The Document Based Question (DBQ)

1. The Document Based Question(DBQ)

2. Document Based Question (DBQ) • Are provided with a essay prompt as well as several primary documents to use as RESOURCES for writing the essay. • Same requirements as an FRQ in that looking for a solid thesis, analysis, and substantial support. • DBQs are NOT essays about the documents – focus on answering the question. • Think of them as FRQs but with some extra help… you still need the basic ingredients for a cake, but now you can add sprinkles and icing 

3. Generic Rubric for DBQ • Contains a clear and well-developed thesis • Understands complexity of question; analyzes rather than describes • Supports thesis with substantial and relevant information • Shows superior analysis; displays well-reasoned cause and effect; evaluates historical change; reaches fully supported conclusions • May contain minor errors • Analytical use of at least half the documents; balances documents with outside information

4. Steps to a Solid DBQ • Understand the question • Brainstorm relevant outside information • Take a look at the documents – what do you know, what can you infer • Make connections between the documents and the outside information (Doc. A relates to…) • Write a thesis – with clear categories and “so what” • Organize your essay; determine what outside information and documents will be used in each paragraph • Write 

5. Examining the DBQ • Analyze the ways in which technology, government policy, and economic conditions changed American agriculture in the period 1865-1900. • Provided Documents • Chart of Agricultural Prices • Map of Railroad growth • Excerpt from The Prairie Farmer • Photograph “The Wheat Harvest” • Excerpt of sharecropping contract • Excerpt from Harper’s Magazine • Excerpt from speech by Mary Elizabeth Lease • Excerpt from personal communication • Excerpt from Oklahoma Magazine • Excerpt from William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold speech

6. Thinking About the Documents

7. Evaluating Body Paragraphs • Analyze the ways in which technology, government policy, and economic conditions changed American agriculture in the period 1865-1900. • Category: Technology • Read each sample – What are your observations? Which do you consider the strongest sample and why? • How does each sample utilize the documents? • How does each sample incorporate outside information? • Where do you see examples of analysis in each sample?

8. Evaluating Body Paragraphs • Analyze the ways in which technology, government policy, and economic conditions changed American agriculture in the period 1865-1900. • Category: Government Policy • Read each sample – What are your observations? Which do you consider the strongest sample and why? • How does each sample utilize the documents? • How does each sample incorporate outside information? • Where do you see examples of analysis in each sample?

9. DBQ Tips Continued • NEVER quote a document. The reader knows what it says, they’re looking for how you can use it -- so focus on including inferences derived from the document • Citing Documents • It is best to parenthetically cite after using the document • blah blah blah (Doc A). • You can also make quick reference to the document in the actual sentence • As argued in Document A, blah blah blah • John Smith captured the feelings of many colonists when he blah blah blah • Pay attention to document information • author, date, type of document • can assist with assessing potential bias, placing in historical context, and determining purpose • documents are always provided in chronological order, which is particularly helpful if essay asks you to contrast and/or evaluate change over time

10. …To Close: Synthesis paragraph • Read the provided documents. Use at least two documents in a paragraph that responds to the following question: • Should the federal government pass a law that bans all cell phone use while driving?