Hints for taking on the DBQ
Follow
these steps:
1. Identify the task(s) within
the question.
2. Read the documents in the
order given; make pertinent notes.
3. Note dates and chronology.
This may indicate change over time.
4. Find an appropriate way to
group the documents.
5. Begin writing the essay:
a. Use and analyze the information from the
documents. Do not summarize them.
b. Have a clear thesis with a succinct
introduction (i.e., what you will prove).
c. Have one paragraph per task or idea using evidence
from the documents.
d. Do not present the documents' information in
the order given; combine and/or juxtapose documents; use groups by categories.
e. Include and note any contradictions or
ambiguities (i.e., a wealthv industrialist supporting
the cause of laborers).
f. Use
as many documents as possible (at least 3/4).
g. Include any
pertinent, optional outside information that relates to the essay as long as
you're certain the information is correct.
h. Make reference to at least one Point of view
(bias or motivation)of a document's source. You cannot get above a 3 on the
essay if you don't do this! Be explicit. A person has a particular point of
view because.
i. Don't quote
from the documents. Using more than five words cited is unacceptable.
j. Don't
ignore charts, graphs, or illustrations.
k. Never use
first or second person; do not refer to the essay itself in your essay. Examples:
“I think Ibn Battuta can’t be trusted because . . .”
“Did you know that the Mongols had the largest land
empire in history?”
“Today in this essay I am going to tell you about . .
.”
(If you do this
last one I’ll send you back to your middle school English teacher.)
Points to
consider:
The DBQ is the
equivalent of a 45-minute research paper with the research done for you. Use
the evidence to prove an argument.
Imagine the
process as being that of a trial. You, as the attorney, must use the evidence
(documents) to prove a point and win your case.
(Adopted from
Susan Kelly’s Clues for Conquering the
Evil DBQ)