Doing The DBQ

Pre-writing and Planning (10-15 minutes)

Read the question carefully. Is there more than 1 part? How did the settlers of Jamestown struggle adjusting to the New World? Analyze the documents and explain how those struggles were overcome.

Think of it as a free response question. Try to recall anything you can remember about the topic and write a brief list of facts in the margin. How did the settlers of Jamestown struggle adjusting to the New World? Analyze the documents and explain how those struggles were overcome.

Get an idea of what each one is about. Scan the Documents. Get an idea of what each one is about. Underline key words, phrases, authors and dates. Do these document trigger any other prior knowledge?

Speech by Powhatan, as recorded by John Smith, 1609 Why will you take by force what you may obtain by love? Why will you destroy us who supply you with food? What can you get by war? . . . We are unarmed, and willing to give you what you ask, if you come in a friendly manner. . . . I am not so simple as not to know it is better to eat good meat, sleep comfortably, live quietly with my women and children, laugh and be merry with the English, and being their friend, trade for their copper and hatchets, than to run away from them. . . . Take away your guns and swords, the cause of all our jealousy, or you may die in the same manner.

John Rolfe Letter 1614 Let therefore this my well advised protestation . . . condemn me herein, if my chiefest intent and purpose be not, to strive with all my power of body and mind, in the undertaking of so mighty a matter, no way led (so far forth as man’s weakness may permit) with the unbridled desire of carnal affection: but for the good of this plantation, for the honour of our country, for the glory of God, for my own salvation, and for the converting to the true knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, an unbelieving creature, namely Pokahuntas. . . .

Re-read the question. Double check to make sure you understand what is being asked.

Summarize each document in one line in your own words.

Take a deep breath, and outline your answer. Combine outside information with documents and form your thesis.

Use evidence to prove your thesis Avoid long quotations Use proper essay form: Intro, Body, Conclusion Use evidence to prove your thesis Avoid long quotations Don’t paraphrase documents, use them to defend your thesis

Failure to include outside information will result in low scores. Make your thesis specific (Answer the question) How did the settlers of Jamestown struggle adjusting to the New World? Analyze the documents and explain how those struggles were overcome.

Never contradict yourself Use transition sentences in between paragraphs Write neatly and legible Blue or black ink