Document-Based Question DBQ Document-Based Question

Question/Docs. Read the prompt Analyze the documents provided Pay attention to the dates of the documents and how they are organized. Chronological? Grouped? Random? Pay attention to the source of the documents and point of view The DBQ documents give clues or hints as to what points should be covered in your response.

Introduction Write an Introduction Your introduction sets the tone for your paper. It should introduce the topic by setting it up historically, i.e., what preceded your topic, etc.

Thesis Write a clear and complex thesis Your thesis must be specific and presage your main points. Never write a thesis that is vague or general. Never simply re-write the question. Example: New England and the Chesapeake developed differently.

Main Points Write clear main points Introduce your main points in descending order of importance, preferably in the order that they appear in the thesis. Each topic sentence should in some way refer back to the thesis. Always try to make connections with other main points.

Conclusion The conclusion should summarize your main points, refer back to the thesis, and/or look ahead to the impact of topic or thesis on future events. If pressed for time, at least write a concluding sentence or two.

Outside Information Use plenty of outside information Outside information must be included. Be specific: include dates, names, events, facts, etc. You must use at least 3 pieces of outside information per main point.

Documents Use the documents!! You must use all or all but one of the documents. Documents may be attributed directly or indirectly. Always pay attention to the date, author, pov, of the document. Do not let the documents drive the response; they are supporting evidence. Do not describe the documents: use information gleaned or inferred from the documents. Equal weight is given to explicit or implicit use of document information.

Documents Use these attribution techniques: According to John Winthrop in 1630… John Winthrop’s call to community in the famous “City upon a Hill” sermon… Never say: According to Document A You may however cite a document (Doc F) at the end of the sentence.

Doc/Outside Info. Ideally, document and outside information should seamlessly be integrated into a cohesive response Document/outside information can be used in the introduction and/or conclusion

Quotes Do not under any circumstances use long quotes or open your essay with a quote Short quotes can be incorporated into sentences but should not be overused.

Past Tense Always write in the past tense. Do not change verb tense in mid-sentence or mid-paragraph.

Third Person Third Person Only Do not use 1st person or 2nd person when writing a formal paper. Don’t use “I” or “you.”

Transition is Important Always connect sentences with transitional words and/or phrases. Paragraphs always need to be connected in some fashion. Concluding sentences in paragraphs are important.

Adverbs/Adjectives To enrich your essay and make your argument more convincing and persuasive, appropriate adverbs and adjectives should be used. Good use of adverbs and adjectives create a greater analytical sense.

DBQ