World History DBQ Example

Introduction

A document-based question (DBQ) is a type of essay question that requires students to analyze and interpret historical documents in order to construct a coherent and well-supported argument. DBQs are commonly used in world history classes, as they allow students to develop their critical thinking, analytical writing, and historical reasoning skills.

The Basic Structure of a DBQ Essay

A DBQ essay typically consists of the following sections:

• Introduction: This section provides a brief overview of the topic and states the thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph analyzes one or two documents and uses them to support the thesis statement.
• Conclusion: This section summarizes the main points of the essay and restates the thesis statement.

Choosing Documents for a DBQ Essay

When choosing documents for a DBQ essay, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Relevance: The documents should be related to the topic of the essay and should provide evidence to support the thesis statement.
• Diversity: The documents should come from a variety of sources, including primary and secondary sources, and should represent different perspectives on the topic.
• Complexity: The documents should be complex enough to challenge students, but not so complex that they are impossible to understand.

Analyzing Documents

Once students have chosen their documents, they need to begin analyzing them. This involves carefully reading each document and identifying its main points, biases, and context. Students should also consider how each document relates to the other documents in the set and to the topic of the essay.

Constructing an Argument

After analyzing the documents, students need to construct an argument that answers the essay question. The argument should be clear, well-supported, and persuasive. Students should use evidence from the documents to support their claims and should consider different perspectives on the topic.

Writing a DBQ Essay

When writing a DBQ essay, students should follow the following steps:

• Write an introduction that provides a brief overview of the topic and states the thesis statement.
• Write body paragraphs that analyze one or two documents and use them to support the thesis statement.
• Write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and restates the thesis statement.

Tips for Writing a Successful DBQ Essay

Here are some tips for writing a successful DBQ essay:

• Read the documents carefully and identify their main points, biases, and context.
• Consider how each document relates to the other documents in the set and to the topic of the essay.
• Construct an argument that answers the essay question and is supported by evidence from the documents.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Proofread your essay carefully for errors.

Example of a World History DBQ Essay

Question: To what extent did the American Revolution influence the French Revolution?

Documents:

1. Document A: Excerpt from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, August 23, 1785: “The American Revolution was the first successful challenge to the divine right of kings and established the principles of popular sovereignty and self-government.”
2. Document B: Excerpt from a speech by Maximilien Robespierre to the National Convention, July 27, 1793: “The French Revolution is the continuation of the American Revolution. We are fighting for the same principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
3. Document C: Excerpt from a letter written by Edmund Burke to William Wilberforce, October 1790: “The American Revolution was a conservative movement that sought to preserve the traditional rights of Englishmen. The French Revolution, on the other hand, is a radical movement that seeks to overthrow the entire social and political order.”

Thesis Statement: The American Revolution had a significant influence on the French Revolution, providing both inspiration and a model for the French revolutionaries.

Body Paragraph 1:

• Analyzes Document A and argues that the American Revolution’s principles of popular sovereignty and self-government inspired the French revolutionaries.
• Provides evidence from the document to support this claim.

Body Paragraph 2:

• Analyzes Document B and argues that the French revolutionaries saw themselves as continuing the work of the American revolutionaries.
• Provides evidence from the document to support this claim.

Body Paragraph 3:

• Analyzes Document C and argues that, while the American Revolution was conservative, the French Revolution was more radical.
• Provides evidence from the document to support this claim.

Conclusion:

• Summarizes the main points of the essay.
• Restates the thesis statement.

Conclusion

DBQs are an important tool for teaching world history. They allow students to develop their critical thinking, analytical writing, and historical reasoning skills. By following the steps outlined in this article, students can write successful DBQ essays that demonstrate their understanding of historical topics.