Pointers on writing a DBQ for AP U.S. History

1. A Different Way of Looking atA Different Way of Looking at
Doing the DBQDoing the DBQ
• Are you hungry?Are you hungry?
• If so, then you will like this PPT.If so, then you will like this PPT.
• If not, you will still like this PPT…If not, you will still like this PPT…

2. AA “Dazzling” D.B.Q.“Dazzling” D.B.Q.
Is Like a Tasty HamburgerIs Like a Tasty Hamburger

3. TheThe “Top Bun”“Top Bun” of your essay!of your essay!
4-6 sentences4-6 sentences
The IntroductoryThe Introductory
ParagraphParagraph

4. 1.1. EstablishEstablish TIME & PLACETIME & PLACE..
2.2. Create a clear,Create a clear, THESIS STATEMENTTHESIS STATEMENT..
[underline or highlight it!][underline or highlight it!]
3.3. Allude to theAllude to the SUB-TOPICSSUB-TOPICS oror
categories you will discuss to supportcategories you will discuss to support
your thesis statement.your thesis statement.
4.4. Focus on the question at hand—doFocus on the question at hand—do
NOT begin with aNOT begin with a “flowery” sentence!“flowery” sentence!
5.5. NoNo “laundry list!”“laundry list!”
The Introductory ParagraphThe Introductory Paragraph

5. TheThe “tasty” part“tasty” part of your essay!of your essay!
TheThe ““””MeatMeat””” Paragraphs” Paragraphs

6. 1.1. Identify your sub-topic or category inIdentify your sub-topic or category in
the first sentence (topic sentence).the first sentence (topic sentence).
2.2. Include the documents that are relevantInclude the documents that are relevant
to support the ideas in the paragraph.to support the ideas in the paragraph.
3.3. Use ALL or ALL BUT One of theUse ALL or ALL BUT One of the
documents given & analyze eachdocuments given & analyze each
4.4. Bring in supportive outside information. *Bring in supportive outside information. *
ROI= “Relevant Outside InformationROI= “Relevant Outside Information””
5.5. Why were these documents selected?Why were these documents selected?
TheThe ““””MeatMeat””” Paragraphs” Paragraphs

7. 1.1. AttributionAttribution  Who is this person?Who is this person?
2.2. Why might they be significant?Why might they be significant?
3.3. What is the point of view (POV) of the author?What is the point of view (POV) of the author?
4.4. How reliable and accurate is the source?How reliable and accurate is the source?
5.5. What is the author’s purpose or intendedWhat is the author’s purpose or intended
audience of the document author?audience of the document author?
6.6. What other information does this document callWhat other information does this document call
to mind? Historical context?to mind? Historical context?
Remember, docs. can be used in a variety of ways!Remember, docs. can be used in a variety of ways!
Questions to Ask Yourself About theQuestions to Ask Yourself About the
DocumentsDocuments

8. 1.1. Thomas Paine,Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet,in his pamphlet, CommonCommon
SenseSense,, said:said: “………………….”“………………….”
2.2. Joe Schmo,Joe Schmo, a mid-Western delegate to thea mid-Western delegate to the
Republic convention in 1912Republic convention in 1912, agreed with….., agreed with…..
3.3. TheThe 19c historian, Frederick Jackson19c historian, Frederick Jackson
TurnerTurner, felt that …………………., felt that …………………. (Doc. 5)(Doc. 5)
NEVERNEVER begin with: In Document 3, …..begin with: In Document 3, …..
How to Reference a DocumentHow to Reference a Document
in Your Essayin Your Essay

9. TheThe “Bottom Bun”“Bottom Bun” of your essay!of your essay!
It holds it all together!It holds it all together!
SYNTHESIS!!!SYNTHESIS!!!
3-4 sentences3-4 sentences
The ConcludingThe Concluding
ParagraphParagraph

10. 1.1. Extend or modify stated thesisExtend or modify stated thesis
2.2. Recognizes contradictory evidence fromRecognizes contradictory evidence from
sourcessources
3.3. Connects topic to other historical periodsConnects topic to other historical periods
4.4. Connects topic to other fields of inquiryConnects topic to other fields of inquiry
PERSIAPERSIA
The ConcludingThe Concluding” Paragraph” Paragraph

11. Put It All Together, And . . . .Put It All Together, And . . . .

12. Ummmmm, Burger!Ummmmm, Burger!
I Mean, A Perfect Essay!I Mean, A Perfect Essay!