Mastering the DBQ Essay in 50 Minutes

 
 
IN THE DBQ…
All the information you need to complete
your essay 
is contained in the documents.
It’s your job to 
organize, interpret, and
analyze 
these documents. It’s a skill you can
learn!
During the AP exam, you have 
50 minutes 
for
the DBQ: 10 minutes to prep & 40 minutes to
write.
THE FIRST 10 MINUTES:
READING AND ORGANIZING YOUR DBQ
Read the prompt. Underline the 
time frame 
of the essay
(when it happened) and the 
direction words – 
the key words
or phrases of the prompt (or, the stuff you’re supposed to
write about)
THE FIRST 10 MINUTES:
READING AND ORGANIZING YOUR DBQ
Example: “Using the following documents, analyze responses
to the spread of influenza in the early twentieth century.”
 
Time frame: early 20
Time frame: early 20
th
th
 century (1900s)
 century (1900s)
Direction words: responses, spread of influenza
Direction words: responses, spread of influenza
You are being asked to show how people around the world
You are being asked to show how people around the world
responded to the spread of the flu.
responded to the spread of the flu.
THE FIRST 10 MINUTES:
READING AND ORGANIZING YOUR DBQ
After that – read the background information & all the documents. As you read, 
put the
documents into groups 
based on key factors, similarities, themes, etc.
As you read, look for the viewpoint & message of each document. (Who is the author?
What is the document saying?)
You always have to have
 at least 3 groups.
THESIS STATEMENTS
(IN YOUR INTRO PARAGRAPH)
The thesis of your essay will be the answer to the question you
have constructed.  It can be more than one sentence, AND it must
include WHY that is the answer to the question.
It must 
address the terms of the question 
(why) and 
set up the
structure for the rest of the essay.
Your answer (thesis) should take into account all sides of the
issue.  Stronger essays show analysis of the issue from different
perspectives.
Remember, every single sentence of your essay should support
your thesis.
THEN, THE REST OF YOUR ESSAY…
Each body paragraph is about one of your 3+ groups of
sources. This grouping shows you get the basic meaning of
the documents (1 pt.) & gets you the point for groups (1 pt.)
Use the documents as evidence to support your thesis by
explaining & analyzing them (2 pts.)
THEN, THE REST OF YOUR ESSAY…
Analyzes Point of View in at least 2 documents = 1 pt.
This is the trickiest one! Miss it and the highest you can get is a
6!
We have more examples for you in the Point of View PPT, hold
on…
THEN, THE REST OF YOUR ESSAY…
For one of your groups, identify/explain an additional
document or source that would be needed, and why = 1 pt.
What voices are you missing that would better help you
support your thesis?
Explain what type of doc, who would write it (general, no
names), and why it would be useful.
 
 
A DAZZLING DBQ IS LIKE A TASTY
HAMBURGER
 
THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
The 
top bun 
of your
essay – 4 to 6 sentences
IN THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH…
1.
Establish TIME & PLACE.
2.
Create a clear, THESIS STATEMENT Answer the question.
3.
List the SUB-TOPICS or categories you will use to support your
thesis statement.
4.
Focus on the question at hand—do NOT begin with a “flowery”
or “cheesy” sentence! Never  “ I am going to write about…” Or
… “for many reasons”!!!
5.
No “laundry list!”
THESIS STATEMENTS
The thesis of your essay will be the answer to the question you
have constructed.  It can be more than one sentence, 
AND it
must include WHY that is the answer to the question.
Your answer (thesis) should take into account all sides of the
issue.  Stronger essays show analysis of the issue from different
perspectives.
Remember, every single sentence of your essay should support
your thesis.
THE “MEAT” PARAGRAPHS
The 
tasty part 
of your
essay
8-12 sentences+ 
per
paragraph – these can be
long
THE “MEAT” PARAGRAPHS
1.
Make the 1st sentence of each paragraph your Topic Sentence.
(~paragraph thesis)
2.
Include the documents that are relevant to support the ideas in the
paragraph.
3.
Use all of the documents given.
4.
Bring in supportive outside information.  This is critical!!
    *  One way to get from a 7 
to a 9!
5.
Organize your docs w/ with your thoughts.  What do they show about
the society that produced them?
6.
Every sentence you write should have something to do with the
Thesis which is the answer to the question.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT THE
DOCUMENTS
 
1.
Attribution 
 Who is this person?
2.
Why might they be significant?
3.
What is the point of view (POV) of the author?
4.
How reliable and accurate is the source?
5.
What is the tone or intent of the document author?
6.
What other information does this document call to mind?  Use all
available clues.
Docs can be used in a variety of ways – think beyond what the words say!
HOW TO REFERENCE A DOCUMENT IN
YOUR ESSAY
 
 
 
 
1.
Bernal 
D
iaz 
d
el 
C
astillo
,
 
i
n 
h
is 
b
ook 
o
n 
t
he 
C
onquest
,
s
aid
:
  
………………….”
2.
The 
T
laxcalan 
C
odex
,
 
a
n 
A
ztec 
b
ook 
r
ecording 
h
istory
,
s
hows 
a
..
3.
The 
R
oman 
h
istorian 
o
f 
4
00 
C
.
E
.
, 
A
mmianus
M
arcellinus
,
 
f
elt 
t
hat 
………………. 
(
D
oc
.
 
E
)
 
NEVER
NEVER
 begin with:  In Document 3….
 begin with:  In Document 3….
THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
The 
bottom bun 
of your
essay (it holds it all
together)
3-4 sentences
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
1.
Conclude by restating your thesis statement a bit
differently. (Don’t just repeat it word-for-word – explain the
main ideas one more time, in a sentence or two.)
2.
Put your essay answer in 
a larger historical perspective.
 
 
 
 
 
End 
o
f 
s
ome 
t
rend
/
m
ovement
/
i
dea
,
 
e
tc
.
Beginning 
o
f 
s
ome 
t
rend
/
m
ovement
/
i
dea
End 
o
f 
o
ne 
&
 
b
eginning 
o
f 
a
nother
.
Do 
N
OT 
e
nd 
o
n 
t
he 
n
ote 
t
hat 
t
his 
i
s 
t
he 
r
eason
w
e 
a
re 
w
here 
w
e 
a
re 
t
oday
!
DBQ STEPS
1.  
Evaluate the question.
2.
Graphic Organizer based on the  question.
1.
Outside Information
2.
Document Placement?
2. Work the Documents
 
1.  Go back to graphic organizer and add info/ place
docs/ or categorize docs = PES?
3.
Thesis
4.
Outline
5.
Just add grammar!
STEP 1 = Evaluate the question.
What IS the question asking me?????
  
What is the 
directive
directive
?
 
Analyze
Analyze
 the differences and similarities between
the collapse of both the Roman and Aztec
Empires.
 
Use the following areas:
 
Domestic
  
Foreign
  
Social
Step 1:  What is the 
Topic
Topic
?
  
Political
  
Economic
  
Social
Step 2: Put in the form of a question.
Step 1:  Put in the form of a question
What were the differences and similarities between the Roman and
Aztec Empires collapse?
Step 1:  The exact 
time period
time period
   Analyze the differences and similarities between
the 
Roman World  and the Aztec World  
Roman World  and the Aztec World  
in terms of
TWO of the following:
  
Domestic (Political Affairs)
  
Foreign (Invaders)
  
Social
WHEN? 400 – 500 C.E. and 1500 – 1530 C.E.
WHEN? 400 – 500 C.E. and 1500 – 1530 C.E.
Step :2  Brainstorm ALL facts
S
t
e
p
 
2
Brainstorm and list all facts that can 
possibly
 be
used in the essay.  You may decide not to use all
the facts in the list, but it is better to have too
many facts than not enough.
Organize your facts, paying close attention to their
significance.   Remember, using significant,
relevant facts will move an essay from a 2-4 to a 5-
7.
Step 3:  Thesis
Your thesis is the ANSWER to the question you posed AND the thesis
must also include WHY that is the answer.
T
h
e
s
i
s
The thesis of your essay will be the answer to the
question you have constructed.  It can be more
than one sentence, AND it must include WHY that
is the answer to the question.
Your answer (thesis) should take into account all
sides of the issue.  Stronger essays show analysis
of the issue from different perspectives.
Remember, every single sentence of your essay
should support your thesis.
Organize Your Thoughts
Outline
Pseudo Outline
Number and letter your Graphic organizer and Docs
Outline
Thesis Statement:
Introduction
Includes your thesis.  Your thesis for historical writing does not need to be one
sentence.  You may take the paragraph if you wish.
First Topic Sentence
Evidence 1 ( Supporting Sentences)
Evidence 2 
 
Evidence 3
Evidence 4
 
First Topic Sentence
Evidence 1 ( Supporting Sentences)
Evidence 2 
 
Evidence 3
Evidence 4
 
First Topic Sentence
Evidence 1 ( Supporting Sentences)
Evidence 2 
 
Evidence 3
Evidence 4
 
Conclusion
Refer back to your thesis
Sum up your essay.
 
Just Add Grammar
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Learn how to effectively tackle a Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay within the time constraints of an AP exam. Discover valuable tips on reading, organizing, and analyzing documents, identifying key factors for grouping documents, understanding scoring criteria, and crafting a solid thesis with supporting evidence. Prepare efficiently in the first 10 minutes, utilize document analysis strategies, and aim for both basic competence and excellence in your essay to maximize your score.

  • DBQ Essay
  • AP Exam
  • Document Analysis
  • Thesis Writing
  • Scoring Criteria

Uploaded on Nov 23, 2024 | 0 Views


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  1. How to Do a DBQ

  2. IN THE DBQ All the information you need to complete your essay is contained in the documents. It s your job to organize, interpret, and analyze these documents. It s a skill you can learn! During the AP exam, you have 50 minutes for the DBQ: 10 minutes to prep & 40 minutes to write.

  3. THE FIRST 10 MINUTES: READING AND ORGANIZING YOUR DBQ Read the prompt. Underline the time frame of the essay (when it happened) and the direction words the key words or phrases of the prompt (or, the stuff you re supposed to write about)

  4. THE FIRST 10 MINUTES: READING AND ORGANIZING YOUR DBQ Example: Using the following documents, analyze responses to the spread of influenza in the early twentieth century. Time frame: early 20th century (1900s) Direction words: responses, spread of influenza You are being asked to show how people around the world responded to the spread of the flu.

  5. THE FIRST 10 MINUTES: READING AND ORGANIZING YOUR DBQ After that read the background information & all the documents. As you read, put the documents into groups based on key factors, similarities, themes, etc. As you read, look for the viewpoint & message of each document. (Who is the author? What is the document saying?) You always have to have at least 3 groups. Characteristics for Grouping Documents (things the documents might share) Gender of author Nationality of author Pro/anti stance on issue Religious/philosophical viewpoint Level of education Idealist/realist outlook Class position in society Native/foreigner status Profession (job) of author Eye-witness (first-hand accounts) Social class Time period Second-hand accounts (friend of a friend, etc) Level of wealth

  6. Points Basic Core (Competence) 1-7 points 1. Has an acceptable thesis. Expanded Core (Excellence) 2 points 1 Expands beyond the basic core requirements of 1 to 7 points. A student must earn 7 points in the basic core area before earning points in the expanded core area. 1 2. Understands the basic meaning of the documents (May misinterpret one document) 3. Supports thesis with appropriate evidence from all documents. (All but one document = 1 point) 4. Analyzes point of view in at least two documents. 5. Analyzes documents by grouping them in three ways. 6. Identifies and explains the need for one type of appropriate additional document or source. Examples: Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis. Shows careful and insightful analysis of the document. Uses documents persuasively as evidence. Analyzes point of view in most/all documents. Analyzes the documents in additional ways groups, comparisons, syntheses. Brings in relevant outside historical content. Explains why additional types of documents or sources are needed. 2 1 1 1

  7. THESIS STATEMENTS (IN YOUR INTRO PARAGRAPH) The thesis of your essay will be the answer to the question you have constructed. It can be more than one sentence, AND it must include WHY that is the answer to the question. It must address the terms of the question (why) and set up the structure for the rest of the essay. Your answer (thesis) should take into account all sides of the issue. Stronger essays show analysis of the issue from different perspectives. Remember, every single sentence of your essay should support your thesis.

  8. THEN, THE REST OF YOUR ESSAY Each body paragraph is about one of your 3+ groups of sources. This grouping shows you get the basic meaning of the documents (1 pt.) & gets you the point for groups (1 pt.) Use the documents as evidence to support your thesis by explaining & analyzing them (2 pts.)

  9. THEN, THE REST OF YOUR ESSAY Analyzes Point of View in at least 2 documents = 1 pt. This is the trickiest one! Miss it and the highest you can get is a 6! We have more examples for you in the Point of View PPT, hold on

  10. THEN, THE REST OF YOUR ESSAY For one of your groups, identify/explain an additional document or source that would be needed, and why = 1 pt. What voices are you missing that would better help you support your thesis? Explain what type of doc, who would write it (general, no names), and why it would be useful.

  11. Writing the Essay

  12. A DAZZLING DBQ IS LIKE A TASTY HAMBURGER

  13. THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH The top bun of your essay 4 to 6 sentences

  14. IN THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH 1. Establish TIME & PLACE. 2. Create a clear, THESIS STATEMENT Answer the question. 3. List the SUB-TOPICS or categories you will use to support your thesis statement. 4. Focus on the question at hand do NOT begin with a flowery or cheesy sentence! Never I am going to write about Or for many reasons !!! 5. No laundry list!

  15. THESIS STATEMENTS The thesis of your essay will be the answer to the question you have constructed. It can be more than one sentence, AND it must include WHY that is the answer to the question. Your answer (thesis) should take into account all sides of the issue. Stronger essays show analysis of the issue from different perspectives. Remember, every single sentence of your essay should support your thesis.

  16. THE MEAT PARAGRAPHS The tasty part of your essay 8-12 sentences+ per paragraph these can be long

  17. THE MEAT PARAGRAPHS 1. Make the 1st sentence of each paragraph your Topic Sentence. (~paragraph thesis) 2. Include the documents that are relevant to support the ideas in the paragraph. 3. Use all of the documents given. 4. Bring in supportive outside information. This is critical!! * One way to get from a 7 to a 9! 5. Organize your docs w/ with your thoughts. What do they show about the society that produced them? 6. Every sentence you write should have something to do with the Thesis which is the answer to the question.

  18. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT THE DOCUMENTS 1. Attribution Who is this person? 2. Why might they be significant? 3. What is the point of view (POV) of the author? 4. How reliable and accurate is the source? 5. What is the tone or intent of the document author? 6. What other information does this document call to mind? Use all available clues. Docs can be used in a variety of ways think beyond what the words say!

  19. HOW TO REFERENCE A DOCUMENT IN YOUR ESSAY 1. Bernal Diaz del Castillo, in his book on the Conquest, said: . 2. The Tlaxcalan Codex, an Aztec book recording history, shows a .. 3. The Roman historian of 400 C.E., Ammianus Marcellinus, felt that . (Doc. E) NEVER begin with: In Document 3 .

  20. THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH The bottom bun of your essay (it holds it all together) 3-4 sentences

  21. CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH 1. Conclude by restating your thesis statement a bit differently. (Don t just repeat it word-for-word explain the main ideas one more time, in a sentence or two.) 2. Put your essay answer in a larger historical perspective. End of some trend/movement/idea, etc. Beginning of some trend/movement/idea End of one & beginning of another. Do NOT end on the note that this is the reason we are where we are today!

  22. DBQ STEPS 1. Evaluate the question. 2. Graphic Organizer based on the question. 1. Outside Information 2. Document Placement? 2. Work the Documents 1. Go back to graphic organizer and add info/ place docs/ or categorize docs = PES? Thesis Outline 3. 4. 5. Just add grammar!

  23. STEP 1 = Evaluate the question. What IS the question asking me????? What is the directive? Analyze the differences and similarities between the collapse of both the Roman and Aztec Empires. Use the following areas: Domestic Foreign Social

  24. Step 1: What is the Topic? Political Economic Social Step 2: Put in the form of a question.

  25. Step 1: Put in the form of a question What were the differences and similarities between the Roman and Aztec Empires collapse?

  26. Step 1: The exact time period Analyze the differences and similarities between the Roman World and the Aztec World in terms of TWO of the following: Domestic (Political Affairs) Foreign (Invaders) Social WHEN? 400 500 C.E. and 1500 1530 C.E.

  27. Step :2 Brainstorm ALL facts Social Domestic/ Political Foreign Roman Aztec

  28. Step 2 Step 2 Brainstorm and list all facts that can possibly be used in the essay. You may decide not to use all the facts in the list, but it is better to have too many facts than not enough. Organize your facts, paying close attention to their significance. Remember, using significant, relevant facts will move an essay from a 2-4 to a 5- 7.

  29. Step 3: Thesis Your thesis is the ANSWER to the question you posed AND the thesis must also include WHY that is the answer.

  30. Thesis Thesis The thesis of your essay will be the answer to the question you have constructed. It can be more than one sentence, AND it must include WHY that is the answer to the question. Your answer (thesis) should take into account all sides of the issue. Stronger essays show analysis of the issue from different perspectives. Remember, every single sentence of your essay should support your thesis.

  31. Organize Your Thoughts Outline Pseudo Outline Number and letter your Graphic organizer and Docs

  32. Outline Thesis Statement: Introduction Includes your thesis. Your thesis for historical writing does not need to be one sentence. You may take the paragraph if you wish. First Topic Sentence Evidence 1 ( Supporting Sentences) Evidence 2 Evidence 3 Evidence 4 First Topic Sentence Evidence 1 ( Supporting Sentences) Evidence 2 Evidence 3 Evidence 4 First Topic Sentence Evidence 1 ( Supporting Sentences) Evidence 2 Evidence 3 Evidence 4 Conclusion Refer back to your thesis Sum up your essay.

  33. Just Add Grammar

  34. YOU CAN DO IT!!

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