Document Based Question (DBQ) Steps for Success

1. Document Based Question (DBQ)Steps for Success Step 1 • Read through the DBQ

2. Step 2 • Answer the short-answer questions for each document • Underline / hilite key words • Write in complete sentences • In the margins, jot down notes about related information that you might be able to use as “outside information” in your essay OPTIONAL: brainstorm the topic (list, web, etc)

3. Step 3 • Plan the essay • Box Organizer

4. Big picture first • How many body paragraphs? • What will each paragraph topic be? • Depends on the task. • EX) if there are four major task components, you may choose four body paragraphs; one for each major part of the task. • Write paragraph topics on side of boxes – this helps cover all aspects of the task

5. Outside Information Not in documents Consult your margin notes What fits with my body paragraph topics? If I was writing this without documents, what would I include? Inside information In documents Consult your short-answer responses Which docs fit with my body paragraph topics? How can I use the docs to support what I’m writing? Meet minimum # Body Paragraph Content Double check: Have I addressed all aspects of the task in my planning?

6. Step 4 • Write the Introduction Paragraph • DO: Use the Historical Context and Task for direction. If the task gives you options, only mention the options you are choosing. • DO: inform the reader about what your essay is about • DO NOT: simply recopy the Historical Context and Task • DO NOT: include document references. • DO NOT: write “In this essay I will tell you about…” or anything similar

7. Sample Introduction • SAMPLEHistorical Context • The geographic factors of location and availability of resources have affected the history of Great Britain and Japan. • SAMPLETask • Compare and contrast the effect of geographic factors such as location and availability of resources on the political and economic development of Great Britain and Japan.

8. Sample Introduction • The availability of resources and location have heavily influenced the development of Great Britain and Japan. Both island nations, Great Britain has benefitted from a wealth of natural resources, while Japan has been forced to deal with a lack of them. Historically, these geographic factors have played a role in the economic and political advancement of both civilizations and weighed heavily on decisions made by their governments.

9. Body Paragraphs • Start with a Topic Sentence. • EX) Great Britain possessed an abundance of natural resources that played a major role in the Industrial Revolution. Coal and iron ore were readily available to be used in factories, which allowed Britain to industrialize first. ……………………..

10. Body Paragraphs: Citing Documents • How should I make document citations (references)? • At the end of a sentence or sentences that you refer to a document in, put the document number in parentheses. • EXAMPLE) • Japanese imperialism extended to resource rich Manchuria by 1934 (Doc 8).

11. Conclusion • DO: Summarize the essay • DO: Use the language from the task and historical context • Rewrite in your own words • DO: Include a couple of examples that you used in your body paragraphs • DO NOT: recopy the intro

12. Sample Conclusion • The histories of Great Britain and Japan were greatly influenced by geographic factors. The availability of resources led to the Industrial Revolution beginning in Britain, while a lack of resources led to an era of imperial expansion for Japan in order to obtain them. Great Britain’s location led to an easy outlet to sea trade, while offering protection from invaders. Japan’s close proximity to China enabled cultural diffusion to bring political and economic ideas from the mainland.