to answer the question—the question is on the very
next page.
3. Is there something in both documents that would support
your thesis (using his words)?—Remember, you only have
two docs, you might only be able to use one!
4. Start writing!
• Using the documents and class
discussion, what was importance of
John Smith and his encounters with the
Native Americans (the Powhatan)?
• John Smith’s words about an encounter with the
Powhatan: We’ll call this “Document 1”
“Arriving at Werowocomoco, their emperor proudly
lying upon a bedstead a foot high upon ten or
twelve mats…with such grave and majestical
countenance (face), as drove me into
admiration…
He kindly welcomed me with words and great
platters of sundry victuals (foods), assuring me
his friendship, and my liberty within four
days…He asked me the cause of our
coming…demanded why we went further with
our boat…He promised to give me what I wanted
to feed us, hatchets and copper we should make
him, and none should disturb us. This request I
promised to perform. And thus having all the
kindness he could devise, sought to content me,
he sent me home.”
• John Smith’s words (again) about the
same encounter (from last slide): We’ll
call this “Document 2”
“At last they brought him (Smith) to Meronocomoco, where was
Powhatan their Emperor. At his entrance, all the people gave a
great shout…and having feasted him after their best barbarous
manner they could, a long consultation was held. But the
conclusion was, two great stones were brought before Powhatan.
Then, as many as could laid hands upon him, dragged him to
them, and theron laid his head, and being ready with their clubs, to
beat out his brains. Pocahontas, the King’s dearest daughter,
when not entreaty (request) could prevail, got his head in her
arms, laid down her own upon his to save him from death; whereat
the Emperor was contented that Smith should live.”