This document provides guidance on writing a Document Based Question (DBQ) essay. A DBQ essay requires students to analyze primary source documents in order to answer a question and develop a thesis. The document advises students to understand the context of each document, such as the time period and author's perspective. It also provides instructions on how to write an introduction with a clear thesis statement directly answering the prompt question, and to include topic sentences and paragraphs using documents as evidence to support the thesis.

1. Document Based Questions Ms. Rendek

2. What is a DBQ? Document Based Questioning Examination of historical document Analytical written response

3. Examining Primary Source Documents Think about the main ideas of the topic Consider the following: What is the time period? What is the author’s point of view? What is the origin of the document? Is the document valid? Is it biased? If time, gender, ethnicity, or age were changed, would the message change?

4. Critically Read the Question Know exactly what the question asks you to do. Underline the verb in the question Rewrite the question in your own words.

5. Writing the Introduction Write two sentences that address the topic of the question in a general way. Write an organizational statement in which you mention the two or three issues or aspects of the topic about which you are going to write (your argument categories). Write a clear thesis sentence that expresses your response to the question.

6. Thesis Statement Directly answer the prompt question Clear, concrete, and concise ARE YOUR OWN ARGUMENT.

7. NOT A THESIS!!!  The North and South fought against each other in a bloody battle called the American Civil War.

8. THESIS!!!  The American Civil War exemplifies how democratic ideals can be overridden by regional differences.

9. Introduction Paragraph

10. Topic Sentences “Mini Thesis Statements” Outlines what you will speaking of in the paragraph. Should be your own argument.

11. Paragraphs Documents are used as support for your points Use of documents should show analysis

12. Conclusion

13. Example Question Examine the documents. Compare and contrast the various view points regarding colonists’ interactions with Native Americans.