CHAPTER 18 DBQ ESSAY WRITING PHASES

 Read and underline the question.  First read the question carefully.  Then underline all important parts that are either relevant to your answer or are part of the question.  Many essays have multiple parts to the question and you need to make sure that you answer all parts.

 Brainstorming & Organization.  Write down everything about every part of the question that you can think of (for this exercise, you can use your book if necessary) including specific facts.  Choose the facts that you want to use in your essay.  Then organize those facts in order of the paragraphs of information you will be writing.

 Create your thesis.  It needs to answer the question. In essence, it is a mini answer to the question, that if removed from the essay would be a short answer to the essay question.  It needs to be specific enough that I will understand what your body paragraphs will be elaborating on (a, b, c – paragraphs).  *Typically, your introductory paragraph will introduce the topic and the thesis will summarize your answer at the end of the intro paragraph.

 Read through each document.  Write a quick description of each, next to the document. Include + - or pro/con.  Choose the documents you will use for the essay.  Half plus one.

 Write your essay.  Start with an intro paragraph that leads into your thesis.  Add body paragraphs that elaborate on your thesis. Each paragraph should match up with the topics in your thesis(a, b, c –paragraphs).  Make sure you are following your plan.  Be sure to include at least specific supporting facts and explain how they support your answer.

1.Thomas 1.Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet, Common Sense, Sense, said: “………………….” 2.Joe 2.Joe Shmoe, a mid-Western delegate to the Republic convention in 1912, 1912, agreed with….. 3.The 3.The 19c historian, Frederick Jackson Turner, Turner, felt that …………………. (Doc. E) NEVER begin with: In Document 3, ….. How to Reference a Document in Your Essay

 Proofread your essay.  Read it slowly and deliberately to check for accuracy and clarity.  Count the number of specific supporting facts.