D.B.Q. Document-Based Questions

1. D.B.Q.Document-Based Questions Ms. Costas World History

2. What is a DBQ? • D.B.Q. stands for “Document Based Question” • It is an essay question that requires you to interpret primary source documents • Documents might include… • Newspaper articles/editorials • Letters/diaries • Speeches • Legislation • Political Cartoons • Charts and Graphs • Excerpts from historical texts

3. What are the Documents for? • To discuss events and ideas with which you are familiar • To support of refute the essay question • Focus around the essay topic

4. Is there a “right” answer to each DBQ? • It depends on the question • As long as you can “back up” your answer with supporting evidence, you cannot be wrong • As long as the evidence is historically accurate • Develop your argument (thesis) with evidence • This includes outside information • You must use a strong historical argument

5. Getting Started • Read the question thoroughly • Explore all parts of the question • How many parts are there? • Highlight important aspects • Ask yourself these two questions… • Do I have an opinion about this subject? • What must I discuss in order to write a successful essay? • Gather your information • Address issues • Decide what data to use • Organize a plan of attack

6. Getting Started Cont’d. • Your essay will follow the standard writing formula • Introductory paragraph • Opening sentence • Rephrase question • Your opinion • Introduce your arguments • State your thesis • Body • Depending on the question • 2-3 full length paragraphs • Minimum of 3 – 4 documents to back up your argument • The more you use, the better your essay if they are used correctly • Conclusion • Concluding sentence • Sum up major arguments • Closing sentence

7. Breakdown the Question • Thoroughly examine and analyze the question • What is the question asking me? • How can this question be answered • Brainstorm for information • Cluster/Outline • List of important events, people, and other important information

8. Gather Outside Information • Usually the information that is in the DBQ will not be new to you • Where have you seen this before? • Jot down information based off of notes, activities, or other common knowledge • Try to answer the questions • If the information is similar to the of the documents that means you are on target!

9. Reading the Documents • Inconsistencies • Not all documents agree • Recognize different views • Once decided on your thesis: • Supporting evidence • Contradicting evidence • Why was that document included • Add more outside info

10. Thesis Development • Read question one more time • Develop an argument you can prove • Make is a convincing statement • Make sure your thesis addresses all pertinent aspects of the question

11. Write Your Essay • Get to the point • Back thesis up with facts, solid evidence not fluff • Opening statement with your opinion, restate the question and 3 arguments • 3 or 4 different issues or topic sentences • Make sure you are addressing the question • Refer back to the question several times • Include as many documents as possible and be sure to cite each document used • Refer back to the document • Ex. “As John Smith explained in World History Connections to Today…” • Or “In World History Connections to Today, John Smith describes…” • Don’t just quote the document --- summarize main ideas in your own words

12. Final Thought • Stay confident! • This is a process • It isn’t something that can be completed with quality quickly • That means DON’T RUSH • By the end of the year, you will be a master at working with primary documents!