Doing The DBQ
Pre-writing and Planning
(10-15 minutes)
Read the question carefully.
Is there more than 1 part?
How did the settlers of Jamestown struggle adjusting to the
New World? Analyze the documents and explain how those
struggles were overcome.
Think of it as a free response question.
Try to recall anything you can remember
about the topic and write a brief list of
facts in the margin.
How did the settlers of Jamestown struggle adjusting to the
New World? Analyze the documents and explain how those
struggles were overcome.
Scan the Documents.
Get an idea of what each one is about.
Underline key words, phrases, authors
and dates.
Do these document trigger any other
prior knowledge?
Speech by Powhatan, as recorded by John Smith,
1609
Why will you take by force what you may obtain by love?
Why will you destroy us who supply you with food? What
can you get by war? . . . We are unarmed, and willing to give
you what you ask, if you come in a friendly manner. . . .
I am not so simple as not to know it is better to eat good
meat, sleep comfortably, live quietly with my women and
children, laugh and be merry with the English, and being
their friend, trade for their copper and hatchets, than to run
away from them. . . .
Take away your guns and swords, the cause of all our
jealousy, or you may die in the same manner.
John Rolfe Letter 1614
Let therefore this my well advised protestation . . .
condemn me herein, if my chiefest intent and
purpose be not, to strive with all my power of body
and mind, in the undertaking of so mighty a matter,
no way led (so far forth as man’s weakness may
permit) with the unbridled desire of carnal
affection: but for the good of this plantation, for the
honour of our country, for the glory of God, for my
own salvation, and for the converting to the true
knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, an unbelieving
creature, namely Pokahuntas. . . .
Re-read the question. Double check to make sure
you understand what is being asked.
Summarize each document in one line in
your own words.
Take a deep breath, and outline your answer.
Combine outside information with documents
and form your thesis.
Use proper essay form:
Intro, Body, Conclusion
Use evidence to prove your thesis
Avoid long quotations
Don’t paraphrase documents, use them to
defend your thesis
Failure to include outside information
will result in low scores.
Make your thesis specific (Answer the
question)
How did the settlers of Jamestown struggle
adjusting to the New World? Analyze the
documents and explain how those struggles were
overcome.
Never contradict yourself
Use transition sentences in between
paragraphs
Write neatly and legible
Blue or black ink