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How to Create an AP US History DBQ. A DBQ… What is it?. Contrary to popular belief, a DBQ is not a means by which I enjoy watching you suffer and struggle. DBQ = Document Based Question
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How to Create an AP US History DBQ
A DBQ… What is it? • Contrary to popular belief, a DBQ is not a means by which I enjoy watching you suffer and struggle. • DBQ = Document Based Question • Students write an essay from an open ended question that challenges them to not only use their knowledge of history (the War of 1812 began in 1812), but also to analyze and use documents to argue a particular point
How do we write a DBQ? • Writing a DBQ is a lot like a most sumptuous Hamburger, or for our vegetarians, a Veggie Burger. Henceforth, vegetarians should substitute the “meat” of their “burger” with the appropriate “ingredients”.
The Introduction • The top bun of your essay • 4-6 sentences 1st sentence is broad, but does refer to the topic Subsequent statements “narrow down” and lead the reader to the thesis of the essay. Often, they will hint at the arguments r main points of the author INTRO: Usually 1 paragraph Final sentence states the thesis of the essay and acts as a map for the reader
Introductory Paragraph Particulars • Establish TIME and PLACE concerning your DBQ • Create a CLEAR THESIS STATEMENT (underline it or even highlight it!) • Make an “organizing statement” that alludes to your main arguments or points that will support your thesis • Focus on the question; NO FLUFFY BUNNIES! • DO NOT give a “LAUNDRY LIST” of items
BODY: the 3 paragraph body is a normal model because it is neither too long nor too short The Body of Your Essay • 1st sentence should be the topic sentence and address the 1st main point or argument of the thesis • All other sentences should support the topic sentence by using examples, documents or evidence • At LEAST three paragraphs (it can definitely be MORE!) • 8-12 Sentences per paragraph • 2nd sentence should be the topic sentence of the 2nd main point or argument of the thesis. It should also contain a TRANSITIONAL word to tie it to the 1st body paragraph • All other sentences should support the topic sentence by using examples, documents or evidence • Same as above, only making your 3rd argument at this point
Body Particulars • Identify your sub-topic or category in the first sentence • Include the documents that are relevant to support the ideas in the paragraph • Use most of the documents given • Bring in supportive outside information; This is critical!! * OK = “Outside Knowledge” • Why were these documents selected?
How should I analyze the documents? Questions you should ask yourself about the documents you are given 1. Attribution: Who is this person? 2. Why might they be significant? 3. What is the point of view (POV) of the author? 4. How reliable and accurate is the source? 5. What is the tone or intent of the document author? 6. What other information does this document call to mind? Use all available clues. Documents can be used in a variety of ways!
How do I reference the documents in my essay? • “Yoda, in his essay, ‘The Force and You’ stated….” ‘when the dark side you are fighting, strong with the force you must be…’
How do I reference the documents in my essay? • “Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith, agreed with the Emperor in that….” developments in cosmetic science can do wonders for skin with even the most severe dark side infections… EEEWWWW…!
How do I reference the documents in my essay? • The Jedi historian, Jocasta Nu felt that the jedi archives were the final authority on ANYTHING (Doc. C)! NEVER begin with: “In Document 3, it says…”; It sounds as if you are summarizing the document rather than USING the document!
The Conclusion • The bottom bun of your essay • 3-5 sentences 1st sentence should restate the thesis; reword, but DON’T recopy! CONCLUSION: Usually 1 paragraph Other sentences either summarize the main points of the body or simply conclude the essay (depending on the length)
Concluding paragraph particulars • Start with a “concluding phrase.” • Restate your thesis statement a bit differently. • Put your essay answer in a larger historical perspective. • End of some trend/movement/idea, etc. • Beginning of some trend/movement/idea • End of one & beginning of another • Do NOT end on the note that this is the reason we are where we are today!
The end result... BQ D a well executed DBQ!