What is a DBQ?

WHAT IS A DBQ?

The dreaded DBQ, or “document-based question,” is an essay question type on the AP History exams (AP US History, AP European History, and AP World History). For the DBQ essay, you are asked to analyze some historical issue or trend with the aid of the provided sources, or "documents," as evidence. A formal DBQ will provide a set amount of time to analyze the documents, a set amount of time for brainstorming and pre-writing, and set amount of time to write the essay. When the essay is written, it is hand-written on lined paper in one sitting, usually within 30 minutes.

The DBQ is an unfamiliar type of in-class essay for many students, but it does not need to cause panic. In class we will go over the DBQ's purpose and format, what the documents are and how to use them, how this type of essay is scored, and how to prepare. I'll tell you everything you need to succeed at this unique type of essay! You will see them throughout your time at SGM in a very “guided” format. In high school, you may be explained the process once, then given them without further explanation.

WHY DO WE HAVE THEM AT SGM?

St. Gerard Magella's 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are introduced to document analysis and writing in the DBQ format to prepare them for a successful high school experience. Even if an SGM student has no plans to take an AP course, many high school social studies teachers use this format in college prep and honors classes. In the past 25 years the DBQ has become part of the Social Studies experience. While high school teachers will explain the format to their classes, it is simply in the students' best interest to already know the format and have experience with the essay.

At the Middle School level, we have the luxury to break down the process, work together with the document analysis, and group brain-storm thesis writing and supporting details. The more experience a student has with the steps of the DBQ, the stronger they will be when given a DBQ in high school and expected to follow through the process on their own and in a strict time frame.

IS A DBQ REALLY UNLIKE ANY OTHER KIND OF ESSAY?

Not really. It can be described as "an in-class research paper where the teacher provides the research." Students use similar skills and structure in writing a DBQ as they do in writing a research paper. There should be a very clear introduction paragraph with a thesis. The body paragraph(s) are used to prove the thesis using appropriate information and document material. Documents are used with both direct quotation and paraphrasing and then cited - though in a DBQ a citation is much more causal (ex: "According to Document A..."). Students use general knowledge from background learning to support and explain the use of the cited document. The essay ends with a clear conclusion paragraph where the student restates the thesis and forms a final thought giving a judgement using reason.

A DBQ is also similar to a test essay question. When writing an essay for a test, a student is expected to complete the essay in the time given. There are no drafts or major revisions. The student and teacher both expect that in proofing the work and checking for flow and fluency that there may be cross-offs or words, phrases, or even whole sentences inserted using carrots or arrows.

To an extent, DBQ essays are persuasive writing. After reading and analyzing the documents given and weighing those points of view with their own knowledge of the subject, the student forms their essay around a clearly defined thesis. A thesis is an educated opinion statement the student will then go on on "prove" and persuade the reader to agree with, based on the evidence used in the essay.

CAN YOU DIRECT ME TO MORE INFORMATION FROM OTHER SCHOOLS THAT PROVES THIS IS A COMMON FORMAT WITH IDENTICAL EXPECTATIONS?

Of course:

• Christian Brothers HS of Memphis, TN DBQ Do's and Don't's

• WikiHow - a general website for the general public all over America to uses as a resource

• College Boards: AP World - tips from the actual organization that creates the AP exams

• Henry County Schools, GA - Middle School DBQ writing!

• Greece NY Schools - very detailed information here