1. Writing a DBQ Essay

2. Scaffolding questions
Document 1-Rome entered a period of peace during the reign of Augustus Caesar called the Pax Romana.
“Everywhere roads are traced, every district is known, every country opened to commerce.… the fields are planted, the marshes drained. There are now as many cities as there were once solitary cottages. Villages and towns have lost their terrors. Wherever there is a trace of life, there are houses, well-ordered governments and civilized life.”
What was life like in Rome during the Pax Romana?
How did the Romans create such a sense of peace?
These can earn you a lot of points on your Regents!
Even if the document is long, look at the question that goes with the document and scan through the document to try and find the answer

3. The TASK Always make sure you address all aspects of the Task
DBQ- Greece and Rome
Historical Context:
Throughout history different civilizations have contributed to the cultural and intellectual life of humanity. These periods are often called Golden Ages, as a society enjoys not only cultural and intellectual achievements, but also stable government and a strong economy.
Task:
Using the documents, describe and analyze at least TWO achievements of each civilization- Greece and Rome
Explain how the accomplishments of these civilizations have impacted other societies throughout history and today
Which civilization made the most impressive achievements, Greece or Rome? Explain.

4. How many documents should I use in my essay?
Golden Rule—use one more than half of the documents in the DBQ
Example: 8 documents/2 = 4 + 1= 5
If essay has odd number, round up

5. What is the purpose of the introduction?
To Introduce the reader to the topic
Historical Context:
Gives the writer background information,
Explains the conditions of the time period the essay is based on,
Can be used to help you write the introduction
DO NOT COPY IT WORD FOR WORD

6. Body Paragraphs
Use the task of the essay to determine the number of body paragraphs to have in your essay
Information from the Documents:
DO NOT COPY INFORMATION DIRECTLY FROM THE DOCUMENTS
The documents are there to provide you with ideas
Documents must be cited as you discuss them in your essay
Cite the documents in any of these ways
According to Document 1, blah blah blah
In Document 1, blah blah blah
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah (Document 1).

7. Body Paragraphs Outside information:
Any information which is not in the documents
Comes from your knowledge of the subject
You need a good amount of outside info in order to get a 3 on your essay!! Without outside information the highest score you can get on your essay is a 2!!!

8. Conclusion Restate the main ideas of your essay in a new way
You can use the Historical Context again
DO NOT USE IT WORD FOR WORD

9. DBQ DO’s Includes outside information in the essay
Cites the documents used in the essay
Uses the proper # of documents in the essay
Essay is organized
Essay contains analysis (“because”)
Essay addresses all parts of the Task
Essay has an Introduction and Conclusion (does not simply rewrite the historical context)

10. DBQ DON’TS Uses “I” in the essay
Essay doesn’t have outside information
Essay doesn’t discuss the proper # of documents
Essay lacks organization
Copies the historical context word for word as the Introduction and/or Conclusion