How to Write a DBQ!How to Write a DBQ!

Document Based QuestionsDocument Based Questions

What is a “DBQ?”What is a “DBQ?”

• An essay that answers a specific question.

• An essay that cites specific documents to support the writer’s point.

• An essay that answers a specific question.

• An essay that cites specific documents to support the writer’s point.

3. Write an amazing thesis

2. Group the Documents

1. “Read” (Analyze) the Documents

4. Organize the Essay

5. Write an awesome DBQ!

How to How to write a write a

great DBQgreat DBQ

1. Analyzing the 1. Analyzing the DocumentsDocuments

• 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?]

• 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” 2. Grouping/“Bucketing” DocumentsDocuments

• Group your documents into 3 “buckets” – consider grouping by similar qualities,

contents, or purposes.

• Each group is the basis of a paragraph.

• Use all of the documents!!!!!

• Group your documents into 3 “buckets” – consider grouping by similar qualities,

contents, or purposes.

• Each group is the basis of a paragraph.

• Use all of the documents!!!!!

Docs 1, 3, 7 Docs 4, 10, 11 Docs 2, 13

3.3. Write an AWESOME Write an AWESOME ThesisThesis

• 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”

• 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”

THESIS

Point 3

Point 2

Point 1

Using the “Chicken Foot”Using the “Chicken Foot”• Thesis is the leg• Each group (main point) will

branch out with supporting ideas. (toes)

• Thesis is the leg• Each group (main point) will

branch out with supporting ideas. (toes)

#2: cultural interaction

#1: conversi

on

#3: skill of Arab leaders

The Islamic empire spread through conversion, cultural interaction, and the skill of Arab leaders.

• Introductory ParagraphIntroductory Paragraph– Thesis Statement!Thesis Statement!

• Body ParagraphBody Paragraph– Docs __, __, and __Docs __, __, and __– At least one POVAt least one POV

• Body ParagraphBody Paragraph– Docs __, __, and __Docs __, __, and __– At least one POVAt least one POV

• Body ParagraphBody Paragraph– Docs __, __, and __Docs __, __, and __– At least one POVAt least one POV

4. Organize the 4. Organize the DBQDBQ

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!5. Write your Essay!

•Outline provides structure

•Keep the body paragraphs in the order of your thesis statement

•Create an intro and conclusion!

•Outline provides structure

•Keep the body paragraphs in the order of your thesis statement

•Create an intro and conclusion!

The Introductory The Introductory ParagraphParagraph

• 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!

• 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 ParagraphsBody 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”

• 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”

ConclusionConclusion

• 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.

• 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!You’re Ready!

Now go conquer your DBQ!Now go conquer your DBQ!