WRITING A DBQ RESPONSE

Thesis Statements Interpretation of facts Includes shades of gray Not always in the affirmative

The Prompt How successful was organized labor in improving the position of workers in the period from 1875 to 1900? Analyze the factors that contributed to the level of success achieved.

Concept Thesis – “Although…” A thesis written like this may look like this: – Although this was a period of intense labor pressure, unions failed to make the lives and status of workers better. Or... – Although this period saw increased labor involvement, state and federal government antagonism kept unions from being effective.

Concept Thesis (continued) This kind of thesis sentence sets you up from the very beginning to acknowledge “complexity” in the essay prompt. Your opinion, your “answer” to the prompt, goes in the second half of this thesis, after the comma. This is the point you are going to make, the destination at which you want the reader to arrive.

Organizational Thesis Another way of writing a clear thesis is to use an “organizational statement.” This is a sentence that specifically mentions what will be the topics of the following body paragraphs.

Organizational Thesis (continued) The following sentences specifically mention what will be the topic sentences of the next paragraphs. – Labor unions failed because they were confused in their goals and were aggressively opposed by both state and federal governments. – Organized labor unions were unsuccessful because they were not unified in their demands and were associated with radical European political groups.

Examples of Thesis Statements Bad: George Washington set many important precedents as president. – This is a fact not a position. Good: The precedents that Washington set as America’s first president greatly benefited the American political system. – This is a clear position that can be supported or opposed. Weak: The Revolutionary War brought about change in American society. – This is, technically, a position. But, it is vague and not really debatable. Strong: The Revolutionary War ushered in a slew of wide- ranging and permanent social changes in American society. – This is a clear, strong, and debatable thesis.

How to Write a DBQ Response – the first 15 minutes 1.Read the question 1.Circle the verbs 2.Write a thesis statement 3.Brainstorm a list of information to support thesis 1.SEP 4.Create and outline 5.Read the documents making note of what is being conveyed 6.Add in documents to your outline

How to Write a DBQ – actually responding Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence – Mini thesis Use body paragraph to support thesis – Provide outside info – Support with documents Include a conclusion – No new info!