“How Does the Nile River Shape Egypt? DBQ

What is a DBQ A Document-Based Question A questions based on documents Well, yes. But to dig deeper… It’s a question that requires you to write an essay based on facts presented within the documents, rather than what you read in history textbooks or already know. (or Google.)

But Why? Basically, you get to “do history,” for yourself Writing a DBQ provides opportunities for YOU to think like a historian by: Interpreting primary and secondary sources Evaluating sources Considering multiple points of view Using evidence to develop and support a thesis Basically, you get to “do history,” for yourself

Correct format: The Nile flooded on a yearly cycle (Doc B). Citations Correct format: The Nile flooded on a yearly cycle (Doc B). In research using MLA format, you would usually cite something with the authors last name, and the page number. However since this is a question, based on documents that were provided to you, you should cite which document it came from.

What about a Works Cited? Nope! If we’ve already given you the documents, we already know the sources!

Writing in History Every discipline has a different method/tone of writing. Writing in English is different from writing in History, which is different from writing in Science, which is different from writing in Math, etc. In history, your writing should be clear, concise, and to the point.

How to write in History: How every history professor I’ve ever had in college told me how to write in history: “Tell ‘em what you’re gonna tell them” (intro) Tell ‘em (body paragraphs) Tell ‘em what you just told them (conclusion)

Judging the value of a source When was it written? (primary/secondary source) Who wrote it? Can the source be bias? Why was it written?