1. Document-Based Question Steps/Check List Sample:
APUSH, 2016 FRQ
Document-Based Question
Steps/Check List
Sample:

2. Tip: Accuracy and Clarity
“…the essay may contain errors that do not detract from the overall quality, as long as the historical content used to advance the argument is accurate”
“may contain grammatical errors…unless they obscure the successful demonstration of the content knowledge and skills described [in the exam.]”

3. Thesis Must be in one place in the essay—beginning or end
One or two sentences sufficient
The women’s rights movement arose as a result of women’s experiences with inequality at work and the influence of other rights movements at the time.
The women’s rights movement from was caused politically by unfair treatment towards females, economically by financial discrimination towards females, and socially by the defiance of the traditional image of an American woman.

4. Argument Development
Explains relationship of historical evidence and cohesive thesis and/or argument and do so throughout the essay.
“The main reason for the rise of women’s right’s, according to activists such as Friedan, was discontent with suburban conformity. This may have been true for White women, but a woman of color such as Mirta Vidal (Doc 5) portrayed the rise of the women’s rights movement is due to a combination of the rising movement for Chicano civil rights and a growing resistance to male chauvinism in the Chicano community.”

5. Use of the documents:
Make sure you use the prescribed number of documents.
Make sure each document is used in a manner that supports the argument and the thesis.

6. Sourcing the Documents
Best to cite a quote or paraphrasing from a document with (doc #).
Totally fine to actually write out the citation, however: “…(Mirta Vidal, 1971)”

7. Contextualization
Explaining the broader historical events, developments, or processes immediately relevant to the question.
“situate the thesis, argument, or parts of the argument by accurately and explicitly connecting the effects to larger historical processes.”

8. Outside Evidence Not in the documents.
Must be pertinent to the argument and thesis cohesion.

9. Tip: Brainstorm before you look at the docs
Jot down everything that comes to mind because of the prompt.
Notice
What goes with the docs
What does not go with the docs = outside evidence.

10. Synthesis Extending an argument in one of two possible ways
Appropriately connecting the causes to other historical periods, situations, eras, or geographical areas.
More than just a phrase or reference
sample
The conditions that helped cause the rise of the women’s rights movement in the 20th century were similar to those that helped the rise of a movement for greater women’s rights in the 1840s. In both periods, calls for greater rights for African Americans led women to demand more of a voice in social and political reforms.