THE DBQDocument Based Question

WHAT IS IT? Essay question that requires you to

interpret primary source documents Documents may include the

following:Newspaper articles/editorialsLetters/diariesSpeechesLegislation Political cartoonsCharts and graphs

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS FOR? To discuss events and ideas to which

you are familiar To support or refute the essay question Focus around the essay topic

IS THERE A “RIGHT” ANSWER? Nope Multiple arguments can be made Develop your argument (thesis) with

evidence (AND outside information) Remember: dazzle the reader with

knowledge of topic/subject Use a strong historical argument

I HAVE THE QUESTION, NOW WHAT? Read the question thoroughly Explore all parts of the question Underline or highlight important

words/dates Ask yourself:

1. Do I have an opinion about the subject?2. What must I discuss in order to write a

successful essay?

GETTING ORGANIZED BEFORE you even peek at the docs,

write everything down you know about topic

Gather information Address Issues Decide on Data Organize plan of attack

2009 QUESTION From 1775 to 1830, many

African Americans gained freedom from slavery, yet during the same period the institution of slavery expanded. Analyze the ways that BOTH free African Americans and enslaved African Americans responded to the challenge confronting them.

Enslaved Free

READING THE DOCUMENTS SOAPS Do you look at the documents in

chronological order or compare and contrast?

Have a THESISDevelop an argument you can proveMake sure your thesis addresses all aspects

of the questionHow does this document support my thesis?

WRITING THE DBQ Back up thesis with solid facts: outside

info and use of documents Site documents “Some slaves were able

to purchase their own freedom from their master (Doc F).”

Are you addressing the question? How many documents should I use?

More than ½.

UNIT 1 DBQ HINT!

Puritans ideas and values 1630-1660sPolitical NEW EconomicENGLAND

Social