1. Writing a DBQ
AP US History

2. What is a DBQ? … There is no “right” or “correct” response 1 2 3
A document-based essay question that asks you to take a position on an issue that has several possible answers 2
There is no “right” or “correct” response 3
You must develop a thesis based on your own knowledge and your interpretation of the evidence presented

3. Will always focus on one of the following:
An APUSH DBQ
DBQ
55 min.
25 % of total AP score
Will always focus on one of the following:
Causation
Change/Continuity over time
Comparison
Interpretation
Periodization
Will always assess:
Historical argumentation
Appropriate use of relevant historical evidence
Contextualization
Synthesis

4. The Question
Read the question carefully and then consider the following:
What is the question really asking? (are there words you don’t know…)
Is it a “yes/no”, “to what extent” or a “compare/contrast” question?
Are there multiple parts to the question?

5. Analyzing the Documents
A document is not fact! It is a piece of evidence to interpret.
Point of view is important! Put names and dates in context.
Decide whether the doc supports or refutes your thesis and use it accordingly!

6. Writing the Essay Thesis Analysis Support Synthesize
State a relevant thesis that directly relates to all parts of the question
Argument
Support the thesis or a relevant argument with evidence from all of the documents
Analysis
Focus your analysis of each document on at least one of the following: intended audience, purpose, historical context, point of view
Support
Support your argument with relevant analysis of historical examples not used in the docs
Synthesize
Connect your examples to broader events or processes and synthesize into a persuasive essay

7. Introduction Paragraph
Start by giving broad background information related to the question – you want to make a strong impression!
Give insight into the topic – analysis, perspective and point of view
Thesis statement
your argument should be explicitly clear to the reader after the first paragraph!!

8. Thesis Statement Answer the question in one sentence!
Don’t discuss the documents in the thesis statement!
Present an argument backed with specific factors, reasons or examples

9. Body Paragraphs Support from docs Support from outside sources
Think before you write – organization is key!
Insight should support your argument, not just list facts
Each point should support the thesis
Use all docs
Use them when relevant, don’t list!
Support from docs
Support from outside sources
Organize your thoughts
Analysis, not narrative

10. DBQ #1 – Jacksonian Era
Question: “What were the major arguments used, pro and con, in the debate over expanding suffrage during the Age of Jackson? Which arguments were most valid?”

11. Background Info (Info that is NOT in the Historical Context Section)
Declaration of Independence (“all men created equal”)
early views on suffrage – (only white, property-owning Christian men could vote)
Founding Fathers’ views on suffrage/political participation
Madison’s Federalist #10 (Federalist Papers)
Creation of the Democratic party
1829 Inauguration of Jackson (how did this vary from past inaugurations?)
Criticism of Jackson “King Andrew”

12. Essay Outline Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion
Give brief background info regarding a history of suffrage rights in the US, leading up to your thesis
Thesis: This is where you need to directly address the question and include not only the arguments you will be discussing, but also an assertion regarding which were considered to be most valid
Body Paragraphs
1st – Arguments (pro and con) related to the expansion of suffrage in the US during the “Age of Jackson”
2nd – Which arguments were considered the most valid
Conclusion
Recap going from specific (restate your thesis) to broad (to expansion of suffrage rights in later times (African Americans, women)