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Simply stated, a Document-Based Question (DBQ) is one of the highest levels of analysis, reasoning, and writing that a student can perform in a Social Studies class. The DBQ is made up of multiple "documents" that have to be analyzed by the student. Their analysis should include what the document means to them and how they are interpreted. Next, students answer the DBQ question, also called the Essential Question. This question must be answered in at least one paragraph and should;
1) Restate the essential question;
2) Answer the question completely;
3) Cite your evidence. This comes from your analysis of the documents. All documents must be included;
4) Add insight and make a connection to Social Studies content or historical events.
Documents may included, but not limited to:
-Quotes
-Lyrics
-Pictures (Photographs, Paintings, Drawings)
-Political Cartoons
-Excerpts from Books, Newspapers, Magazines, etc.
-Webquests
-Videos / Audio selections
-Slogans
-Headlines
-Informational charts
The beauty and rigor of the DBQ is that it is opinion based. Students are not graded on their opinions in the answer; rather they are graded by the craftsmanship of the answer. A key component to this process is the conference meeting of teacher and student to discuss analysis , writing styles, and suggestions for improvement. In this class, students who choose to rewrite their DBQs for a better grade, based on the conference notes, may do so.
Resources:
Writing Rubric (Please note only use the Research Simulation Task and Literary Analysis Task rubric)
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