finaltipsforwritingadbq

Final Tips for Writing a DBQ

The purpose of the DBQ (Document Based Question) is not to test your knowledge of the subject, but rather to evaluate your ability to practice the historian's craft. You will be required to work with the documents and use them to answer a question.

Writing the DBQ is an acquired skill, one that takes practice. You should not get discouraged if you do not "get it" right away. The goal is to acquire the skill by May.

Remember that there is actually no right or wrong answer. Your answer is YOUR interpretation of the content of the documents. As long as your answer is logical and your interpretation is supported by the content of the document you are correct.

The following is your guide to writing a successful DBQ.

1. Read carefully the question prompt and the historical background. Underline the tasks demanded and the terms which are unique to the question.

2. Read the documents carefully - summarize and/or underline as needed.

3. You use all of the documents in fashioning your response, but do not simply cite the documents in "laundry list" fashion. You should strive to IMPOSE order on the documents. Find at least 3 groupings for the documents.

4. Your essay should be an ANALYSIS of the documents and their content. You are demonstrating analysis if you are doing the following:

a. The essay contains a thesis which answers the question and provides a roadmap (groupings).

b. The documents are used as evidence to support your thesis.

c. Frequent reference is made to the terms of the question

d. Be certain that your answer is always focused directly on the question. Do not drift afield.

5. Be certain that you analyze the point of view (POV) for all documents.

6. Be sure to identify at least 3 appropriate additional documents to use and explain why they would be hopeful

LITERARY CONCERNS

1. The essay has an adequate introduction in which the time frame is noted.

2. Proper essay style is used.

3. Grammar and spelling are adequate (do not misspell words that are supplied in the documents).

4. You have not referred to yourself in the essay and you have not told the readers what they are "going to learn".

5. The documents have been used in a manner which makes their use readily apparent to the reader that is referring to the author or title of the document, it is best to cite the number parenthetically).

6. Quotations are limited to a phrase which is placed within the context of your answer.

7. ALL PARTS OF THE QUESTION have been answered.

8. A conclusion exists which summarizes the evidence, restates the thesis and indicates a direction for further study or occurrences.

9. Base all of your comments on the documents, NOT on outside information. Outside information may be used to enhance understanding but it must not be the basis of your argument.