1. DBQ Examples

2. 1 2 3 4
Argument
-Argument is missing
-Argument is unclear
-Argument does not use documents for evidence
-Argument is clearly stated
-Argument addresses one reason or idea in support of their position
-Argument is substantive and well-written
-Argument addresses 2+ reasons or ideas in support of their position
Evidence
-Evidence is missing, documents are used incorrectly OR argument is factually inaccurate
-Document use is present but documents are not used correctly
-Missing references to specific documents
-Each claim in the essay is supported by one of the documents
-All documents are used correctly
-Evidence includes a quotation or paraphrasing of documents
-Between 3 and 5 documents have been used
-Evidence includes a quotation or paraphrasing of documents AS WELL AS evidence from outside the documents (i.e. from class discussion)
Reasoning
-Student does not connect evidence to the argument
-Connections are present, but lack depth or are not relevant
-May attempt to judge reliability of some sources, but does so incorrectly
-Student connects the evidence to the argument in a clear and relevant manner
-Provides some judgements about the reliability of some sources present
-Students connects the evidence to the argument in a clear, relevant and thorough manner
-Student makes reasonable judgements about the reliability of sources/evidence present

3. Organization
-Essay does not contain a thesis, body paragraphs or conclusion
-Body paragraphs are unclear in their argument and use of evidence OR do not tie back to the thesis
-Conclusion does not re-state thesis or summarize the essay
-Body paragraphs have a clear argument and use credible evidence that ties back to the argument
-Conclusion re-states thesis and works to summarize the essay
-Body paragraphs have a clear argument supported by more than one document
-Conclusion takes the paper further to come to an end
Spelling / Grammar
-Contains 10+ spelling and grammatical errors
-Contains between 5-10 spelling and grammatical errors
-Contains between 1-5 spelling and grammatical errors
-Contains no spelling or grammatical errors

4. Examples of a 4: Argument
-The Mongolians were one of the most successful empires in history. They’ve conquered almost all of Asia. The Mongols were barbaric. Mongolians had a great military, organization structure, and revolution tactics. They were advanced but they were also cruel. They gained power out of fear. They had no mercy for others than their own, and they were always conquering and plundering other cities.
-From the years 1206 to 1368, the Mongols ruled a large chunk or Eurasia. They invaded and took land by force. Although they did make some positive changes to the world, and their strategies were revolutionary, the Mongols were not a perfect people. They were brutal in war to prevent potential opposition. This worked very well and allowed them to do great things, but the ends do not justify the means. The should be judged as one of the most barbaric and cruel empires of all time because of their utter brutality and violent nature.

5. Example of a 2 or 3: Argument
-The Mongolian Empire was one of the most barbaric and cruel empires to have existed in history, but did some good stuff to help us now. Going through the documents showed what the Mongolian Empire was really about. It showed the good deeds and the bad deeds they did to become the biggest empire at that time.

6. Example of a 4: Evidence and Reasoning
To begin with, in Document K, Paul Ratchnevsky states “That although there were many pack animals in the Kipchak area, these could be left unattended because of the severity of (Mongol) laws against theft.” This means that with strict laws, the citizens of the Mongolian Empire would not commit any crimes such as theft or murder, bringing peace and order to the empire. These are the rules that taught the Mongols basic manners and integrity. This supports the claim because it proves that they were not barbaric or monstrous as they are made out to be by showing that they had an organized society with limits so that people aren’t going around doing what they want, very much like how the law system is structured today. After all, the laws are there to prevent people from doing such barbaric acts in the first place. In fact, these laws were a strategy used to make sure the empire doesn’t go into disarray. Thus, the Mongols were strict because of their laws that at the same time, brought safety to its citizens.

7. Example of a 4: Evidence and Reasoning
The Mongolian Empire also valued peace and took measures to help people avoid conflicts. This is supported in document H which provides a timeline of Kublai Khan’s decisions during his leadership. In this timeline it shows that in Kublai increasingly gives Muslims positions of authority in government. This shows how Khan could be open-minded and fair which ultimately led to a more peaceful society. In the year 1271, Kubilai put a new legal system in place which reduced capital crimes by half. This event is important because it again shows Khan’s emphasis on peace and also his ability to enforce an effective legal system that actually worked to reduce crime. Another significant even on the timeline happened in 1264 when Kubilai granted a tax exemption to Buddhist monasteries. The concept of a tax exemption seems pretty advanced for this time, but more impressive is the significance of it. By not requiring the Buddhist’s to pay taxes, Kubilai is encouraging their existence which also helps to promote peaceful ways and value religion.

8. Example of a 2 or 3: Evidence and Reasoning
In document D it proves that the Mongols were tactful, especially when it comes to battles. They included women and children. The chiefs and princes did not fight but they did have soldiers, children, and women beside them to make the illusion of having a bigger army seem real. They sometimes also used dummies and propped them on horses to make it seem realistic. The Mongols also used a strategy of having the stronger men off to the sides so when their enemies approach them they can surround them and not be seen doing such. The Mongols also surrounded the fortress making it so that no one could enter or leave. They’d make attacks with catapults. At times the Mongols would try to lure their enemies out by telling them that they surrender. When their enemies came out they’d usually kill them with an axe, unless they were artisans.