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. “Read”
(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
•
Not about paraphrasing
•
Show that you know what the doc means by using it
to answer the question.
•
Analyze for POV: SOAPSTone or APPARTS:
–
Who? When? Where? Why? For whom? What is
the author’s POV? Is it reliable or not?
•
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 all of the documents!!!!!
3. Write an AWESOME Thesis
•
•
•
Great essays have a clear thesis statement
– Answers the question- (indicates era or time period)
– 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)
The Islamic empire
spread through
conversion, cultural
interaction, and the
skill of Arab
leaders.
#2: cultural
interaction
4. Organize the
DBQ
• Introductory Paragraph
– Thesis Statement!
• Body Paragraph
– Docs __, __, and __
– At least one POV
• Body Paragraph
– Docs __, __, and __
– At least one POV
• Body Paragraph
– Docs __, __, and __
– At least one POV
Are We Finished?
• No!!
• Include the “missing voice”
• What “voice” (POV) is not represented in the
documents?
• Whose “voice” would help you answer the question?
• Identify a document; bill of sale, ship manifest, diary
entry, census report, bank deposits, itemized
statement, etc.
• Think about: religion, gender, occupation, social
status, time, etc
• Why do you want this POV? Would it confirm or
refute your thesis?
Where should you include the
“Missing Voice”?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Anywhere
As soon as possible
In the thesis
At the end of a body paragraph
At the end in its own paragraph
Even in the conclusion is fine
Just don’t forget to include it!!!
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 all of the documents given.
•
Complete at least one POV analysis-is
the source reliable or not? Why?
•
Bring in supportive outside information.
•
“Missing Voice”
Conclusion
•
Not necessary but if you do…
•
Start with a “concluding phrase.”
•
Restate your thesis statement a bit
differently.
•
Put your essay answer in a larger
historical perspective-global perspective.
You’re Ready!
Now go conquer your DBQ!