1. Writing the DBQ: Thesis Statement
AP World History
Writing the DBQ:
Thesis Statement

2. Document Based Question (DBQ) Essay
You will have 60 minutes to write the essay.
20 minute reading period
analyze the documents – Annotate and Write in Margins
You will be given between 7 documents.
Documents will include maps, pictures, and charts.

3. What does a good thesis statement do?
Answers the question
Takes a stand- argumentative
Previews the argument

4. Thesis
Write a thesis statement that outlines what you plan to address in your essay.
The thesis statement is not a restating of the question.
It is an introduction lays out what you will write about.

5. Thesis Statement Thesis can be in the introduction or conclusion
If you begin to write your essay in the introductory paragraph, you have NOT written a good thesis statement.
If your thesis statement includes, “some things are similar and some things are different;”
that is not a thesis statement
VAGUE is BAD!

6. Thesis Statement Example of a good thesis statement:
Alexander's empire, through its eastward spread across Asia to the Indus River Valley, influenced other civilizations and cultures. The Mauryans utilized Greek language in their decrees, Buddhist art used Greek mythological figures, and architecture as far east as Afghanistan and India was influenced by Greek styles..

7. Thesis Activity
Decide which statement is an appropriate thesis statement.
PROMPT
Using the documents provided and your knowledge of world history, analyze the cultural impacts of the empire of Alexander the Great.

8. SAMPLE #1
The empire of Alexander the Great heavily impacted the world culturally.  Greek architecture could be found throughout the regions of his empire.  In addition, the size of his empire contributed to the spread of the Greek language.  Religions merged, and literature and the roots of Greek philosophy spread as well.

9. SAMPLE #2
Even after the demise of the empire of Alexander the Great, the cultural impacts of the spread of Greek language, architecture, and education lasted long after he was gone.

10. SAMPLE #3
The cultural impacts of the empire of Alexander the Great began with the expansion of his empire and the formation of many cities in Persia, Greece, North India and Egypt. This led to the assimilation of Greek culture into different religions, arts, languages, and ways of life in these regions.

11. 7 Steps to the DBQ Read the directions Read and Analyze the prompt
Underline what the prompt is asking you to do.
Read the historical background provided

12. PROMPT
Using the documents provided and your knowledge of world history, analyze the cultural impacts of the empire of Alexander the Great.

13. 2. Develop Thesis
Has relevant thesis and supports that thesis with evidence from the documents using Time/place.
Uses all documents. 1 2 1

14. 3. Read Documents
In margin, create list of document numbers to check off after you use each one.
Takes into account the sources of the documents and analyzes the author’s point of view.
Explains the need for at least one additional type of document.

15. 2. Read Documents
Takes into account the sources of the documents and analyzes the author’s point of view.
Explains the need for at least one additional type of document at the end of the essay. 1 1

16. 7 Steps to the DBQ
2. Read and analyze the documents a. SOAPS b. POV c. Additional Document - Why?
Who is the Speaker?
What is the Occasion?
Who is the Audience?
What is the Purpose?
What is the Subject? 

17. 3. Write the essay 7 Steps to the DBQ
Body paragraphs X 3 minimum (I would write more)
Topic sentence
Use documents to support this sentence
EX: Documents 6, 7, and 9 present the idea of how the Green Revolution led to changes in cultural lifestyles.

18. 7 Steps to the DBQ 3. Body paragraphs Explain the document
Show your understanding of what the document means
Use the document as evidence of the prompt

20. 7 Steps to the DBQ Doc. 1 Understanding Doc. 1 Evidence
In doc. 1, a classical historian talks about “The Legend of Helmet” and explains the self-determination and leadership skills encompassed by alexander.
Doc. 1 Evidence
When water was important to Alexander’s army. Alexander displaced courage and leadership skills by dumping out the water given to him as a gift showing that this was not something he needed like the others.

21. 7 Steps to the DBQ 3. Body paragraphs
POV needs to be explained for EACH document
Template idea:
" It makes sense that _________ (person) believes this because he/she is ______________.“
Example: It makes sense that this is an Aryan Legend because the Aryans were a society loosely based in India, which was a region conquered by Alexander the Great. Alexander spread his culture through this region after his conquests.

22. Document POV’s
What is the main idea or topic being said in the document?
Why would this person be saying/creating this document at this time and place?
How does the document help me answer the question that is being asked?

23. 7 Steps to the DBQ 4. Body paragraphs Additional Document
Must help answer the prompt
Explain why you need this document
EX: An additional document that would help is a graph showing the legacy of Alexander the Great. It is important because if the Aryan Legend is not accurate than this graph will help show how more than land conquests helps support the idea that Alexander was a Great leader

24. WHAP
END
DBQ Essay
Day 2

25. 7 Steps to the DBQ 5. Re-evaluate thesis and plan essay
- Write introduction paragraph
1 sentence thesis
Must be in dark blue or black ink

26. Scoring the DBQ There are a total of 9 points for the DBQ.
The basic core consists of 7 points.
The expanded core will make up the rest of the total points.
YOU MUST SCORE ALL BASIC POINTS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE EXPANDED CORE POINTS.

27. Components of the DBQ Essay – Core Points (MANDATORY)
Thesis statement that is not just a restating of the question.
Using all of the documents in your essay.
Grouping and thoughtfully analyzing the documents. DON’T LIST DOCUMENTS!
Stating the point of view/perspective on minimum of three (3) of the documents
Using the documents to support your thesis.
Adding an additional document that would help support your thesis.

28. Components of the DBQ Essay – Expanded Core
Extremely strong thesis statement.
Adding more than one additional document to your essay.
Completely and thoroughly answering the question.
Remember, you must score all basic points in order to receive expanded core.