1. DBQ Writing Be specific
Ex: Christianity is well known in modern times.
Avoid questions…..actually, just don’t ask questions….EVER!
Ex: Ever wonder why it became so popular during ancient times?
Ex: ….but do you know Jesus of Nazareth?

2. DBQ Writing Avoid mapping Repeat what you’re explaining!
Ex: The first reason…..
Repeat what you’re explaining!
Ex: Christianity took root in the ancient world because of the message that Christianity offered.

3. DBQ Writing Never use second person…..EVER!
Ex: If you’ve heard of Jesus Christ…….
Avoid pronouns! Pronouns are evil in Historical writing.
Ex: The reason it took hold in the ancient world….
Ex: The message of Christianity helped it take a hold because it made people….

4. DBQ Writing
Words to avoid: very, a lot, extremely, so, really, like, seems, and that
What restating the question means….
Ex: Title: Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?
Answer: Christianity, one of the oldest surviving religions, took hold in the ancient world because………

5. DBQ Writing
If you make a claim, no matter how insignificant, you have to back it up with evidence!
Ex: Christianity, the most followed religion……
Ex: Out of all of the religions in the world, Christianity seems to have been the most popular.

6. Add the HRS Historical Reasoning Skills Comparison Contextualization
Causation
Change and Continuity over Time

7. Comparison
Level 1: Describe similarities and/or differences between different historical developments or processes.
Level 2: Explain relevant similarities and/or differences between specific historical developments and processes
Level 3: Explain the relative historical significance of similarities and/or differences between different historical developments or processes.

8. Contextualization
Level 1: Describe an accurate historical context for a specific historical development or process.
Level 2: Explain how a relevant context influenced a specific historical development or process.
Level 3: Use context to explain the relative historical significance of a specific historical development or process

9. Causation
Level 1: Describe causes or effects of a specific historical development or process.
Level 2: Explain the relationship between causes and effects of a specific historical development or process; Explain the difference between primary and secondary causes, and between short- and long-term effects.
Level 3: Explain the relative historical significance of different causes and/or effects.

10. CCOT Level 1: Describe patterns of continuity and/or change over time.
Level 2: Explain patterns of continuity and/or change over time.
Level 3: Explain the relative historical significance of specific historical developments in relation to a larger pattern of continuity and/or change