Step-by-Step Approach
Writing a DBQ (Document Based Question) essay can be a daunting task, but it can be made easier by following a step-by-step approach.
1. Read the prompt carefully. Make sure you understand what the question is asking.
2. Identify the documents. The documents will provide you with the evidence you need to support your thesis.
3. Create a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be a clear and concise statement of your argument.
4. Write an outline. An outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows smoothly.
5. Write your essay. Be sure to use evidence from the documents to support your argument.
6. Revise and edit your essay. Make sure your essay is well-written and free of errors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that students make when writing DBQ essays. Avoid these mistakes to ensure that your essay is successful.
- Don’t restate the prompt. The prompt is not an introduction to your essay. Instead, your introduction should provide your thesis statement.
- Don’t summarize the documents. The documents are evidence that you use to support your argument. Don’t just summarize them; instead, explain how they support your thesis.
- Don’t use vague language. Your essay should be specific and clear. Avoid using vague language that could be interpreted in multiple ways.
- Don’t make unsupported claims. Every claim you make in your essay should be supported by evidence from the documents.
- Don’t plagiarize. Plagiarism is stealing someone else’s work. Make sure to cite all of the sources you use in your essay.
Why Matters
Writing a DBQ essay is a valuable skill that can be used in a variety of settings. For example, DBQ essays are often used in college admissions, scholarship applications, and graduate school applications. Writing a DBQ essay can also help you develop your critical thinking skills, writing skills, and research skills.
Benefits
There are many benefits to writing DBQ essays. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved critical thinking skills. Writing a DBQ essay requires you to think critically about a topic and form your own opinions.
- Improved writing skills. Writing a DBQ essay requires you to write clearly and concisely.
- Improved research skills. Writing a DBQ essay requires you to research a topic and find evidence to support your argument.
- Increased knowledge. Writing a DBQ essay helps you learn about a new topic.
- Improved preparation for college and career. Writing a DBQ essay can help you prepare for college and career by developing your critical thinking, writing, and research skills.
Useful Tables
The following tables provide some useful information that can help you write a DBQ essay.
| Table 1: Types of Documents |
|—|—|
| Primary sources: Documents that were created during the time period being studied |
| Secondary sources: Documents that were created after the time period being studied |
| Government documents: Documents that were created by a government agency |
| Personal documents: Documents that were created by an individual |
| Visual documents: Documents that include images, graphs, or maps |
| Table 2: Historical Context |
|—|—|
| Political |
| Economic |
| Social |
| Cultural |
| Religious |
| Table 3: Thesis Statement |
|—|—|
| What: A statement of your argument |
| How: Explain how you will support your argument |
| Why: Explain why your argument is important |
| Table 4: Outline |
|—|—|
| Introduction:
– Thesis statement
– Historical context
| Body paragraphs:
– Topic sentence
– Evidence from the documents
– Explanation of how the evidence supports the thesis
| Conclusion:
– Restatement of the thesis
– Summary of the main points
– Final thoughts
Conclusion
Writing a DBQ essay can be a challenging but rewarding task. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write a successful DBQ essay that demonstrates your critical thinking, writing, and research skills.
