Cracking the DBQ Essay How to get a 6 without really trying.

Requirements of the DBQ  Thesis statement – Step up to the BAR Background on the question. Argument (Thesis) Road Map ** Make sure your thesis statement is explicit and that it addresses the question being asked.

Threes  Groups of three POV’s  Who’s the author, how does this affect their view, what is the context of the document (for whom and under what conditions was the document produced?) Groups of documents – at least three groups of 2 documents. 3 comparisons. ** On the DBQ essay, make sure you use all but one of the documents.

Using the Documents  Analyze the documents!  Determine the perspective of the author (Who, what, when, where, why)  Group documents in at least three groups of two documents each.  Use documents to support your argument (thesis)  Attribution – cite document parenthetically at the end of the sentence (i.e. (doc 3)).

Additional documents  Rule of Three  Put it where it fits.  Use it to support your thesis.  Don’t ask for an additional document like the ones that are already provided (i.e. don’t ask for a journal of a merchant if one is given as one of the original documents).

What you need to include as a minimum.  Thesis – BAR – Explicit – Not split!  Use all but one document  Group the documents in threes  Analyze the documents  Determine the perspective (POV) of AT LEAST 3 documents.  Add an additional document – Try for 3!  Answer the question fully!

In conclusion……  Write a conclusion! Why?  You will have 40 minutes to write your DBQ. It does not have to be the final draft, but, it must include all of the items we just went over.  As you are reviewing the documents, jot down a quick outline – It will help you stay on track.