Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay Nine Steps to Success Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay

What is a DBQ A DBQ is a Document-Based Question that you answer as an essay. Your goal: Write a coherent essay that answers the question by MAKING AN ARGUMENT and supporting that argument with evidence from the documents and class. In order to answer the question properly, you must first understand the question, understand what each of the documents say and how they relate to one another, identify the relevant information you learned about the time period from your textbook and class notes, analyze the documents provided, and pull all of the information together in a well-argued, clearly written essay. Remember: Analyze don’t summarize

Step 1. Read the Question Show that you understand the question: Underline the key parts of the question Rephrase it

Step 2. Take Inventory, Strategize, Brainstorm Brainstorm relevant information about the topic at hand Personalities Events Date Historians, titles, etc.

Step 2. Strategize = Brainstorm Use a chart, concept web, or other brainstorming tool to identify all of the relevant and significant OUTSIDE information Begin to organize your inventory list so that you have at least 5 specific pieces of evidence for each part of the question

Step 3. Tentative thesis and outline Answer the question in one sentence MUST have at least THREE subtheses Allude to the sub-topics you will discuss to support your thesis statement Should be a complex thesis that shows you understand historical complexity Must show some evaluation or analysis Use a 2:1 ratio Outline: Five-Six Paragraph Essay: Introduction Example/Mini-thesis A Example/Mini-thesis B Example/Mini-thesis C “But” Paragraph? Conclusion

Step 4. Analyze the Docs Analyze the documents Use SOAPS-IT Indicate the subject, occasion, audience, purpose, speaker, and inference. You can use symbols like underlining, circling, or staring some of this information Show what the doc says Show why this document is important Show how this document fits into your possible thesis (you can use symbols here too) Show how the documents relate to one another (symbols are helpful!) Revise your thesis and concept web to include the documents

Step 5: Write the Intro Background information on historical time period Places the essay in context Establishes clear parameters LAST SENTENCE: Thesis that includes subtheses

Step 6. Make Argument; Present Evidence Each Body paragraph must: Begin with a mini-thesis (what you will argue in that paragraph) Further explain one of your subtheses For each example/argument, provide at least five pieces of supporting historical information Use at least one document. Most will use 2-3 docs. YOU MUST USE 80% of the docs in your essay End with a CLINCHER: ties the paragraph to the MAIN thesis

Step 6. Make Argument; Present Evidence Effectively “using” a document means: Refer to docs by name of author and title For each doc state: what the doc said what it means How it fits in with your thesis, the other docs, and your historical evidence Tips: Be clear, coherent, consistent Remember your goal is to ANALYZE NOT SUMMARIZE Cite sources to enhance credibility

Step 7. Concession Statement AKA the “But” Paragraph or the “Idiot” Paragraph Talk about an alternative position… …then refute it! Can be either your 1st body paragraph or the last body It can be woven into other body paragraphs instead of presented separately Separate: may help transition into conclusion

Step 8. Conclusion = Closing Arguments “…Tell them what you said.” Begin by rephrasing your thesis Summarize your main points Build on your concession statement Reiterate the strengths of your position Do not introduce new information

Step 9. The Intangibles Making an impression Spelling Grammar/style Punctuation Sophisticated language Use transition phrases AVOID: Arrows and lines Arrogant or immature commentary 1st and 2nd person pronouns (I, you, me, our, we, us, etc.) Judgment words or phrases Colloquial language Passive voice