How To Do an APUSH B D Q

You will have 55 Minutes (10-15 to read and brainstorm & 40-45 minutes to write) & you essay will be evaluated on a 7-Point Rubric Thesis (1 point) Offers a complex thesis, which incorporates a point of view and roadmap  Argument Development (1 point) Develops and supports a cohesive argument that recognizes historical complexity by explicitly illustrating contradiction, corroboration, and/or qualification  Document Analysis – Basic (1 point) Uses the content of six of the documents to support the thesis  Document Analysis – Advanced (1 point) Uses HAPP(Y) from four of the documents to support the thesis  Outside Information (1 point) Provides an example NOT IN THE DOCUMENTS to support the thesis and explains how it supports the thesis  Contextualization (1 point) Situates the argument by explaining the BROAD historical context of the time period, using information NOT IN THE DOCUMENTS; includes evidence and analysis  Synthesis (1 point) Extends the argument by connecting the topic to another time period; includes evidence and analysis; “similar in kind, but at a different time”

Step One: Read the Question & Identify essence of question: Every DBQ will focus on one of the following historical skills: causation, change and continuity over time, comparison, interpretation, or periodization. First, determine which one you need to demonstrate. Step Two: Develop a Working Thesis

Step 3: Read the Documents As you read the documents, pay attention to titles, dates, and sources, docs are in chronological order. Decide where you may be able to use these documents in your essay to support YOUR argument Identify HAPP: Historical Context, Audience, Purpose, & P.O.V Documents will trigger new outside info Create a grid/matrix - which documents & outside info you can use for each body paragraph (including docs & outside info)

The Intro Paragraph Context/Background: Establish TIME & PLACE what key broad major relevant trends of the era. Create a clear, THESIS STATEMENT that clearly answers all aspects of the question and takes a strong stand. If it Include SUB-CATEGORIES you will discuss to support your thesis statement (3 generally recommended) Focus on the question at hand—do NOT begin with a “flowery” hook sentence

The Body Paragraphs Identify your sub-topic or category in the first sentence. Topic Sentence should support/develop thesis *and it should introduce your argument, not state a fact. Include the documents that are relevant to support the ideas in the paragraph. Use all (you can skip one but it leaves you no margin for error) of the documents given and include at least one of the following for a minimum of 4 docs (but I would recommend 5): historical context, audience (probably weakest), purpose, &/or author’s POV. Bring in supportive outside information (key terms & details) you should have at least one specific piece of specific info (think key terms) for each paragraph Closing analysis: reinforce your argument in last sentence to provide transition

*NEVER begin with: In Document 2,it says blah blah blah … How to Reference a Document in Your Essay Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet, Common Sense, argued………………… (Doc. 2). Joe Smith, a mid-Western delegate to the Republican convention in 1912, agreed with….(Doc. 4). The 19c historian, Frederick Jackson Turner, felt that …………………. (Doc. 5) *NEVER begin with: In Document 2,it says blah blah blah …

The Concluding” Paragraph Start with a “concluding phrase” (try to avoid “In conclusion”) Reiforce your main argument (thesis). Put your essay answer in a larger historical context – this is key for Synthesis. Connect to a similar event or era before or after date range.(You can also use a different geographic region or connect to a different theme) This must be clear and explained. Recommended at least 2 sentences and you must be specific. But Do NOT end on the note that this is the reason we are where we are today!

The Do’s of DBQ’s Approach the question as any essay You get a point for Historical Context so it is important to connect your argument to larger trends in the era. Let your argument guide your organization Reference all documents (or skip one if you completely don’t understand) Try to include 1 piece of outside information per paragraph or at least a minimum of 2 per essay. Pay attention to dates, titles, and sources of the documents - there is often helpful information there. Look for the “distracter” document and try to give some attention to opposing viewpoints. Stick to the date range given for the question

The Don’ts of DBQs DO NOT QUOTE THE DOCUMENTS - everyone reading your essay has also read the documents, so this just wastes time Don’t laundry list the documents (Doc. A says, Doc. B says, etc.) use the documents as evidence to support your argument If you do not understand or know the context of a document use it in a more conservative or general way to avoid major errors – remember you only need a deeper analysis of 4 of the documents. If there is ONE document that you ABSOLUTELY DO NOT UNDERSTAND – skip it.