Document Based Question
1. Read the prompt carefully and thoroughly
2. Do not panic! Take your time!
3. When you are confident that you understand the demands of the prompt, being to read the documents.
4. Jot down your thoughts and take notes on what the document is about and the "big picture" themes.
5. As you finish reading the documents, you are ready to group them. Use your hashtag! #Trust
6. Make a quick chart in the test booklet of your groupings
7. Key points for grouping
a. Have at least THREE groups. "Rule of Three"
b. Each category needs at least TWO documents.
c. You can use a document in more than one group
d. ALL documents must be used!
8. Grouping the documents effectively allows you to form a thesis easily.
9. Create a clear, one-sentence thesis that FULLY address the prompt.
10. Each body paragraph should be tied to a grouping.
11. Always cite the document at the end of the sentence. Never refer to the document by "Document 1". Refer to the document by the source information.
12. The hardest point for most students to earn in the DBQ is for Point of View (POV).
13. You should include a POV reference for each document.
14. At the end of each body paragraph, ask for an Additional Document (AD) and explain why you need it.
15. Manage your time wisely! Carefully reading, organizing your essay, and focusing on your skills will help you master this task!