Doing the DBQ

Thesis Statements

Thesis Statement (2 Points) “Presents a thesis that makes a historically

defensible claim and responds to all parts of the question. The thesis must consist of one or more sentences located in one place, either the introduction or the conclusion.”

1 Point

Thesis Statement (1 Point) “Develops and supports a cohesive argument

that recognizes and accounts for historical complexity by illustrating relationships among historical evidence such as contradiction, corroboration, and/or qualification.”

1 Point

Thesis Formula X. However, A,B, and C. Therefore, Y. X- Contradictory side or background information A,B, and C- Your main ideas of your three body

paragraphs. This lets the reader know exactly what you will be discussing in your essay.

Y- Your main point of your argument

Body Paragraphs

Document Analysis (2 Points) “Utilizes the content of at least six documents to

support the stated thesis or relevant argument.”- 1 Point

Must include analysis not just a summary of document Analysis

The “so what” Why did the authors of that DBQ include that document? How does that document help you prove your point?

A good way to make sure you are analyzing the document is to paraphrase the document first and then have a sentence that starts with the following phrases: This proves… This shows…

Document Analysis (2 Point)

“Explains the significance of (a) the author’s point of view, (b) author’s purpose, (c) historical context, and/or (d) audience for at least four documents.”- 1 Point

Remember ACAP!

Using Evidence Beyond the Documents (2 Points)

Contextualization “Situates the argument by explaining the

broader historical events, developments, or processes immediately relevant to the question.”- 1 Point

Use knowledge not found in documents Must be multiple sentences or a paragraph

What is contextualization? Think in ‘isms’ Use in a sentence:

“__________ happened within the context of ______ism.”

Go on to explain why/how the event or development fits within that context.

Some examples of isms: Colonialism Sectionalism Mercantilism Federalism

What is contextualization? Contexts that are not ‘isms’. You can use words to make

these developments into contexts when you can’t think of an ‘ism’ that fits.

Use words such as ‘continuing’, ‘ongoing’, or ‘trend’ Ex:

“_________ happened within the continuing context of ________.”

“_________ happened in the context of ongoing ________.” “_________ happened in the context of the trend of __________.”

Some examples: Manifest Destiny Reform Urbanization The Enlightenment

Using Evidence Beyond the Documents (2 Points)

Outside Information “Provides an example or additional piece of

evidence beyond those found in the documents to support or qualify the argument.” – 1 Point

Must be different from evidence used to earn other points in rubric

Needs explanation of how that evidence supports your argument (can’t just name drop)

Synthesis (1 point)

Extends the argument by explaining the connections between the argument and ONE of the following: A development in a different historical

period, situation, era or geographical area A course theme and/or approach to

history that is not the focus of the essay (such as political, economic, social, cultural, and/or intellectual)

Synthesis- HUH?? “Looking forward” or “Looking

backward” EX: connecting Charles G. Finney and

the Second Great Awakening to Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield and the First Great Awakening.

Booker T Washington and MLK Jr.

Thesis- 3 sentences ¶#1 Topic Sentence

Doc/ paraphrase/ analysis/ ACAP (pick 1) Doc/ paraphrase/ analysis/ ACAP (pick 1)Contextualization/ synthesis (pick1)

¶#2 Topic Sentence Doc/ paraphrase/ analysis/ ACAP (pick 1) Doc/ paraphrase/ analysis/ ACAP (pick 1)Contextualization/ synthesis (pick 1)

¶#3 Topic Sentence Doc/ paraphrase/ analysis/ ACAP (pick 1) Doc/ paraphrase/ analysis/ ACAP (pick 1) Contextualization/ synthesis (pick 1)

¶#4 Topic Sentence Outside information paragraph

Conclusion Restate the thesis