1. Understanding Document-Based Questions
How TO: DBQ!
Understanding Document-Based Questions

2. What is a DBQ?
A series of historical documents that all relate to a TASK (the question) that needs to be answered
You will answer 2-3 scaffolding questions per document
You will write a well developed essay that includes…
An Introduction
At least 2 body paragraphs
A Conclusion
- example DBQ from an 8th grade Assessment Exam

3. Example Document 1.) Which water fountain is in better condition?
2.) What is the name of the laws that separate public facilities on the basis of race?
3.) What was the landmark decision in the Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson ?

4. Information From The Documents
The Formula
Outside Information +
Information From The Documents
_____________________________
A WELL WRITTEN ESSAY

5. Try to………
Keep the BALANCE between what you know about the subject (“outside information”) and the information from the documents

6. Pretend that… You are “teaching” the reader
about the topic. Do not assume
that the reader knows the
subject.
Explain

7. How Do I Incorporate Information From The Documents
How Do I Incorporate Information From The Documents? with statements such as:
According to Document A…..
Document B is an example of….
As shown/stated/illustrated in
Document C…….
Document D proves that….
The Constitution (name of the document) proves that…….
Always discuss the document information first and then outside information
You can also “discuss” the document and then put the document in
parenthesis

8. Remember!
If you copy the exact words from a document, put the words in quotes.
Do not copy the document word for word in your essay. SELECT ONLY THOSE WORDS OR SENTENCES WHICH HELP YOUR ESSAY.

9. The Introduction You may use the Historical Context,
but good writing also includes:
Additional information
Re-wording the Historical Context
and MOST IMPORTANTLY
A THESIS STATEMENT!
A thesis statement tells the
reader the main idea(s) of the essay…
“state your case”
A good place
for the thesis statement is at the end of the introduction

10. Each body paragraph should:
Be at least 3-5 sentences
Focus on one important idea
and, most importantly,
SUPPORT/PROVE THE THESIS
_______________________________________________________
Remember to make the transition from one
body paragraph to the next

11. The Conclusion Creates a “full circle” with the introduction
Summarizes the key points of the essay
Does not introduce new ideas
RE-STATES THE THESIS
Ends with some “final thoughts”
Creates a “full
circle” with the
introduction

12. Helpful Hints In the documents, highlight or underline:
The task and the question
All key words in the scaffolding questions
Information surrounding the documents
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!
There will not be enough time for a “scrap copy,” so:
Outline your main ideas
List the documents you intend to use
Briefly “jot down” relevant outside information

13. Final Thoughts SUBMIT YOUR BEST WORK!
Both Part A and Part B should be written neatly and in full sentences
Remember: The documents and answers to Part A help you understand the question and give you ideas
Eliminate “I” statements in your essay. Write in the third person
Weave together factual information and beautiful language
SUBMIT
YOUR BEST
WORK!

14. Grading The DBQ
Introduction- In order to “hook” the reader, begin with a strong introduction that shows you understand the question
Conclusion- A strong conclusion is your last chance to impress the reader and show your understanding of the question
Outside Information- A “level 3, 4 or 5” DBQ includes outside information that relates to the topic and strengthens the essay.
Documents- One of the “golden rules” of DBQ writing is that you must use the appropriate number of documents. “Rule of thumb”- use ½ + 1 of the number of documents in the DBQ