1. DBQ ESSAY OUTLINE: CAUSES/EFFECTS OF EXPLORATION
OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to create an outline for a DBQ essay. Students will be
able to identify causes and effects of exploration and find evidence from documents to
prove those ideas.
BACKGROUD INFORMATION/HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
The Age of Exploration (1400-1700) had a tremendous impact on the history of the
world. Before this, there had been no lasting contact between the New World (the
Americas) and the Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia). Beginning with the Portuguese
in the mid-1400’s, European explorers went on voyages of discovery, in search of
riches and glory. The places and people that they came in contact with, as well as the
exploring nations themselves, were forever changed.
TASK:
• Identify and explain at least THREE factors that led to exploration. (Causes of
exploration)
• Identify and explain at least THREE results of exploration. (Effects of
exploration)
Previously, you took part A of the DBQ test, where you analyzed a series of documents
relating to the causes and effects of exploration. The second part of this test asks you to
write an essay, which answers two questions (identify three causes of exploration and
three effects of exploration
Directions: Today you will complete a preliminary outline for a DBQ essay on causes
and effects of European exploration. You will use the documents and your answers to the
questions in part A to complete a T chart. First you will determine CAUSES of
exploration. Then you will determine EFFECTS of exploration.
After we complete the OUTLINE we will go over the components/parts of a DBQ essay
and how to write a DBQ essay. Then you will write your DBQ essays.

2. QUESTION: Identify THREE factors that led to exploration. (causes of exploration)
IDENTIFY A CAUSE OF
EXPLORATION
FIND A DOCUMENT THAT PROVES
THIS. (write the name/number of the
document and explain how it proves
your idea)
IDENTIFY A CAUSE OF
EXPLORATION
FIND A DOCUMENT THAT PROVES
THIS (write the name/number of the
document and explain how it proves
your idea)
IDENTIFY A CAUSE OF
EXPLORATION
FIND A DOCUMENT THAT PROVES
THIS (write the name/number of the
document and explain how it proves
your idea)
OUTSIDE INFORMATION/PRIOR KNOWLEDGE ON CAUSES OF
EXPLORATION

3. QUESTION: Identify THREE results of exploration.
IDENTIFY AN EFFECT OF
EXPLORATION
FIND A DOCUMENT THAT PROVES
THIS. (write the name/number of the
document and explain how it proves
your idea)
IDENTIFY AN EFFECT OF
EXPLORATION
FIND A DOCUMENT THAT PROVES
THIS (write the name/number of the
document and explain how it proves
your idea)
IDENTIFY AN EFFECT OF
EXPLORATION
FIND A DOCUMENT THAT PROVES
THIS (write the name/number of the
document and explain how it proves
your idea)
OUTSIDE INFORMATION/PRIOR KNOWLEDGE ON EFFECTS OF
EXPLORATION
Name

4. Date
OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to write an introduction for their DBQ Essays.
SWBAT write supporting body paragraphs and a conclusion for their DBQ Essays as
well.
AIM: How do you write a DBQ Essay?
DO NOW: What is the purpose of a movie preview? Why do studios make previews for
movies? Explain below in 3-5 sentences.
CLASS NOTES: INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPHS
REVIEW: COMPONENTS OF AN ESSAY: (Hamburger Method)
1.
2.
3.
PARTS OF AN INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of an introduction is to introduce the reader to the topic of the essay. Every
Introduction must:
1.
2.
3.
PARTS OF A BODY PARAGRAPH

5. The purpose of any body paragraph is to provide details and examples to prove the
thesis/argument. Every Body Paragraph must:
1.
2.
3.
PARTS OF A CONCLUSION
The purpose of a conclusion is to wrap up and end your essay. You must restate your
thesis and explain what you proved and how you proved it. Every Conclusion must:
1.
2.
3
Today we will work on our DBQ Essay on the Age of Exploration. Let’s review the

6. ideas documents we found that identify 3 causes and 3 effects of European
exploration.
CAUSES OF EXPLORATION EFFECTS OF EXPLORATION
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to create a thesis statement and introduction for a

7. document based essay question.
DIRECTIONS read the following historical context and task. After you read the task,
answer the questions. Use complete sentences where necessary. We will do the first one
as a class and then there will be independent practice.
BACKGROUD INFORMATION/HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
The Age of Exploration (1400-1700) had a tremendous impact on the history of the
world. Before this, there had been no lasting contact between the New World (the
Americas) and the Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia). Beginning with the Portuguese
in the mid-1400’s, European explorers went on voyages of discovery, in search of
riches and glory. The places and people that they came in contact with, as well as the
exploring nations themselves, were forever changed.
TASK:
• Identify three causes of exploration
• Identify three effects
Based on the Context and the Task answer the following questions:
1. Write a complete sentence that states what the task is asking you to do.
2. If this essay had TWO body paragraphs, what would be the main idea for each
body paragraph?
a. Body Paragraph 1: Main idea-
b. Body Paragraph 2: Main idea-
3. What are the components of an essay- meaning, what does every essay need to
have?

8. 4. What types of documents will you try to find to help you write your essay? (think
about what questions you are trying to answer)
5. Write a thesis statement for this essay. Be sure your thesis states exactly what you
will be proving and fully addresses the task.
WRITING AN INTRODUCTION:
Remember, every introduction needs:
1. A topic sentence/hook that engages the reader and makes him or her interested
2. background information on the topic
3. a thesis statement (a statement explaining what will be proved)
REMINDER!
You should not start your essay (or any paragraph) by saying: “In this essay I will….” Or
“This essay is about……” etc. Engage the reader! Start with a question or a statement
that makes the reader interested or states a fact. Do not say what you will be doing!
DIRECTIONS: In the space below, write an introductory paragraph for your DBQ
essay. You will write an individual paragraph first, and then we will write a class
paragraph together. 15 minutes.

9. INDIVIDUAL INTRODUCTION
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
______________
NEXT: After you have written your introduction, circle the statement that engages the
reader, underline the background information and draw a square around the thesis
statement.
CLASS INTRODUCTION
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
______________
Name

10. Date
DBQ BODY PARAGRAPHS OUTLINE: Age of Exploration
Now that we have written our introductions, we can begin to outline the rest of our essay.
Remember that each paragraph should look like a hamburger:
BUN = TOPIC SENTENCE
MEAT, CHEESE, LETTUCE = SUPPORTING DETAILS
BOTTOM BUM = CONCLUDING SENTENCE
TOPIC SENTENCE: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph, the topic that will be
discussed.
SUPPORTING DETAILS: Provides evidence to prove the main idea that is being
discussed. Mention and explain specific things from the documents to prove the main
idea is true.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE: Brings closure to the paragraph.
DIRECTIONS: Complete the following outline for your body paragraphs. We will do the
first one together and then you will do the rest on your own.
BODY PARAGRAPH ONE: Causes of Exploration
Main Idea: ______________________________
Detail: _________________________________
Document evidence: _________________________________
Detail: ________________________________
Document evidence: ____________________________________
Detail: _________________________________
Document evidence: ____________________________________
BODY PARAGRAPH TWO: Effect of Exploration

11. Main Idea: ___________________________________
Detail: ______________________________________
Document evidence:__________________________________
Detail: ______________________________________
Document evidence : _________________________________
Detail: ______________________________________
Document evidence: ___________________________________
Now that we have written our introductions, and outlined our body
paragraphs, we are almost ready to start writing our DBQ essays. BUT, it is
important to remember that in our paragraphs we want all of our ideas and
details to flow together. In order for our ideas and details to flow in our
paragraphs, we must use TRANSITIONS. Transitions link ideas so that
they relate to one another. They provide comparison and contrast, and they
strengthen and weaken ideas.
Here are some TRANSITIONS to help you link your ideas together in each paragraph
and to help you move from one paragraph to another.
Above Finally Moreover
According to First, Second… Nevertheless
After For Example Next
Also For Instance Obviously
Although Furthermore Of Course
Another However Similarly
Because In Addition To Since
Beside(s) In Fact Therefore
Clearly Last While
Consequently Meanwhile Yet

12. Name
Date
OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to write a DBQ essay on Patriots and Loyalists in
the Revolution.
DO NOW: Why should you use transitional words and phrases in your essays?
DIRECTIONS: Use your DBQ outlines, packets etc to help you write an essay that
answers the following question.
• Identify 3 causes of exploration.
• Identify 3 effects of exploration.
NOTE: Before handing in your essay, make sure that it has the following: (check
list)
___ Uses at least 5 documents
___ Has an introduction, supporting paragraphs and a conclusion
___ Each paragraph has a topic sentence
___Uses transitional words to link ideas together
___Uses transitional words to move from the ideas in one paragraph to the next
paragraph
___Answers the questions fully
Name

13. DIRECTIONS: Today you will be writing your DBQ Essay on Political Parties in the
New Nation. You may use the document packet and your outline to help you write your
essay.
ESSAY FORMAT
(you may have more than 2 body paragraphs!)
1. INTRODUCTION
a. Hook (sentence that engages the reader)
b. Background information on topic (introduce the topic of the essay, give
background on the topic so the reader knows a little about the topic)- you
may use parts of the historical context for this.
c. Thesis Statement (statement of your argument, what you will prove in
your essay)
2. BODY PARAGRAPH 1- Reasons why political parties formed
a. Topic Sentence (sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph)
b. Supporting Details (provide examples of causes or exploration/reasons
why Europeans explored, and use specific documents as evidence to prove
your ideas)
c. Concluding Sentence (restate, summarize what you proved)
3. BODY PARAGRAPH 2- Problems caused by Political Parties
a. Topic Sentence (sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph)
b. Supporting Details (provide examples of results./effects of European
exploration, and use specific documents as evidence to prove your ideas)
c. Concluding Sentence (restate, summarize what you proved)
4. CONCLUSION
a. Restate your thesis
b. Summarize the arguments you made in your essay, summarize what you
proved.
c. Conclude/end essay
NAME_______________________________ DATE________________

14. TASK:
Using the documents in your packet, your answers to the questions in Part A,
and your knowledge of social studies, write a well-developed essay that includes an
INTRODUCTION, SUPPORTING BODY PARAGRAPHS, and a CONCLUSION in
which you thoroughly address the following:
• Discuss at least TWO economic differences between the North and the South
before the Civil War.
• Discuss at least TWO political arguments that occurred between the North and the
South before the Civil War.
NOTE: your essay will be evaluated using the rubric below- be sure to use topic
sentences and concluding sentences in each paragraph!
_______________________________________________________________________
_
Point Value Points earned
EFFECTIVE USE OF DOCUMENTS 15 ___________
(uses at least 5 documents) 3 pts for correct use
of each document
ACCURACY 10 ___________
Includes accurate and correct information.
Completes the Task accurately.
DEPTH AND DETAIL 15
____________
All ideas are supported with facts from the
documents or prior knowledge
KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIAL STUDIES 5
____________
Uses information beyond supplied documents
CLARITY/ORGANIZATION 10
____________
Clearly expresses and logically develops ideas in
each paragraph
LANGUAGE MECHANICS 10
____________
Uses proper spelling, grammar, and style
CORRECT FORMAT 15
____________
Includes and introduction (hook, background info and thesis-5pts)

15. Body paragraphs (each with topic sentences, supporting details,
and concluding sentences- 7 pts) and a Conclusion (restate thesis
and summarize the argument- 3 pts)
ESSAY TOTAL: 80 __________
Part A_______ Part B _______ Total DBQ _______
COMMENTS:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
____
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
____
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
____
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
____

16. NAME
CLASS
DBQ: POLITICAL PARTIES AND THE NEW NATION
TASK:
• Explain why political parties developed in the United States
• Describe at least TWO problems caused by political parties in the early days of
the United States.
DBQ CHECK LIST: Before you hand in your DBQ Essay, make sure it has all of
the following:
____ Your name, class and date
____ A heading/title
____ Effectively uses at least 5 documents
____ The introduction has a clear thesis statement that addresses both aspects of the
task and makes it clear what will be proved in the essay
___ Each body paragraph has a topic sentence
____ Each body paragraph has a concluding sentence
____ Has an introduction and a conclusion
____ Uses outside information/prior knowledge
____ Explains reasons why political parties developed/formed in the U.S. and uses
documents as evidence to prove ideas
____ Explains at least two problems caused by political parties and uses documents

17. as evidence to prove these problems
___ I have read through my essay to check for errors in spelling, grammar,
punctuation, capitalization and verb-subject agreement
___ Uses transition words to move from one idea to the next