Understanding Document-Based Questions How TO: DBQ! Understanding Document-Based Questions

What is a DBQ? A series of historical documents that all relate to a TASK (the question) that needs to be answered You will answer 2-3 scaffolding questions per document You will write a well developed essay that includes… An Introduction At least 2 body paragraphs A Conclusion http://www.nysedregents.org/testing/scostei/jun09/8SS-bk2-609w.pdf - example DBQ from an 8th grade Assessment Exam

Example Document 1.) Which water fountain is in better condition? 2.) What is the name of the laws that separate public facilities on the basis of race? 3.) What was the landmark decision in the Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson ?

Information From The Documents The Formula Outside Information + Information From The Documents _____________________________ A WELL WRITTEN ESSAY

Try to……… Keep the BALANCE between what you know about the subject (“outside information”) and the information from the documents

Pretend that… You are “teaching” the reader about the topic. Do not assume that the reader knows the subject. Explain

How Do I Incorporate Information From The Documents How Do I Incorporate Information From The Documents? with statements such as: According to Document A….. Document B is an example of…. As shown/stated/illustrated in Document C……. Document D proves that…. The Constitution (name of the document) proves that……. Always discuss the document information first and then outside information You can also “discuss” the document and then put the document in parenthesis

Remember! If you copy the exact words from a document, put the words in quotes. Do not copy the document word for word in your essay. SELECT ONLY THOSE WORDS OR SENTENCES WHICH HELP YOUR ESSAY.

The Introduction You may use the Historical Context, but good writing also includes: Additional information Re-wording the Historical Context and MOST IMPORTANTLY A THESIS STATEMENT! A thesis statement tells the reader the main idea(s) of the essay… “state your case” A good place for the thesis statement is at the end of the introduction

Each body paragraph should: Be at least 3-5 sentences Focus on one important idea and, most importantly, SUPPORT/PROVE THE THESIS _______________________________________________________ Remember to make the transition from one body paragraph to the next

The Conclusion Creates a “full circle” with the introduction Summarizes the key points of the essay Does not introduce new ideas RE-STATES THE THESIS Ends with some “final thoughts” Creates a “full circle” with the introduction

Helpful Hints In the documents, highlight or underline: The task and the question All key words in the scaffolding questions Information surrounding the documents PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! There will not be enough time for a “scrap copy,” so: Outline your main ideas List the documents you intend to use Briefly “jot down” relevant outside information

Final Thoughts SUBMIT YOUR BEST WORK! Both Part A and Part B should be written neatly and in full sentences Remember: The documents and answers to Part A help you understand the question and give you ideas Eliminate “I” statements in your essay. Write in the third person Weave together factual information and beautiful language SUBMIT YOUR BEST WORK!

Grading The DBQ Introduction- In order to “hook” the reader, begin with a strong introduction that shows you understand the question Conclusion- A strong conclusion is your last chance to impress the reader and show your understanding of the question Outside Information- A “level 3, 4 or 5” DBQ includes outside information that relates to the topic and strengthens the essay. Documents- One of the “golden rules” of DBQ writing is that you must use the appropriate number of documents. “Rule of thumb”- use ½ + 1 of the number of documents in the DBQ