This document provides guidance on writing a Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay for AP history exams. It explains that a DBQ requires students to make an assertion defending a position using evidence from historical documents and outside knowledge. It outlines a six-step process for writing the essay, including reading the question, analyzing documents, forming a thesis, using a "Yes/But" strategy to address counterarguments, and writing the essay. It emphasizes analyzing rather than quoting documents, referring to documents by title not letter, and including specific historical examples to support the thesis.

1. Writing the DBQ:
Document-Based
Question

2. What is the Document-
Based Question?
A document-based question
requires students to defend
an assertion by using an
analysis of historical
documents and outside
knowledge (previous
knowledge) of a specific time
period and topic.

3. Solving a Mystery
 Writing a DBQ is similar to
solving a mystery or a crime
 You need to use your
previous knowledge along
with the evidence (the
documents) to help solve
the mystery – the question
that is being asked.
 As is true with a mystery or
crime, some evidence is
better than other evidence!

4. Six Steps to Answering a
Document-Based
Question
1. Read the question,
and make sure you
understand all parts
of the question.
2. “Cluster” outside
information (use a
web) to establish
outside/previous
knowledge.
3. Read the
documents, and
analyze each
document as you
read.
4. Make an assertion –
formulate a thesis,
ensuring that it
directly answers the
questions.
5. Use the “Yes/But”
Strategy to form the
defense of your
assertion and to test
your assertion.
6. Write the essay. (Note:
on the AP exam
students have 60
minutes to work on
the DBQ. Spend 15-20
minutes on the first
five steps. Spend 40-
45 minutes writing the
essay.

5. Step Five: Yes/But
 Here is where you will up your score by
recognizing the other side of the assertion
you made – and then destroying it in your
writing.
 “Although slavery was morally and
socially wrong, the thirteen colonies
could not have been economically
successful without the institution of
slavery.”
 You recognize that slavery is wrong, you
do not hide this fact, but will convince
the reader that the economic situation
made it a “necessary evil.”

6. Basic Facts
 DBQ essays with no outside
information or analysis will
receive a score no higher
than a four.
 Students need to stay within
the time period of the
question
 Students who effectively use
Yes/But statements drive
their scores up.
 Avoid quoting long passages
– focus on analysis, not
regurgitation.

7. Basic Facts, cont.
 Analyze and make
inferences, do not simply
repeat what the document
says
 Always refer to the
document parenthetical by
the title of the document,
NOT by its letter!
 Students should use the
introductory paragraph to
define terms, provide
historical background,
define the time period, and
state points of validation.
Keep introductory
information to a minimum.

8. Basic Facts, cont.
 Students should use
specific names, terms
and events
 Always make sure that
you keep returning to the
main topic/your thesis –
do not wander!
 Lastly, use as many
documents as you can,
but you do not need to
use every single one.
Aim to use half plus one.
 Know the difference
between description and
analysis

9. Citing Documents
 When citing documents do’s and don’ts
 Do no begin a statement
 “….. as seen in document A”
“In document B …..”
“Document C stated….”
 Write about the document – make
inferences at the end (doc A)

10. Ready, Set, Go!!
 Now you have the
basic formula for
writing a successful
DBQ.
We will work on this
skill together all year
long -- HOW
EXCITING!!!