Post on 02-Jan-2016
description
Document Based Questions
How to successfully write a great essay for a DBQ
What is a DBQ?
• A DBQ consists of two parts.• Part I: 4-8 documents you need to
analyze.• Part II: An essay based on the
documents you are analyzing.
Read all information
• Before you begin, read the first page, which usually provides you with the historical context and a task.
• It is good to know what the topic of your essay is, so that you keep it in mind when reading through the documents
Part I: Analyzing the documents
• This is your reading comprehension part.
• Each DBQ contains 4-8 documents with 1-3 questions that need to be answered per document.
• Documents are in the form of primary sources. For example pictures, political cartoons, newspaper excerpts, etc.
• Make sure you answer all questions.
Part II: The Essay
• The essay is the basis for the DBQ.• Here you are using the documents
you have analyzed to answer a question(s).
• Make sure you answer all parts of the task.
Writing the Essay
• When writing your essay, you must have:*An introduction*A body*A conclusion
• You also MUST make sure you refer to the appropriate number of documents by name or number. For example, as seen in document 2.
• You MUST also refer to the correct number of documents. If they ask you to use at least 4 in your essay make sure to do so.
The Introduction
• You must have an introductory paragraph.
• A good start is to use the historical context you are already given.
• Then state what you will explain in your essay. For example, “now I will explain how each river valley civilization contributed to modern day society.”
The Body
• You should have at least 1 body paragraph for each part of the task. For example, if you are asked 2 different things, you should have 2 paragraphs.
• You may use outside info if it applies.
• Again you are answering what is asked of you in the task. You are doing so by referring to each document you use by name or number.
• You DO NOT need to use every document, just the amount you are asked to use.
• You are also NOT just listing documents and what each says. YOU NEED TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN THE TASK.
• Use simple language. DO NOT over-complicate it. • Avoid opinion, just state the facts.• Also- it is quality not quantity.
The Conclusion
• This is your wrap up paragraph.• Restate what you have accomplished.• For example, “As you can see each of
the river valley civilizations had a major impact on society by…..”
• Again, don’t over-complicate. Its just a restating of what your essay is.
Check it over
• When you are done, go back and make sure:
1) You have an intro, body, conclusion2) You have referred to the appropriate
number of documents.3) You have successfully answered the
question(s) being asked of you in the task.