2. DBQ 1: INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION

3. STEP 1: THE THESIS DBQ essays must have a thesis (a statement of opinion about the topic) which you will prove. To create a thesis you must use the task (or tasks) and tell the reader of the essay what will be proven and not summarized. Rewording the task is often an easy (but not the most original) way to create a thesis statement because the task is what you are being asked to prove when you write the DBQ. Make sure you pick one point of view.

4. CREATING THE THESIS Review the prompt: In light of the treatment of the American Indians, was it appropriate for the United States to pursue a policy of Manifest Destiny? Work backwards Put the documents into two categories (pro/con) Categorize them into more specific categories (Which documents relate to each other and how?) Try creating a sentence based on the prompt including your three reasons/documents of support then reword that sentence by summarizing those three reasons. If you can’t, then you need new documents.

5. CREATING THE THESIS… Turn the prompt into a clear sentence using a specific category (and not a list) to prove either pro/con Your thesis should not list the three specific reasons/documents but rather include a summary of the three documents you will be using. The United State was justified in pursuing Manifest Destiny as the policy allowed the country to grow into a progressive nation. This includes two parts: a stake based on the prompt and a general reason for why The essay will then use different documents to show how it helped the grow country and was therefore justified.

6. GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Fill out before you complete your introduction Thesis on top and each box is for a different reason/document List three claims why (in response to your thesis) and which document can be used to support that reason Each body paragraph will include Claim, Proof, Reason (CPR) so use that to structure the organizer Claim: Your opinion as to why Proof: The reference to the document Reason: Analysis of why that proof supports your claim

7. STEP 2: THE INTRODUCTION 1.Open your essay to grab the reader’s attention with: a fact, an anecdote, an explanation or strong emotion 2.Set the tone and generally state how the essay will be organized. You can also highlight what the focus of the essay will be by transitioning into your thesis statement by moving from general opening to a more specific. No: I will…this essay will…I plan on…JUST DO IT! 3. Include your thesis statement at the end

8. DBQ #1 QUESTION In light of the treatment of the American Indians, was it appropriate for the United States to pursue a policy of Manifest Destiny? Pro: Due to certain positive aspects, it was appropriate for the United State to adapt such a policy. Con: It was inappropriate for the United States to pursue such a policy because…

10. INTRODUCTION EXAMPLE The United States, as a country, has had a long history of achieving anything it has put its mind to. It focuses on a specific goal, and does not stop until that goal is accomplished, in this instance Manifest Destiny. America’s decision to bring the notion of Manifest Destiny to reality was one of the most beneficial choices in American history. Manifest Destiny was the belief that America was destined to expand across North America, from the east coast to the west coast. Without Manifest Destiny, every aspect of modern day USA would be completely different. Proceeding with Manifest Destiny was essential for America to be able to grow into a strong, progressive, stable nation.

11. THE CONCLUSION The conclusion is made up of the following parts. 1.The summary reviews the main ideas and refers back to the thesis with a fresh perspective (do not use the same words as in the body) 2.It is the final thought with which you will leave the reader. It should be powerful, thoughtful, and effective. It can include: what the writer has learned what the reader can learn an evaluation (think about and analyze the points you made)

12. FINAL THOUGHTS Formal essay writing No personal pronouns No slang or contractions Cite properly According to… Do not say In Document B… Proofread and edit your work Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation