1. The three essays, thesis writing, and DBQ specifics…
AP World History
The three essays, thesis writing, and DBQ specifics…

2. The AP Exam Thursday, May 14th 2015
70 Multiple choice questions (50% of AP score)
55 minutes
3 Essays (50% of AP score)
2 hours to write all three

3. The Three Essays Document Based Question (DBQ) Comparison Essay
Continuity and Change Over Time (CCOT)

4. What makes up a DBQ?

5. Document Based Question (DBQ) Essay
You will be given between 4 and 10 documents to group and analyze.
You will be given 10 min of reading time and then 40 minutes to write the essay
Documents may include maps, pictures, and charts.

6. #1 An Acceptable Thesis (1)
What will argue in the essay?
Takes a stand
Answers the question
Previews the argument

7. You need to know what the documents are taking about…
#2 – Use all of the Documents AND Demonstrates an understanding of all of them!
You need to know what the documents are taking about…
BASIC MEANING!

8. #3 – Support the thesis with evidence from ALL of the documents
You CANNOT simply summarize the documents!
NEVER, EVER, EVER, write this sentence:
“Document 5 says…”
Instead use “Document 5 shows, illustrates, proves, indicates, implies, etc”

9. #4 Analyzes 3 Points of View
Answer the question: Why was THIS person producing THIS piece of information at THIS time or in THIS manner?

10. #5 – Group the Documents
Your job is to figure out what the documents have in common
You demonstrate this by putting them together in a paragraph to use as edifice for your thesis.
A Sentence you will never write:
“Documents 4, 7, and 9 are a group”

11. #6 – Additional Document
If you could add one document to the bunch you are given in the question:
What would that document be?
Who would write it?
How would it help you answer the question?

12. 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.