1. Doing the DBQ in AP US

2. Start pre-writing BEFORE you read the documents
The DBQ is just a regular essay but with an added component
You MUST use BOTH substantial outside information AND the documents
It’s not about the documents – they are just a tool
You don’t have to use all the documents
Bare minimum is half+1 (don’t ask what to do if it’s an even number…you’re smart enough to figure that out yourself)
Aim for 70% or better

3. Step One
Read and unpack the question.
But not the documents!

4. Step Two
Brainstorm everything you can think of that is related to the topic.
But don’t look at the documents.

5. Step Three Set up and organize your categories
But don’t look at the documents

6. Step Four NOW you can finally look at and analyze the documents
Identify the main idea
Analyze them

7. Step Five Insert the documents into your framework
It is better to ignore a document than to make poor use of it

8. Step Six Write the essay Don’t quote the whole document
Don’t summarize all the documents and pretend that’s an essay
Don’t write “Doc A says. . .” Instead, write “Thomas Jefferson wrote of his apprehension at approving the LA Purchase (Doc A).”
Paraphrase documents to support your thesis.
The documents are supplementary material. Don’t write your essay around them.
Verbs to use when talking about documents: demonstrate, evident, reveal, identifies, suggestion, implies, indicates, reflects, exemplifies