Keys to the Document Based Question Essay

1. Keys to the Document Based Question Essay

2. What is a DBQ? THE BASICS • An essay that answers a document based question by reading & responding to primary sources • Most difficult of AP essays, but one that practices the most basic skills of a historian • Requires no specific historical knowledge • Instead focuses on a long step-by-step process

3. Step 1: Process the Question • Reading the question accurately = paramount • Underline directive word • Establish boundaries for writing • DBQs often ask to connect a seemingly unrelated idea to the topic of the documents • Analyze the Mongol attitudes toward the spread of Buddhism between 200 CE and 1450. • Analyze the impact of the global economy on the Olympic games during the 20th century.

4. Step 2: Build a Framework • Based on the question, think about how an answer might be constructed • Prior knowledge? Anticipated content of documents? • Translate these considerations into a chart or outline that directly fits the question • Then complete the next step, working the documents, with this framework in mind

5. Step 3: Work the Documents • Now, read & analyze each document using the acronym APPARTS for focus: • Author - Who created the source? What is their pov? • Place & Time -Where & when was the source produced? • Prior Knowledge - What do you already know? • Audience - For whom was the source created? Does this affect the reliability of the source? • Reason - Why was this source produced? • The Main Idea - What is the source trying to convey? • Significance - Why is this source important? How does it fit your framework or connect to the question?

6. Step 4: Answer the Question • Revisit the framework developed in Step2 • Is it still appropriate? Use the framework (or a new one) to create a quick plan • Start writing essay…with these minimum req • Thesis statement • Grouping the documents • Addressing the documents • Supporting the thesis • Analyzing authors’ points of View • Suggesting an additional document

7. Required Element: Thesis • Restate location & time period boundaries • Write a strong statement of 1-3 sentences in your intro that lays out your central argument & 2-3 controlling ideas • Should directly answer the question asked • Should find a balance b/t overly broad generalizations vs specific supporting details • Stating the categories of comparison from your planning is not sufficient; you must elaborate on these • Review your plan; use your extensive vocabulary - look for words or trends that categorize as much information as possible

8. Required Element: Grouping • Place the documents into at least 2 groups or categories • national origin, topic, social class of author, pro/con • This is largely solved with a strong organization around a strong thesis • Each body paragraph is likely a group • Do not have to specifically state “The ____ group can be seen in documents #,#,#.” • Types of groupings can be mixed if it helps answer the question • Every group must have at least 2 docs, but docs can be used in more than group

9. Required Element: Addressing Docs • Must use every document at least once • Must demonstrate an understanding of the documents • Use the content in a context that shows your comprehension • Think of a DBQ as a research paper in which the sources have already been chosen for you • In order to know that you used all the documents, you must cite them by either: • According to _______ (author’s name or title) … OR • Sentence of content… (doc #). • Do not start a sentence with “In document 1…” • Demonstrating understanding of a doc is NOT simply using “quotations”

10. Required Element: Support • Give multiple, specific examples based on the documents to support thesis claims • Helps “demonstrate understanding of documents” • Remember the Rule of 3 • Have a goal of 3 supporting details per body ¶ • Good historical writing & paragraph structure call for statements of analysis

11. Required Element: POV • Explanation of how the content of at least 2 documents are likely impacted by the circumstances behind their creation. • Consider: Social class, time period, religion, occupation, gender, medium of expression, tone, etc • If an invention is attributed to these Chinese emperor, how would the doc be impacted if: • It was described by the emperor himself in a personal diary? • It was described in a public decree written by a government official working for the emperor? • Most difficult task of writing essay • Not simply explaining the author’s point of view, BUT how that pov impacted the document

12. Required Element: Add Doc • Explanation of how at least 1 additional document would benefit the dbq • Be as specific as possible about what the kind of document that you would like to see • Be as specific as possible about how this additional document would benefit your analysis • Suggested document must be modestly possible • Search for “the missing voice” • Is there a group being talked about without a document written from their own voice?

13. What is the DBQ essay? Steps to Answering the Question • Know how the essay is graded • Break down the question • Remember the Rule of 3 • Use solid paragraph structure

14. Step: #1 Know Rubric Notice: • Split rubric= must get all 7 core points before earning expanded points • Focus on 7 core points • Scored based on value-added= points are not deducted, they are only awarded for positive contributions

15. Step: #2 Understand Question • Read the question accurately & plan • Underline directive word= describe v. compare v. analyze v. evaluate v. to what extent • Establish boundaries for writing= time period & region • Recall prior knowledge= note any info that you remember within the boundaries • Analysis? • do not simply look at a situation simply at face value but look for connections between information • the recognition of patterns, relationships, or hidden meaning

16. Step: #3 Rule of 3 • 3 controlling ideas in thesis • 3 groups & body paragraphs • 3 analyses of point of view – 1 per paragraph • 3 suggestions of additional documents – 1 per paragraph

17. Step: #4 Paragraph Org • Topic sentence introducing grouping • Document paraphrase, analysis • Document paraphrase, analysis • Document paraphrase, analysis • POV with applicable doc • Additional document

18. Finished Product – Formal Essay • There are requirements specific to AP, but keep in mind this is about becoming a good writer • Proper Organization & Accuracy • Introduction, 3 body ¶‘s, Conclusion • Use topic sentences • Restates thesis in conclusion • Proper Style & Conventions • Don’t use I, me, you, or abbreviations • Aim for proper spelling and punctuation because errors can cloud your argument