How do you write a DBQ?

Question

I'm not sure what to do.
Do I refer to the documents or use the exact words?

Answer 1

Depending on your teacher there might be specific rules, but generally speaking, you can either make references to ideas or points in the document, or you can cite it directly with quotes. Many times a teacher will like to see the latter, but keep quotations short! Think about it this way, it's a summary of the Document, with references. That's it.

Also, it helps to have some background information on the subject.

Some really good resources for learning about Document Based Questions can be found at these addresses:

http://www.usd320.k12.ks.us/whs/lmc/dbq.html
http://www.plainedgeschools.org/dfallon/fallon/dbq.htm
http://www.socsd.k12.ny.us/cle/wqdbq.htm
http://www.lawrence.org/edlinks/dbq/dbq.htm

I hope I helped, and good luck!

Answer 2

It's not necessary to quote word-for word, but you better make it clear that you are talking about the document. It would be a good idea to use exact words, but only use the ones that are most relevant to your argument. So short quotes.

And even though I got a 5 on the AP test, I have only written two DBQs (and one of them was the one on the AP U.S. exam). So I don't think I could help you much with the writing. Other than that the thesis must be clear, and you must bring in outside info for AP US.

Answer 3

Are you doing DBQs for AP or IB? I did DBQs for IB, and they were literally straight forward. Don't think too much about the question, it's literally like writing a summary, what is the article's strong point, what are it's limitations. Sorry if that doesn't help, I did DBQs like 2 years ago. But I do remember them being really easy.

Answer 4

Check out this site - it should help you. http://www.upstatehistory.org/services/DHP/DBQ.html