conclusion dbq essay

How to Write a DBQ (Ultimate Guide, Examples, Templates)

Writing a Document-Based Question (DBQ) can feel like solving a mystery.

You’ve got clues (documents), a mystery to solve (the question), and your wits to put it all together.

Here is a quick summary of how to write a DBQ:

Write a DBQ by analyzing the prompt, examining and grouping documents by themes, crafting a clear thesis, outlining your essay, writing with evidence from the documents, and proofreading for clarity and coherence. Organize your argument logically and support it with historical evidence.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to write DBQs, plus plenty of examples and full templates.

What Is a DBQ?

A student working on a DBQ -- How to Write a DBQ

Table of Contents

A Document-Based Question (DBQ) is an essay prompt used in exams like AP History. It requires you to analyze and synthesize historical documents to create a coherent argument. Think of it as being a historian, piecing together evidence to support a thesis.

Types of DBQs

Historical DBQs : Focus on specific historical periods or events, such as the American Revolution or World War II.
Thematic DBQs : Explore broader themes like political movements, social changes, or economic trends.
Comparative DBQs : Compare different periods, regions, or themes to draw broader conclusions about historical processes.

Step-by-Step Guide to DBQ Bliss

I’ve done my best to outline each step with examples of specific “how-to” tips.

Follow this guide to learn how to write a DBQ you and your teacher will love.

1. Read the Prompt

Understand what the question is asking. Look for key terms, time periods, and specific directives. Knowing exactly what is required will help you focus your analysis and writing.

Example : “Analyze the causes of the American Revolution.”

Here is how to do it:

Identify the time frame: Late 18th century.
Recognize key terms: “Analyze” (break down into components) and “causes” (reasons or factors).
Note any specific instructions: Are you asked to consider political, economic, or social causes?

2. Analyze the Documents

Examine each document carefully.

Identify the author’s perspective, the context, and how it relates to the prompt. Take notes on key points and underline or highlight important information.

Example : A letter from a colonial leader expressing frustration with British taxes.

Determine the author’s background: Is the author a colonial leader, British official, or ordinary citizen?
Contextualize the document: When was it written? What events were happening at that time?
Analyze the content: What is the main message or argument? How does it relate to the prompt?
Identify bias or perspective: Is the author supporting or opposing the British policies?

3. Group the Documents

Group documents that share similar viewpoints or themes. This helps in organizing your essay and ensures that your argument is coherent and well-structured.

Example : Group documents showing economic grievances, political dissatisfaction, and social unrest.

Identify common themes: Are there multiple documents discussing taxes, political representation, or social issues?
Create categories: Economic grievances, political dissatisfaction, social unrest.
Note connections: How do these themes interrelate? Can one category lead to another?

4. Develop a Thesis Statement

Craft a clear, concise thesis that answers the prompt and reflects the grouped documents. Your thesis should serve as the backbone of your essay, guiding your arguments and analysis.

Example : “The American Revolution was driven by economic, political, and social factors.”

Address all parts of the prompt: Ensure your thesis covers the main aspects asked by the question.
Be specific: Instead of saying “various factors,” specify “economic, political, and social factors.”
Be concise: Your thesis should be one or two sentences long.

5. Outline Your Essay

Create a detailed outline. Each paragraph should focus on a specific group of documents and support your thesis. This ensures that your essay is logically organized and easy to follow.

Introduction : Thesis statement
Body Paragraph 1 : Economic grievances
Body Paragraph 2 : Political dissatisfaction
Body Paragraph 3 : Social unrest
Conclusion : Restate thesis and summarize main points
Introduction: Start with a hook to grab attention, provide background information, and present your thesis.
Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Use evidence from the documents to support your points. Include outside knowledge to add depth to your analysis.
Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new light. Offer a final thought or insight.

6. Write the Essay

Follow your outline. Use evidence from the documents and your own knowledge to support your thesis. Make sure to integrate quotes and evidence smoothly into your writing.

Introduction : “The American Revolution, fueled by economic, political, and social factors, marked a pivotal moment in history.”
Body Paragraph 1 : “Economic grievances, such as unfair taxation, sparked colonial anger. For example, Document 1 shows a colonial leader’s frustration with the Stamp Act…”
Body Paragraph 2 : “Political dissatisfaction with British rule led to a desire for independence. Document 2, a pamphlet by Thomas Paine, argues for the colonies’ right to self-govern…”
Body Paragraph 3 : “Social unrest, driven by Enlightenment ideas, encouraged a revolutionary spirit. Document 3, an excerpt from a speech, highlights the influence of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke…”
Conclusion : “In conclusion, the American Revolution was a multifaceted event driven by economic, political, and social causes. This period of upheaval set the stage for the birth of a new nation…”
Introduction: Provide context and clearly state your thesis.
Body Paragraphs: Start each paragraph with a topic sentence. Use evidence from the documents and outside information. Analyze the evidence and connect it back to your thesis.
Conclusion: Summarize your arguments. Restate your thesis in a new way and offer a final insight or implication.

7. Proofread and Revise

Check for clarity, coherence, and errors. Make sure your argument flows logically and your writing is clear and concise. Revise for content, structure, and grammar.

Here is how to do it :

Read your essay aloud: This helps catch awkward phrasing and errors.
Check for consistency: Ensure that your thesis and arguments are consistent throughout the essay.
Verify document usage: Make sure you have used all the required documents and cited them correctly.
Look for clarity: Ensure that each paragraph flows logically and your points are clearly expressed.

Here is a good video about how to write a DBQ:

DBQ Examples

Read through these DBQ examples to learn how to apply all of the tips and steps covered earlier in this guide.

Let these examples prompt you to write your own original DBQs.

Example 1: The American Revolution

Prompt : Analyze the causes of the American Revolution.

Thesis : The American Revolution was driven by economic, political, and social factors.

Documents :

A letter from a colonial leader expressing frustration with British taxes.
A British tax document detailing the Stamp Act.
An excerpt from a revolutionary pamphlet by Thomas Paine.

Essay : The American Revolution, fueled by economic, political, and social factors, marked a pivotal moment in history. Economic grievances, such as unfair taxation, sparked colonial anger.

Document 1, a letter from a colonial leader, expresses frustration with the Stamp Act, highlighting the economic burden placed on the colonies. Political dissatisfaction with British rule led to a desire for independence. Document 2, a British tax document, shows the imposition of the Stamp Act, which further fueled the desire for political representation. Social unrest, driven by Enlightenment ideas, encouraged a revolutionary spirit.

Document 3, an excerpt from Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, argues for the colonies’ right to self-govern and the influence of Enlightenment thinkers. In conclusion, the American Revolution was a multifaceted event driven by economic, political, and social causes.

Example 2: The French Revolution

Prompt : Evaluate the causes of the French Revolution.

Thesis : The French Revolution was caused by economic hardship, political corruption, and social inequality.

A tax record from a French peasant showing high taxes.
A speech by a revolutionary leader denouncing the monarchy.
An excerpt from a political manifesto calling for equality.

Essay : The French Revolution was caused by economic hardship, political corruption, and social inequality. Economic hardship, exemplified by high taxes and poor harvests, burdened the peasantry. Document 1, a tax record from a French peasant, illustrates the heavy tax burden that contributed to widespread discontent. Political corruption within the monarchy led to widespread disillusionment.

Document 2, a speech by a revolutionary leader, denounces the corruption and incompetence of the monarchy, calling for change. Social inequality, highlighted by the privileges of the nobility, fueled revolutionary fervor. Document 3, an excerpt from a political manifesto, calls for equality and the abolition of privileges, reflecting the revolutionary ideals.

In conclusion, the French Revolution was a complex event driven by economic, political, and social factors.

Example 3: The Civil Rights Movement

Prompt : Analyze the impact of the Civil Rights Movement.

Thesis : The Civil Rights Movement significantly advanced racial equality through legal victories, social activism, and cultural change.

A court ruling on school desegregation.
A speech by Martin Luther King Jr.
A newspaper article on the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Essay : The Civil Rights Movement significantly advanced racial equality through legal victories, social activism, and cultural change. Legal victories, such as landmark court rulings, dismantled institutional racism. Document 1, a court ruling on school desegregation, highlights the legal strides made toward equality. Social activism, including protests and marches, raised public awareness.

Document 2, a speech by Martin Luther King Jr., exemplifies the powerful rhetoric that mobilized masses and brought attention to civil rights issues. Cultural change, driven by influential figures and media, shifted societal attitudes.

Document 3, a newspaper article on the Montgomery Bus Boycott, shows the impact of collective action on public transportation policies and societal views on segregation.

In conclusion, the Civil Rights Movement was instrumental in advancing racial equality through a combination of legal victories, social activism, and cultural change. These elements collectively helped dismantle systemic racism and promote greater social justice in America.

Example 4: Industrial Revolution

Prompt : Analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution on European society.

Thesis : The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed European society by altering economic structures, social hierarchies, and urban landscapes.

An excerpt from a factory worker’s diary.
A government report on urbanization.
A political cartoon depicting child labor.

Essay : The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed European society by altering economic structures, social hierarchies, and urban landscapes. The new economic structures, driven by industrialization, created a shift from agrarian economies to industrial economies.

Document 1, an excerpt from a factory worker’s diary, highlights the grueling conditions and long hours faced by industrial workers, reflecting the changing labor dynamics. Social hierarchies were also impacted, with a growing middle class and a widening gap between the rich and poor.

Document 2, a government report on urbanization, details the rapid growth of cities and the emergence of new social classes. Urban landscapes were drastically changed as factories and tenements replaced rural areas. Document 3, a political cartoon depicting child labor, underscores the social issues and urban challenges brought about by industrialization.

In conclusion, the Industrial Revolution reshaped European society through significant changes in economic structures, social hierarchies, and urban environments.

Example 5: The Cold War

Prompt : Evaluate the causes and effects of the Cold War on global politics.

Thesis : The Cold War, driven by ideological conflicts and power struggles, had profound effects on global politics by shaping international alliances, fostering proxy wars, and influencing domestic policies.

A speech by Winston Churchill on the Iron Curtain.
A CIA report on Soviet activities in Latin America.
A newspaper article on the Vietnam War.

Essay : The Cold War, driven by ideological conflicts and power struggles, had profound effects on global politics by shaping international alliances, fostering proxy wars, and influencing domestic policies. Ideological conflicts between capitalism and communism created a deep divide between the United States and the Soviet Union. Document 1, a speech by Winston Churchill on the Iron Curtain, illustrates the ideological divide and the emerging tension between East and West.

These ideological battles led to the formation of international alliances, such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, which defined global politics for decades. Document 2, a CIA report on Soviet activities in Latin America, highlights the extent of Cold War influence in regional politics and the strategy of supporting proxy wars. The Vietnam War, as shown in Document 3, a newspaper article, reflects the Cold War’s impact on domestic policies and the significant toll it took on both superpowers involved.

In conclusion, the Cold War reshaped global politics through its ideological battles, formation of alliances, and influence on both international and domestic spheres.

DBQ Templates You Can Use Today

You can copy and paste these DBQ templates to start writing your assignment today.

Template 1: Causes of a Historical Event

Prompt : Analyze the causes of [Historical Event].

Thesis : [Historical Event] was driven by [Cause 1], [Cause 2], and [Cause 3].

A [type of document] from [perspective].
An excerpt from a [type of document].

Essay : [Historical Event], driven by [Cause 1], [Cause 2], and [Cause 3], marked a pivotal moment in history. [Cause 1], exemplified by [specific example], sparked [reaction]. Document 1, a [type of document] from [perspective], highlights [aspect of Cause 1]. [Cause 2], highlighted by [specific example], led to [reaction]. Document 2, a [type of document] from [perspective], underscores [aspect of Cause 2]. [Cause 3], driven by [specific example], encouraged [reaction]. Document 3, an excerpt from a [type of document], reflects [aspect of Cause 3]. In conclusion, [Historical Event] was a multifaceted event driven by [Cause 1], [Cause 2], and [Cause 3].

Template 2: Impact of a Social Movement

Prompt : Analyze the impact of [Social Movement].

Thesis : [Social Movement] significantly advanced [Goal] through [Method 1], [Method 2], and [Method 3].

A [type of document] on [Method 1].
A [type of document] on [Method 2].
An excerpt from a [type of document] on [Method 3].

Essay : [Social Movement] significantly advanced [Goal] through [Method 1], [Method 2], and [Method 3]. [Method 1], such as [specific example], achieved [result]. Document 1, a [type of document] on [Method 1], illustrates [aspect of Method 1]. [Method 2], including [specific example], led to [result]. Document 2, a [type of document] on [Method 2], underscores [aspect of Method 2]. [Method 3], driven by [specific example], shifted [aspect]. Document 3, an excerpt from a [type of document] on [Method 3], highlights [aspect of Method 3]. In conclusion, [Social Movement] was instrumental in advancing [Goal] through [Method 1], [Method 2], and [Method 3].

Template 3: Comparing Historical Periods

Prompt : Compare and contrast the impacts of [Period 1] and [Period 2] on [Aspect of Society].

Thesis : Both [Period 1] and [Period 2] significantly impacted [Aspect of Society], but they did so in different ways through [Factor 1], [Factor 2], and [Factor 3].

A [type of document] from [Period 1] on [Factor 1].
A [type of document] from [Period 2] on [Factor 1].
An excerpt from [Period 1] on [Factor 2].
An excerpt from [Period 2] on [Factor 2].
A [type of document] from [Period 1] on [Factor 3].
A [type of document] from [Period 2] on [Factor 3].

Essay : Both [Period 1] and [Period 2] significantly impacted [Aspect of Society], but they did so in different ways through [Factor 1], [Factor 2], and [Factor 3]. [Factor 1] in [Period 1] led to [outcome]. Document 1, a [type of document] from [Period 1], highlights [aspect of Factor 1]. Conversely, [Factor 1] in [Period 2] resulted in [different outcome]. Document 2, a [type of document] from [Period 2], reflects [aspect of Factor 1]. Similarly, [Factor 2] affected [Aspect of Society] differently in each period. Document 3, an excerpt from [Period 1], shows [aspect of Factor 2], while Document 4, an excerpt from [Period 2], illustrates [different aspect of Factor 2].

Lastly, [Factor 3] in [Period 1] had [impact], as shown in Document 5, while [Factor 3] in [Period 2] had [another impact], as evidenced by Document 6. In conclusion, [Period 1] and [Period 2] both significantly influenced [Aspect of Society], but through different factors and outcomes.

Template 4: Evaluating Historical Policies

Prompt : Evaluate the effectiveness of [Policy] in achieving its goals.

Thesis : [Policy] was [effective/ineffective] in achieving its goals due to [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3].

A government report on [Policy].
A public opinion survey on [Policy].
An excerpt from a speech by a [Policy] advocate.
An excerpt from a critique by a [Policy] opponent.
A statistical analysis of [Policy]’s outcomes.
A newspaper article on [Policy]’s impact.

Essay : [Policy] was [effective/ineffective] in achieving its goals due to [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3]. [Reason 1] is illustrated by Document 1, a government report detailing [aspect of Policy]. Public opinion also reflects [Reason 1], as shown in Document 2, a public opinion survey. [Reason 2] is supported by Document 3, an excerpt from a speech by a [Policy] advocate, and Document 4, an excerpt from a critique by a [Policy] opponent. Both documents highlight differing perspectives on [Policy]. Document 5, a statistical analysis, provides evidence of [Reason 3], showing [data related to Policy’s outcomes].

Finally, Document 6, a newspaper article, discusses the broader impact of [Policy], reinforcing [Reason 3]. In conclusion, [Policy] was [effective/ineffective] due to [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3].

Final Thoughts: How to Write a DBQ

Think of writing a DBQ as a journey through time.

You’re not just analyzing documents; you’re stepping into the shoes of historical figures, experiencing their world, and understanding their challenges. Each essay is an opportunity to bring history to life. Make your readers feel like they’ve traveled back in time with you.

How to Write a DBQ

A DBQ essay is an assigned task which tests a student’s analyzation and understanding skills. They also test a student in thinking outside the box. These skills are essential for success in gaining this academic qualification. In this article from EssayPro — professional essay writers team, we will talk about how to write a DBQ, we will go through the DBQ format, and show you a DBQ example.

What Is a DBQ?

Many students may prosper: “What is a DBQ?”. Long story short, DBQ Essay or “Document Based Question” is an assigned academic paper which is part of the AP U.S. History exam (APUSH) set by the United States College Board. It requires a student’s knowledge of a certain topic with evidence from around 3 to 16 reliable sources. Understanding the APUSH DBQ and its outline is essential for success in the exam, itself.

DBQ Outline

We understand that learning how to write a DBQ essay can be difficult for beginners. This is why our professional writers have listed the DBQ format for your own reference while preparing for the exam. Like all essays, this involves an introduction, thesis, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

An introductory sentence to hook your audience.
State the background of the topic. Using a source relating to a historical occurrence or historical figure can be helpful at this time.
Describe the claims made in your paper which can be supported by the evidence.
Create a brief description of the evidence that will be included in the body paragraphs.
Write a paragraph which talks about how the DBQ essay question will be answered.

Body Paragraph 1

Include the strongest argument. This should be linked to the thesis statement. Read our example of thesis statement .
Include an analysis of the references which relate to the strongest argument.
Write a statement which concludes the analysis in a different point of view. Include a link to the thesis.
Write a transition sentence to the next body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

Include a reasonable argument which links to the thesis, and the first argument in the previous body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

Include a reasonable argument which links to the thesis, and the second argument in the previous body paragraph.
Write a transition sentence to the conclusion.
Create a summarizing argument of the whole paper.
Include the main points or important information in the sources.
Create a concluding sentence or question which challenges the point of view that argues against these sources.

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How to Write a DBQ: Step-By-Step Instructions

For some students, writing a DBQ essay may be hard. Not to worry. Our easy-to-read step-by-step instructions talk about the essential points which includes how to write a DBQ thesis, analyzation, time-management and proofreading your work. It is always important to write your paper in accordance to the DBQ outline for achieving the success you’re capable of.

The DBQ involves:

Planning: 15 Minutes
Writing: 2 hours and 45 Minutes
Proofreading: 10 Minutes

Time management is essential for a successful grade in this form of examination. The general DBQ outline states that the duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes. Spend around 15 minutes planning, 2 hours and 45 minutes writing, and 10 minutes proofreading. Follow these easy-to-read step-by-step instructions to learn how to write a DBQ thesis, body and conclusion successfully.

Step 1: Planning (15 Minutes)

During the exam, it is important to study the provided sources. The exam is 3 hours, so 15 minutes for planning is a reasonable approach. During this time, analyze all of the important key-points from the sources provided. Then, take a note of all of the key points, and write them under the titles; introduction, thesis, body, and conclusion.

Step 2: Introduction (5 Minutes)

First impressions count. Keep the introduction short and brief. Don’t go straight into answering the question in this part of the paper. For a successful introduction, write a brief summary of the overall paper. It is also important to include an introductory sentence.

Step 3: Thesis (20 Minutes)

This form of essay requires a separate 3 paragraphs for the DBQ thesis. Describe the claims made in your paper which can be supported by the evidence. The second paragraph should include a description of the paper. The third paragraph should include how you’re going to answer the question.

The key difference with other essays is that the thesis plays an important role in the DBQ structure.
The APUSH DBQ thesis should not be two sentences long.
The thesis should be written with act least 2 or 3 paragraphs long.

Step 4: Body (2 Hours and 16 Minutes)

Write well-structured, categorized paragraphs. Each paragraph should include one point. Avoid mixing ideas in the paragraphs. Include your answer to the assigned question with the provided documents. It is also important to read between the lines. Each paragraph should link to the thesis.

Step 5: Conclusion (10 Minutes)

The final part of your paper. The conclusion plays a vital role in persuading your audience. A poorly written conclusion means a skeptical audience. For well-written conclusion, summarize the entire paper. Link the conclusion to the thesis. Answer the question in a concluding sentence, “the big idea”.

Step 6: Proofreading (10 Minutes)

Spend around 10 minutes proofreading your work at the end of the exam. It is important to proofread your work to make sure it does not contain any grammatical mistakes. Any writing errors can lower one’s grade. Please make sure that the body paragraphs answer the question and link to the thesis, this is the most important part of the paper.

Writing Tips to Success with Your DBQ Essay

Understand: Before writing, make sure that you understand the sources and the essay question. Duration: Remember that the exam duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes. Study: Practice how to write a DBQ before the actual exam. Identify: Find the key-points from the sources to include in your essay.

Read Between the Lines: Don’t just write about what you read, but write about what the passages imply. Read all Documents: Make sure you have read all of the sources, prior to writing the paper. Read the Outline: Following the DBQ essay outline is essential for understanding how to structure the paper during the exam. Categorize: Put each point into categories. This will come in useful for writing the body paragraphs. Write the Author’s Opinion: Show an understanding of the writer’s point of view. Write a Temporary DBQ Thesis on your Notes: Doing so will assist you during the paper writing. Follow DBQ Examples: Following a DBQ essay example, while studying, is an excellent way to get a feel for this form of assignment.

DBQ Example

Do you need more help? Following a sample DBQ essay can be very useful for preparation. Usually, when practicing for exams, students commonly refer to an example for understanding the DBQ structure, and other revision purposes. Click on the button to open our DBQ example from one of our professional writers. Feel free to use it as a reference when learning how to write a DBQ.

The Great War and the second ordeal of conflict in Europe, played a fundamental in the increase of the rights for women. During the second world war, the British government encouraged house-wives to do the work of what was primarily traditional for men to do.Such as growing crops and butchering animals, which was generally considered to be“men’s work”. One of the slogans was “dig for victory”. The reason for this was for people to take care of themselves during the difficult times of rationing.

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Following steps and outlines for custom writing is a great way to learn how to write a DBQ essay. As well as writing tips. Time management is vital for the positive result. Following our advice will enable you to get a good grade by learning how to write a good DBQ. Because learning the DBQ format is essential. Practice is very important for any form of examination. Otherwise, one could not do as well as his or her potential allows him or her to do so.

You might be interested in information about this type of essay, such as the definition essay .

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is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

How to Write a DBQ Essay: The Ultimate Guide

Post by: Professor Conquer
Last updated on: August 28, 2021

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Are you a student preparing for APUSH, or AP World History, or AP European History, who hasn’t quite mastered the art of writing the DBQ essay? Don’t worry — it’s a reasonably complex essay, but when broken down into steps, easy to figure out.

Read on for DBQ essay tips: how to annotate the documents, draft your DBQ essay outline, craft your DBQ thesis and argument, write the DBQ, and revise your essay. Included are DBQ examples from the 2018 AP U.S. History exam.

First Things First: What is a DBQ Essay?

A DBQ, or Document Based Question, is an essay question present on many of the history-based AP Exams , including AP U.S. History , AP European History , and AP World History .

The DBQ is one somewhat specific prompt about a historical context, and it includes six documents (either primary text excerpts, art pieces, political cartoons, or other types of archival media).

The goal of the DBQ is to write an essay arguing your specific stance on the question and to support your position with both a selection of the documents and other knowledge of historical events.

You’ll have to provide historical context for the prompt and demonstrate how some factor of each document supports your argument. You’ll also need a firm conclusion that restates your thesis and analysis.

The DBQ will be worth 25% of your score, so it’s essential to do well.

How to Outline a DBQ Essay (with Examples)

After you read the prompt, look through the packet of documents and take a second to analyze each in conjunction with the prompt. Does the message of the document seem to support or refute the prompt?

Jot down a few keywords about the historical context of the document — is it from a specific historical event or written by a member of a prominent historical movement? If so, make sure to reference that in your essay.

Also, note whether you can easily use the document to support the prompt.

Make sure to manage your time here — if you’re stuck on a document, just skip it. Don’t waste time trying to figure out something you may not even need in your essay. Don’t make detailed notes either — only one or two keywords you can reference later in your essay.

After you’ve looked at every document, you can determine your argument and your thesis. Are there enough documents that you can easily support the prompt statement? Pick three key points to use in your thesis, with one or two documents for each.

Your outline should not be long or detailed because the last thing you want to do is waste time. All you need is 5 points, one for each paragraph: intro, thesis points 1-3, conclusion (which is just restating the thesis).

For each point, write down the main idea of the paragraph, summed up into two or three words, any historical buzzwords you plan to use, and the documents you plan to reference. That should provide enough of a skeleton to get you writing.

Here’s an example, from the 2018 AP U.S. History exam DBQ , released by The College Board. The prompt is as follows:

Evaluate the relative importance of different causes for the expanding role of the United States in the world in the period from 1865 to 1910.

For the outline, look at the documents and devise a thesis. In this case, the writer can group the documents by topic: 2 documents about the importance of a strong foreign presence, two documents warning about federal expansion, and two documents lamenting a divergence from social traditionalism. This means you might want to consider making those three categories your thesis points.

Then, figure out how to make an argument and answer the prompt.

Also, consider the historical context of the time.

Example outline (2018 question):

Contextualization: Post Civil War South in shambles, expansion of industrialization, favorable tariffs, prior isolationism halted in seeking new markets.

Thesis: Imperialism — attitudes of American superiority, foreign conflicts leading to territory gains/opportunities (Manifest Destiny idea), but also backlash to imperialism.

1. Attitudes of American superiority

If Anglo-Saxon Americans that if they don’t compete in global affairs, other nations and races will. (Doc 2)
A strong navy/military is necessary to defend superior American interests (Doc 3)
America as a country can take whatever territories it desires (Doc 4)
Attitude that America should not only use military power abroad but also indoctrinate people into American culture and education abroad (Doc 6)
Efforts to oppose America unsuccessful (ie in the Philippines)

2. Foreign conflicts and territory gains

US’s purchase of Alaska from Russia (Doc 1)
Teddy Roosevelt & the importance of foreign affairs (Doc 7)

Conclusion: These attitudes of American superiority continue into the 20th century.

Your outline doesn’t need to be detailed, just provide a roadmap for you to reference as you’re writing your essay, so you don’t lose the focus of your argument.

What Makes an Effective Thesis?

Start drafting your thesis by looking at the prompt and the documents in conjunction. Make sure you can support your thesis with some of the documents. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to back it up.

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Figure out what the prompt is asking: College Board tends to use an “action word” in the prompt, each one asking a slightly different thing. Underline the verb — what the prompt wants you to do. Examples:

Analyze, Discuss, Consider: Write about the causes and mechanizations of the prompt: basically how and why something occurred the way it did historically. Use evidence (the documents) to back up your claims.
Assess: Generally, in reference to a statement. Write about how historically defensible, or accurate the statement is. You can take any stance, but whichever one you choose needs to be backed up by evidence (the documents).
Evaluate: Determine which cause, or historical factor, proved most influential in the way a past event or movement played out. You can discuss several factors or causes, and figure out the extent to which each impacted the historical event, back up your evaluation with evidence.
Compare/Contrast: Identify key historical characteristics (social, political, economic) of the two movements/events/etc. listed in the prompt, and then draw comparisons between them and point out their differences. For your three-point essay, choose either two to be similarities and one to be a difference or two to be differences and one to be a similarity, depending on what you have evidence for/documents to back up.
Explain: Provide lots of detail about the causes or contributing factors to the historical event/movement/etc. listed in the prompt. Look at the social, political, and economic factors, and back up your explanation with the documents and other outside evidence.

Make sure your thesis answers the prompt, but moreover, makes a historically defensible claim that can be supported by the documents. You can then develop your thesis points using the context of the documents.

Your thesis also functions as a sort of roadmap for where your paper will go. Include your thesis points in an order that will make sense in your essay, especially if they build on each other.

Your thesis only has to be one to three sentences. Don’t start writing your body paragraph while still in your thesis statement — save all the evidence for later in your paper.

Here’s an introduction and thesis paragraph scoring full points, released by the College Board from the 2018 AP U.S. History exam. The first part of the paragraph functions as contextualization, and it introduces the period, setting up the prompt.

The next part is the thesis:

The United States primarily sought to increase its role in the world due to the notion that America and the American lifestyle was superior and to also gain strategic territory to expand their influence globally. Despite these strong imperialist sentiments, however, there were still many who were against the movement and considered it a moral wrongdoing.

The student takes a clear stance here: The US deliberately sought to increase their role in global affairs, and a rhetoric of American superiority and the quest to gain more territory together caused this increase.

The general assumption of American superiority
The government gaining strategic territory for global affairs
Pushback to imperialism

How to Develop a DBQ Argument

Again, develop your argument by looking at the documents. What about the goal or message of each document supports your argument? What does each document say about its historical period? Ask these questions and jot down some other buzzwords from the time period you could reference to support your argument.

You can put the documents into categories depending on what they’re saying — then you can use these categories to develop your thesis points, which back up your argument.

In the case of the 2018 DBQ referenced above, the student grouped their documents by body paragraphs.

For their first thesis point, the general assumption of American superiority,

A document telling Anglo-Saxon Americans that if they don’t compete in global affairs, other nations and races will.
A document stating the importance of a strong navy to defend American interests
A cartoon portraying America as a country in a position to take whatever territories it desires
A document suggesting America should not only use military power abroad but also indoctrinate people into American culture and education abroad.

Together, they used these documents to demonstrate attitudes both political and social driving American imperialism, and how the rhetoric of American superiority pushed the US to imperialism and into global affairs.

For their second thesis point, gaining strategic territory for global affairs

A document about the US’s purchase of Alaska from Russia
A document from Teddy Roosevelt about the importance of foreign affairs.

These demonstrated how the US’s direct intervention in foreign affairs could get them more territory and power — which increased the US’s global influence.

Since their third thesis point wasn’t a cause, more of a qualifying point, the student didn’t use any of the documents.

By grouping documents together based on their message, it’s easier to develop supportable thesis points. However, if you can think of several thesis points after reading the prompt, you can also jot them down and then see what documents fit under each.

What to Look for When Analyzing the DBQ Documents

You should contextualize/analyze at least three documents in your essay. Here are some options to analyze. For the examples, we’ll use document 3 from the same 2018 DBQ. For each example, sample notes and a sample essay analysis sentence are included. Remember, you only have to analyze one characteristic of each document for your essay.

Source: Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan, The Interest of America in Sea Power, Present and Future, 1897.

To affirm the importance of distant markets, and the relation to them of our own immense powers of production, implies logically the recognition of the link that joins the products and the markets, that is, the carrying trade; the three together constituting that chain of maritime power to which Great Britain owes her wealth and greatness. Further, is it too much to say that, as two of these links, the shipping and the markets, are exterior to our own borders, the acknowledgement of them carries with it a view of the relations of the United States to the world radically distinct from the simple idea of self-sufficingness? … There will dawn the realization of America’s unique position, facing the older worlds of the East and West, her shores washed by the oceans which touch the one or the other, but which are common to her alone.

Despite a certain great original superiority conferred by our geographical nearness and immense resources, due, in other words, to our natural advantages, and not to our intelligent preparation, the United States is woefully unready, not only in fact but in purpose, to assert in the Caribbean and Central America a weight of influence proportioned to the extent of her interests. We have not the navy, and, what is worse, we are not willing to have the navy, that will weigh hersiously in any disputes with those nations whose interests will conflict there will or our own. We have not, and we are not anxious to provide, the defence of the seaboard which will leave the navy free for its work at sea. We have not, but many other powers have, positions, either within or on the borders of the Caribbean.

1. Author’s point of view

Was the author a member of a political party opposed to specific issues, or an activist leading a prominent social movement? Identify their outlook on the document.

Notes to take: 2018 example: importance of navy, military strength for imperialism

Analysis: 2018 example: The author, like some military leaders at the time, advocated for the strengthening of domestic fortification and the enlargement of the navy to extend America’s influence abroad.

2. The intended audience

Is the document a news article from a major newspaper? An excerpt from a political pamphlet? A diary entry? Ask yourself who would have read the document — this will help you identify the author’s intended message.

Notes to take: 2018 example: Military interests abroad

Analysis: 2018 example: The intended audience was military leaders interested in hearing how better to increase the US’s influence abroad and fortify the country domestically.

3. The message or purpose of the document

Was the document’s purpose to inform readers objectively? Was it to persuade them to join a political movement? Or to entertain them? Identifying the purpose can help you better understand the document, and use the document to strengthen your argument.

Notes to take: 2018 example: fortify the navy, influence military/political leaders

Analysis: 2018 example: The author attempted to influence United States political leaders to enlarge the United States Navy to extend its reach into Central America and the Far East

4. Historical influences on the document

Did a specific historical event motivate the author to create the document? Did the actions of other scholars, activists, or politicians noticeably inspire the author? This one might not be easy, but if you know about other historical movements or figures during the same or an earlier time period with a similar message, they might be related. Take note.

Notes to take: 2018 example: Federal expansion, desegregation, civil rights movt

Analysis: 2018 example: European endeavors in Latin America and in the Far East increased the need for the United States to extend its reach into the region to protect its growing economic interests.

3 Strategies to Use When Drafting Your DBQ

1. Be familiar with the rubric , and follow it.

The DBQ rubric is as follows:

Thesis: 1 point. Must answer the prompt with a historically defensible claim.

Contextualization: 1 point. Contextualization can be part of your introduction paragraph. Introduce the broader historical context of the time period — what, outside the specific events of the prompt, influenced public attitudes or policy during the time period? How might these other factors have influenced the events of the prompt?

Evidence: 3 points. Using at least 3 of the documents to address the prompt and strengthen your argument is 1 point. Using at least 6 of the documents to address the prompt and reinforce your argument will get you 2 points. Using outside evidence not discussed in any of the documents from your historical knowledge will get you 1 point.

If you use six documents and some outside evidence, you’ll get the full 3 points.

Analysis and reasoning: 2 points. One point if, for at least 3 of the documents, you analyze the author’s point of view, purpose, audience, or historical influences in reference to the prompt and support your argument. Explain why the author’s purpose, or audience, etc. is relevant to your case to get this point.

For the second point, you have to use evidence to demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge of the topic of the prompt. Does your argument answer the question in a way that’s supported with both the documents and other evidence? Does your writing show that you know what you’re talking about?

If you’ve reviewed the rubric ahead of time, make sure to mentally check off boxes as you go through and write. You could potentially miss something small (ie, only integrating five documents, or forgetting to reference outside evidence) and lose a whole point.

2. Use the documents as a guide.

Since you have to include at least six documents in your essay for the full 2 points, you should make sure they can fit into your thesis points and support your argument. When you’re stuck writing one of your body paragraphs, reference a document and analyze how it reflects historical attitudes at the time.

You should also add in the documents you plan to reference in your outline, so if you follow your outline, you can let the documents and other outside evidence guide your writing.

However, also remember to bring in at least one piece of outside historical knowledge — treat that as another document and analyze it to support your argument.

3. Use your historical knowledge to supplement the documents.

Bring in your knowledge beyond the documents and their contexts. Is one of the documents from a suffragette in the 19th century? Bring in some of the other knowledge you have about the early feminist movement and the push for women’s voting rights. Add in critical buzzwords the documents may not have directly stated, and talk about similar events and movements at the time that may have affected or been affected by the document.

You can also reference historical events, movements, or people not discussed in any of the documents at all, assuming they support your argument, to strengthen your essay outside the scope of the documents.

How to Conclude Your DBQ Essay

In the updated 2017 DBQ, you don’t need to write a synthesis paragraph. So conclude your DBQ essay by reiterating the main analysis points of your body paragraph briefly, and restate your thesis. Together, this will distill your essay down to its main points for a clear, strong conclusion.

Don’t add any new material — all your analysis should be in your body paragraphs, and anything more will just confuse your reader.

How to Revise Your DBQ Essay Effectively

If you have time before the end of the writing period and you’ve finished writing your DBQ, go back and revise it. Read through everything again, paying close attention to the following.

Contextualization:

Have you successfully “set the scene” by describing some of the relevant historical context of the time period, including other prominent social movements, policies and legislation, economic market changes, or religious movements?
Are your three original thesis points used as the foundation for your three body paragraphs? If not, change your thesis to make sure it lines up with the rest of your essay.
Does your thesis take a stance and make a historically defensible claim? Read it over in conjunction with the prompt and make sure it’s answering the entirety of the question and not just restating the prompt.

Body Paragraphs:

Do you use two or more documents per body paragraph for a total of 6 or more documents total? If not, look over which documents you haven’t used and integrate them into one of your body paragraphs.
Each time you use a document, do you effectively contextualize it? Do you discuss how the author’s purpose, intended audience, point of view, or historical influences support your argument? If not, add that.
Is your argument logically supported by each piece of evidence you offer?
Do you have at least one piece of evidence outside of the documents that supports your argument?
Does each body paragraph flow logically into the next? Make sure your transitions are smooth.

General Time Management Tips When Writing DBQs

You only have a limited amount of time for the entire essay, so manage your time intelligently . I wouldn’t recommend spending more than 10, 15 minutes max thinking about your argument and drafting an outline.

During the AP exam, they’ll give you a specific time period of 15 minutes to spend reading the documents and thinking about your argument, then 45 minutes to write the essay.

But 45 minutes isn’t a ton of time, use the 15 minutes intelligently, so you’re ready to start writing as soon as possible. You want the maximum possible amount of time for writing since that’s what’s going to be graded.

Ideally, you should try and finish with five minutes or so to revise your finished essay, check for readability errors, factual errors, parts where your argument isn’t cohesive.

Make sure to coordinate with the other essay: the LEQ to make sure you have enough time to write both essays successfully. You get 55 minutes for the DBQ and 35 minutes for the LEQ, so the longer you spend on the DBQ, the less time you get on the LEQ.

This is why practice is so important! You won’t be able to write a good DBQ in 45-55 minutes on your first try.

You shouldn’t need a ton of time to look over each document, just jot down a few keywords about what it’s saying and how that might fit into your essay. Your outline doesn’t need to be more than 5 points: an intro, conclusion, and three body paragraphs, each based on a thesis point, with the documents you plan to use for each.

What Delineates a Good DBQ from a Bad DBQ?

Good DBQs have theses with a strong stance and defensible claim, as well as three specific points that build on each other and can be backed up logically using six of the documents provided.

Good thesis examples (from the 2018 question):

“While some historians may argue that the US desire to expand its role in the world was due to the fact that the US felt it was its duty to civilize nations and act as a global police, the most important reason for America expanding its role in the world can be attributed to its competition with Europe over global influence, its desire to expand its economy through trading opportunities, and the U.S. ideal of manifest destiny.”

This thesis makes a claim and reflects the cause and effect prompt. You can tell where their essay is going to go: to discuss the US as global police and its competition with other global influencers.

“The country was doing this for a few reasons, such as expanding its territory, (manifest destiny or imperialism) preserving its national interests such as trading with China, and helping other nations.”

Same with this thesis — though this one isn’t as wordy. It outlines 3 body paragraph points and makes a defensible argument.

Bad DBQ theses don’t make a strong claim, instead opting for a vague statement that can’t be defended well either way. They pick thesis points that cannot be backed up well with the documents or other outside evidence.

Bad thesis example:

Due to this, America began to embark on an imperialistic mission in the latter half of the 1800’s in the name of economic, social, and political ‘necessities.’

Different causes and events had a major importance in expanding the role of the US in the world.

These theses aren’t specific to the time period. They restate the prompt, and we have no idea what the “necessities” might be.

Good DBQs integrate their documents logically, in a way that supports their claim. They analyze the historical context of the documents and note how the author’s intended audience, purpose, point of view, or historical influences play into their argument.

They also reference the specific names of related historical events or influences to strengthen their argument and bring in other outside evidence not related to the document that supports their point.

Bad DBQs don’t use the documents to support their argument, instead of discussing the documents outside of the context of their argument, or forgetting to use the documents. They might draw illogical or loose-fitting connections between the documents and their argument, while unable to entirely explain why they fit together.

They don’t use any evidence outside the documents, and they’re unable to provide specific historical names for events or movements related to the documents.

Conclusion:

Good DBQs go back to the prompt and restate the thesis, as well as a few main points of your analysis.

Bad DBQs add more material that should have gone in a body paragraph, that will just further confuse the reader.

College Board Resources for DBQs

The College Board website has lots of practice DBQs and DBQ resources to use. Make sure you look some over before the exam to get a sense of how the College Board tends to grade them and what easy mistakes you can avoid.

Most Updated DBQ Rubric : Here are the rubrics for all the AP History essays.

Practice DBQs:

Practice writing DBQs then read some sample essays and grade them with the rubric for more familiarity with the DBQ essay rubric.

AP U.S. History past DBQs

AP European History past DBQs

AP World History past DBQs

More information: AP Classroom

Specific information about AP History, including timing and question numbers, FAQs, plus practice resources:

AP World History

Wrapping Things Up: Key Takeaways on Writing a Good DBQ Essay

The biggest takeaways to writing a good DBQ should be: starting prepared by annotating the documents and drafting your thesis and a clear outline to guide you through the writing process. You need to make sure you have a robust and defensible argument and that your documents can back up your key points.

Hopefully, the listed tips have helped you better understand the DBQ rubric and the skills you need to ace the DBQ, but don’t forget the next step: practice! The DBQ essay style is a little complex, and the best way to better remember it for the test is to look at some of the sample prompts on the College Board website and practice! Then, go through the grading rubrics and identify your weak point, so next time you’ll be even better.

Did you enjoy this post? Then you may also want to check out some of our guides to the best AP review books .

We also created extensive tips guides for many of the AP History courses:

> AP US Government Tips and Test Taking Strategies

> AP US History Tips and Test Taking Strategies

> AP World History Tips and Test Taking Strategies

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Terms & More

How to Write a DBQ Essay?

01 October, 2020

20 minutes read

Author: Richard Pircher

AP (Advanced Placement) examinations are standardized tests designed to evaluate how well American students have mastered the course and acquired skills on specific subjects. Most AP courses presuppose final paper-and-pencil tests at the end of the year, but some courses come with different ways to assess students’ knowledge. AP tests cover the full content of each course and give college students an opportunity to obtain college credits and placements.

What Is a DBQ?

A DBQ essay is a type of academic paper written on the basis of a Document Based Question. It implies that students will have some documents to be used as sources of information for writing an essay. Since 2002, the DBQ essay format has been used to test college students for understanding historical development.

The time of US history usually covers a period from 1607 to 1980. At present, the DBQ method is also used to test students in AP European and world history, as well as social studies. The approach is the same, but sources of information are different. For writing DBQ essays, students are offered to analyze some historical events or problems based on the sources or materials provided.

The Purpose of A DBQ Essay

The point of document based question essays is that students are provided with seven documents to be analyzed and used to present evidence-based argumentation in their writings. Students have to formulate the thesis, which should be typically presented in the last sentence of the introduction. Further, this thesis has to be supported by evidence and historical facts. This test is aimed to evaluate the students’ abilities of:

Analyzing documents, taking into account their authors’ points of view, their purposes, and general context;
Formulating a strong thesis and substantiating it in an essay;
Using personal knowledge for supporting the thesis with additional facts.

However, students should not wholly rely on knowledge of historical facts during the test. They rather have to analyze the information contained in the provided documents. To successfully pass this test, students need to have the skills of logical thinking, as well as profound knowledge of civilization development, historical facts, and geographical regions. The task is to interpret historical material, draw conclusions based on existing knowledge, and answer the main question.

Preparing For The DBQ Essay

The DBQ test is based on the skills of historical analysis that you can acquire and put into practice. For writing a strong DBQ essay, you need to use the evidence provided to support an argument, make connections between different documents, and apply specific information in a broader context. Also, a historical essay with a Document Based Question answers the issues of the author’s intentions, general conditions, target audience, and so on.

It is recommended to practice writing this type of essays to be well prepared for the DBQ essays. When you exercise, you do not have to write a complete essay every time. The main point is to understand the main issue and related documents and then sketch out the thesis. Make sure you are aware of the general historical trends and periods.

The general flow of your preparation should include taking a practice of the DBQ test and focusing on analysis and exposing your suggestions in writing. How much you take the practice DBQs depends on how perfect preparation you need and how often you want to check your progress. Take practice to write DBQ essays so that this format becomes familiar to you, but not so much that you fail to apply other skills.

How to write a DBQ essay? Firstly, do not intend to fudge your way through the DBQ test by using only beautiful writing with no substance. Secondly, you should focus on the meaning of your essay. Thirdly, you can get your essay peer-reviewed online. Fourthly, ask somebody who has experience in this matter to review your practice with a DBQ essay. Listen to comments and ideas of that person to take these recommendations into consideration.

Stuck on writing an DBQ essay? Our Essay writers is always ready to help you!

DBQ Outline

The process of writing a DBQ essay requires a proper outline. Plan how much time you can spend on each paragraph. Read the main question carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked. As you read the documents, take notes about what information they contain, who the author is, and which historical period it belongs to. Before you start writing, think about the thesis. The materials provided and your notes will help you compose a thesis.

Read the essential hints and objectives carefully. Make sure you understand what evidence to look for in the documents and what the instructors want to see in your essay. Most probably, you might be asked to analyze or explain the reasons for the historical development. Use your knowledge to compare and contrast different perspectives on a concept. Show how public opinion has changed over a specified period.

The outline to plan and write a DBQ essay is similar to an FRQ (Free Response Question) test, but your evidence should be based on the supplied documents. When you read these documents, ask yourself what grabs your attention and what is the background information on the topic (date, place, and surrounding situation). State the question with key terms. Tell what the reasons to prove your point of view are.

Think about the thesis or roadmap of what the essay will be about. Typically, a statement credited as evidence from outside the documents will be more specific and relevant to an argument, analogous to the function of evidence drawn from the papers. In the body paragraphs, outline sub theses based on the information from either documents or sources, as well as provide two to three examples. Each sub thesis should be grounded by evidence.

Support details for reasons with references to the specific documents or sources and connect your evidence to your thesis. In the central argument or conclusion, restate your thesis. It should not be its exact duplication, but a periphrasis of your thesis statement in differing words. Explain and not simply identify how or why the documents, their purposes, historical situation, and audience are relevant to an argument. In the end, clarify relevant and insightful connections across time and space and explain why the issue is significant today.

DBQ Structure

Here are the main parts of the DBQ essay a student cannot forget about:

DBQ Essay Introduction: Starting DBQ Format

Problems and discussions usually characterize the DBQ essay outline. In this work, it is not enough to retell what is written in a textbook, as is often the case in a DBQ essay, or to apply a problem-solving technique, as in a test. When writing the DBQ essay outline, you can be guided by the example of the logic of construction, become familiar with the DBQ essay, and start with the relevance of the topic.

Strong Thesis Statement: What Should It Include?

The strength of your thesis statement influences how you write a DBQ. The standard number of theses for a DBQ essay is from 2 to 5. To determine the exact number of ideas, you must be guided by the required work. The larger the text, the stronger the thesis statement should be. It isn’t easy to write a DBQ on one thesis statement.

There are specific ways to write a DBQ with a strong thesis statement in the paper. The main DBQ essay outline has only four points:

DBQ outline requires you to determine why you are convincing the reader of the truth or falsity of the thesis statement. To do this, it is desirable to be clear about the target audience. Your thesis statement should be interesting to the reader. Otherwise, he will not read further;
Gathering information. You can write a good DBQ essay only if you have read enough literature on the topic before. In the process, you will be able to understand the relevance of your document-based question;
In any DBQ format, it is essential to identify keywords that will be the anchor points and skeleton of the DBQ essay outline.

DBQ Essay Example: Describe Your Main Ideas in Body Paragraph

It reveals the DBQ essay outline from the introduction from different angles. The central part of the DBQ format is not a continuous text; it is divided into smaller pieces. In the first part, you need to state your DBQ outline and describe how you understand and feel about the topic. Next, justify your opinion with arguments. DBQ outline demands facts from life, scientific studies, and views of scientists. You can cite facts from history to write a DBQ.

DBQ Essay Example: Logical Conclusion

The conclusion of a document-based question essay can contain such an essential, complementary element to the article as an indication of the application (implication) of your research, not excluding the relationship with other problems. DBQ essay example: “The DBQ essay is mainly about gender relations in agricultural labor, but a fuller examination would also require an examination of class relations,” followed by a few sentences explaining how the DBQ essay does that.

How to Write a DBQ essay With a Strong Thesis Statement

DBQ stands for a document based question. Such assignments require a student to demonstrate their ability to create well-researched arguments. If you have never written such tasks, read about the DBQ format.

Steps of Writing a DBQ

Create dbq essay outline: write an intro.

You will be provided with a historical context to help write a DBQ introduction. In addition, it will allow you to develop several ideas for writing your text.

Make sure to write a DBQ first sentence that answers 4 questions:

It will allow you to provide your reader with a context and briefly indicate what problem you will solve. This sentence should be the first part of your DBQ essay outline. It is followed by a couple of sentences preceding a thesis statement.

Write a Powerful Thesis Statement

To write a DBQ that will look well-researched, pay careful attention to this part of your essay. Likewise, consider the question you need to answer when writing a thesis statement.

To get tops marks for your document based question essay, follow these steps:

Make claims and provide pieces of evidence
When creating a DBQ essay outline, remember to describe the information that you will base your statements on
Write a paragraph explaining how you will answer the main question

If you have never written a thesis statement before, look at a DBQ essay example to see how another author coped with this task.

Correctly Structure a Body Paragraph in Your DBQ Essay Outline

A DBQ format doesn’t require you to limit the number of body paragraphs. However, when creating a DBQ outline, include at least 3 paragraphs to cover the main points.

The first paragraph should follow your thesis statement. Experienced writers start a DBQ essay outline by selecting the strongest point and analyzing it from several points of view. Then, use a transition sentence to move smoothly to the next part of your DBQ outline. It will enable you to write a DBQ more easily.

The second and third paragraphs of your DBQ essay outline should also refer to the thesis statement. You can also find a DBQ essay example with four or more paragraphs if you need to provide a detailed answer to your question.

DBQ format is quite easy to use. You can make your text logical by creating an easy-to-follow DBQ outline. Don’t forget to add another transition sentence at the end of this part of your text.

Draw a Conclusion

The last part of your DBQ outline should summarize your argument and show that you have answered the question. Use a DBQ essay example to see how such parts of these essays are usually written. The main thing is to list your main points and show that the opposing views are biased.

Wrapping Up

Following these tips, you can write a DBQ essay demonstrating that you can analyze complex issues and draw independent conclusions. Practice a lot to hone your skills and get the highest marks!

DBQ Essay Examples

If you are not sure of how to write a DBQ essay, you can always search and find good examples online. You can find them on the College Board website. This organization administers AP tests, and therefore, the provided DBQ essay samples can give you some prompts and responses to many questions. These samples are not only evaluated, but the score system is explained in accordance with the rubric.

Writing Tips to Succeed with Your DBQ Essay

The AP test typically consists of one or two DBQ essays, and 45 minutes is given to writing each of them. So, students have up to 90 minutes to draw up a plan and finish two papers. When you see the task for writing a DBQ essay, you will see instructions, a hint, and attached documents. Usually, up to seven different sources are provided. These can be newspaper clippings, articles, maps, drawings, photographs, and so on. However, you do not need to use all the documents, but at least four of them.

It is recommended that you first read the materials and schedule your time carefully. Organize these sources into categories and define how each document relates to your main question. Think about how to use documents to support your argument. If you are comparing different points of view, classify your sources based on opposing opinions.

Also, try to include relevant external information in your essay. You need to provide at least one piece of evidence besides the data from the provided documents. List some external evidence on a draft to refer to when writing your essay. As you write your DBQ essay, support your arguments with links to provided documents. Make sure that both your argument structure and supporting evidence back up your preliminary thesis.

You should describe how a particular event, movement, or somebody’s beliefs can support your statement. Outline the structure of your arguments in your DBQ essay. Start with your preliminary thesis and break your essay into multiple parts. In each of them, write one statement or element for the argument. Under each idea, list a few points supporting that part of your argument. Also, do not just cite sources without analysis.

Make sure you use documents to craft and highlight your point of view. Refine your thesis and make sure again that your thesis is clear, does not contain unnecessary words, and fully answers the main question. When writing an essay, general historical accuracy is essential, but not details. If minor details are not indicated correctly without affecting the general meaning, then this will not lead to a decrease in the overall test score.

How To Be Successful On The DBQ Test Day?

The matter of how to write a DBQ essay may seem challenging, but you are able to pass an AP test and get a high score provided that you have particular skills. It is recommended to get acquainted with the DBQ essay rubric that instructors use to evaluate AP tests. Information about this rubric can be found on the College Board website. It has four categories: abstracts, document analysis, use of third-party evidence, and synthesis.

You can get one point for the thesis and argument. An extra point is given for a perfect thesis presenting the close relationship between historical events and their causes. A strong thesis, supported by information from documents or any other source, is of great importance. Also, you need to reinforce this thesis in your paper. Demonstrate that you have generated a critical understanding of the given sources by focusing on what they mean rather than what they say.

Another three points are provided for the use of the maximum number of documents and their detailed analysis. This analysis refers to the authors’ points of view, target audience, or historical context. Be sure to reveal the connection between your research and your main argument. Providing an external example and establishing a link with another historical period or topic is estimated as one additional point. You are advised to give an extra specific example that is relevant to your argument.

When passing an AP History exam with a DBQ essay, you will lose one point out of seven if you do not relate your arguments to the broader historical context. Also, you will miss one point if you just mention sources or add quotes at random. You have to establish logical connections between the documents and the conclusions you draw.

For synthesis, you need to show the link between your arguments about a specific period with another historical time, social processes, geographic regions, etc. It is best done in the final part of your essay. This task will earn you one more point. In the end, take at least a few minutes to check everything and make corrections. Make sure the names, dates, and other facts are provided correctly.

Thus, the maximum number of points that you can get in the AP exam with DBQ essays is 7. For that, you have to clearly state your thesis, establish a broader historical context, support your argument with as many documents as possible, provide external evidence, and describe several points of view. However, you do not need to obtain the highest score to achieve your goals. You can get 5 or 6 points out of 7 on this exam, and it will be a success. Even 3 points can give you a credit score in many colleges.

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How to Write the Document Based Question (DBQ)

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What’s Covered:

What is the document based question, steps to writing an effective dbq, how do ap scores affect my college chances.

If you’re taking a history AP exam, you’ll likely encounter the Document Based Question (DBQ). This essay question constitutes a significant portion of your exam, so it’s important that you have a good grasp on how best to approach the DBQ. In this post, we’ll cover what exactly a document based question is, and how to answer it successfully.

A Document Based Question (DBQ) is a measure of the skills you learned in your AP classes in regard to recalling history and analyzing related documents. These documents can be primary or secondary sources, and your responses are expected to be in the form of an essay. Your ability to relate the context of documents to concepts beyond the given text and creating meaningful connections between all your sources will help demonstrate your skills as a knowledgeable writer.

The number of documents for a DBQ varies from exam to exam, but typically will fall between five to seven documents. The following AP exams will require you to write a DBQ:

AP U.S. History

AP European History

AP World History

We’ve listed the formats for each exam below, and keep in mind that the number of documents is prone to changing from year to year:

Up to seven Documents
One hour recommended time (includes 15-minute reading period)
Up to seven Documents
25% of total exam score

With that in mind, let’s jump right into how to craft a strong DBQ response!

We’ve summarized how to write an effective DBQ into the following five steps:

1. Read the prompt first

Though you may be tempted to jump into the documents right away, it’s very important that you first look at what exactly the prompt is asking for. This way, when you eventually look at the documents, your focus will be narrower. A DBQ tests your reading comprehension and analysis skills more than the content itself, making it very important to understand your prompt thoroughly.

2. Skim the document titles

Each document will contain vital information regarding the context, and it’s important to scout key words regarding dates, authors, and anything pertaining to the general sense of what the documents are about. Skimming through your documents like this could save time and allow you to form a more structurally sound thesis.

Let’s take a look at the following graph and figure out how to skim the figure:

This document was in a real exam from the AP World History free response questions in 2019. It’s important to pay attention to data provided and what context can be drawn from it. In this case, we’re provided with a graph that displays the life expectancy of a country in relation to the GDP per capita of said country. Being able to skim this graph and notice the common trends in the data points could provide convenient information into the context of the document, without any further intensive reading.

For example, seeing how countries with a GDP below 4,000 to 5,000 have lower life expectancies already gives us a potential correlation between the two factors. We can use this information to start formulating a thesis, depending on what the prompt is specifically asking for.

Remember, just skim! Don’t worry about reading the entire document yet; this strategy can keep you calm and level-headed before tackling the rest of the document. Methods like this can make acing the AP World History DBQ less intimidating!

3. Formulate a tentative thesis

A thesis is a statement that should be proved and discussed upon. It’s important to have a strong thesis as the foundation of your DBQ, as it guides the rest of your response in relation to the context. Understanding the difference between weak and strong theses will be imperative to your success, so here is an example of a weak thesis:

“The Cold War originated from some scenarios of conflict between Soviets and some groups of oppressors.”

Such a thesis can be considered weak for its lack of specificity, focal point, and usability as a constructive tool to write further detail on the subject. This thesis does not take a clear stance or communicate to the reader what the essay will specifically focus on. Here’s how the same thesis can be restructured to be stronger and more useful:

“The Cold War originated from tense diplomatic conflicts relating to propaganda and conspiratorial warfare between the United States and the Soviet Union.”

The information that’s been included into the second thesis about the two groups involved with the Cold War gives you more room to build a structured essay response. In relation to the rubric/grading schema for this DBQ, forming a structurally sound thesis or claim is one of the seven attainable points. Being able to contextualize, analyze, and reason off of this thesis alone could provide for two to four points – this means that five out of seven of your points revolve around your thesis, so make sure that it’s strong! Doing all of this in your fifteen minute reading period is crucial as once this is set, writing your actual response will be much easier!

4. Actively read the documents

Simply reading a document doesn’t normally suffice for creating a well-written and comprehensive response. You should focus on implementing your active reading skills, as this will make a huge difference as to how efficient you are during your work process.

Active reading refers to reading with an intention to grab key words and fragments of important information, usually gone about by highlighting and separating important phrases. Annotations, underlining, and circling are all great ways to filter out important information from irrelevant text in the documents.

An example of where you might find important information via active reading is the description. Circle important names or dates to contextualize the document. If you still can’t find contextual value from the title, that’s totally fine! Just scope out the rest of the document in relevance to your thesis – that is, pinpoint the specific information or text that best supports your argument. Finding one or two solid points of interest from one document is usually enough to write about and expand upon within your essay.

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5. Make an Outline

If you like outlines, making one before writing your essay might prove helpful, just be aware of the time limit and act accordingly.

Start with your introduction, then work on the rest of your essay. This way, you can make sure your thesis is clear and strong, and it will help the graders form a clear view on what the general consensus of your paper is. Make sure to include evidence with your thesis within each paragraph and cite only relevant information, otherwise your citations could come across as filler as opposed to useful content. Every commentary or point you make should be tied in some way to the documents.

Format each body paragraph and organize your essay in a way that makes sense to you! The graders aren’t really looking at the structure of your essay; rather, they want to see that you analyzed the documents in a way that is supportive of your essay. As long as you have content from the documents which prove your thesis, the order or manner in which you present them doesn’t matter too much. What’s more important is that your essay is clear and comprehensive. As you write practice DBQs, try having someone else read your essays to make sure that the format is easy to follow.

Keep all these key details in mind as you construct your own DBQ response, and you’re well on your way to writing an effective essay!

Your chances of admission are actually not really impacted by your AP scores; however, the AP classes you take are more important than the exam scores themselves, meaning the impact of your AP scores isn’t as big as you think .

Instead, focusing on the AP classes on your transcript and the relevance of those classes to your future major is more impactful. For a further detailed understanding of the role AP classes play in regards to your college admissions, use CollegeVine’s free Admissions Calculator , which takes into account your GPA, standardized test scores, and more.

Additional Information

To dive deeper into DBQs, AP classes, and learning how to tackle each exam check out other resources at CollegeVine:

Acing the Document Based Question on the AP US History Exam
Acing the AP World History Document Based Question
Ultimate Guide to the AP U.S. History Exam
Ultimate Guide to the AP European History Exam
Ultimate Guide to the AP World History Exam

Learning Materials

Mastering the art of dbq essays: how do you write a dbq.

Updated: August 03, 2024

Ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of writing a DBQ essay? Understanding the structure and requirements can often seem daunting, especially with the pressure of exams looming. A DBQ, or Document-Based Question, essay requires you to analyse and reference documents to support your argument. This article will guide you through understanding the layout, crafting an engaging introduction, developing a strong thesis, and concluding powerfully, along with tips for drafting and refining your essay to achieve success.

Understanding the Layout of a DBQ Essay

a person is sitting at a table with a pen and paper

Understanding the layout of a DBQ essay is crucial for any student preparing to tackle this type of assignment. A DBQ essay typically consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section serves a distinct purpose in supporting the student's argument, which is based on a combination of provided documents and external knowledge.

The introduction sets the stage by presenting the historical context and the thesis statement. The body paragraphs then explore specific arguments, each supported by evidence from the documents and the student's own analysis. Here are key elements to include:

A clear connection to the thesis statement
Analysis of the documents provided
Inclusion of external information to enrich the argument

Finally, the conclusion wraps up the essay by summarizing the main arguments and reinforcing the thesis statement. It's important that this section not only restates the points made but also ties them back to the thesis, showing a comprehensive understanding of the topic and the documents used.

Crafting an Engaging Introduction for Your DBQ Essay

a person typing on a typewriter at a desk

Crafting an engaging introduction for your DBQ essay is about grabbing the examiner's attention and setting the groundwork for your arguments. Start with a hook that highlights the historical importance of the topic. Following this, provide a brief overview of the historical background necessary to understand the documents.

The thesis statement is the most critical part of your introduction. It should clearly respond to the DBQ prompt and outline the main argument of your essay. Make sure it's specific and directly ties the historical background to the points you will discuss in your body paragraphs.

Developing a Strong Thesis Statement for Your DBQ

a young man working on a laptop in front of a bookcase

Developing a strong thesis statement for your DBQ is about clarity and precision. Your thesis should not only respond directly to the question but also set up the structure for your essay. It's advisable to draft a thesis that:

Addresses the prompt comprehensively
Outlines the main argument and subpoints
Is specific enough to guide your document analysis

Remember, a strong thesis is the anchor of your DBQ essay. It should reflect a deep understanding of the historical context and the documents provided. Consider revising your thesis after drafting your essay to ensure it fully captures your arguments and uses the documents effectively.

Writing a Compelling Conclusion for Your DBQ Essay

Writing a compelling conclusion for your DBQ essay means bringing your arguments full circle and leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Start by restating your thesis in a way that reflects the evidence and analysis provided in your body paragraphs.

Summarize the main points of your argument and explain their significance in understanding the historical context. End with a powerful final sentence that addresses the "So What?" question, linking the historical significance of your analysis to broader historical or contemporary issues.

The Importance of Reading in DBQ Essays

Mastering a DBQ essay begins with a thorough understanding of the documents and the prompt. Reading carefully is not just about skimming through the text but involves deep engagement with the content to grasp the nuances of the historical period and the specific question asked. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for a well-constructed argument and ensures that all parts of the question are addressed adequately in the essay.

Students often underestimate the importance of the initial reading phase, leading to misinterpretations of the documents and the prompt. To avoid this pitfall, it is essential to take notes while reading, highlighting key facts, potential biases, and the broader historical context. This practice helps in effectively connecting the documents to the thesis and provides a robust framework for the essay.

Techniques for Analyzing Documents in a DBQ

A student analyzing historical documents with notes and highlighters visible, focused on a specific document, in an organized, studious setting, Photographic, taken with high detail and natural lighting.

Effective analysis of documents in a DBQ requires a methodical approach to uncover the layers of meaning within each source. Start by identifying the author, the date, and the context in which the document was created. This helps in understanding the perspective and potential bias of the source. Furthermore, grouping documents based on themes or viewpoints can reveal patterns and contradictions that are vital for developing a comprehensive argument.

Another critical technique is to cross-reference the documents with external historical knowledge and the DBQ prompt. This dual approach ensures that the analysis is not only grounded in the documents themselves but also in the broader historical context. Students should aim to integrate direct quotes and document citations seamlessly into their argument, making sure to explain the significance of each piece of evidence in supporting their thesis.

Creating an Effective Outline for Your DBQ Essay

Creating an effective outline for your DBQ essay is crucial in guiding your writing process and ensuring a well-structured argument. Begin by breaking down the DBQ prompt to understand the question thoroughly. This initial step helps in identifying the main themes and required historical context, which are essential for forming the backbone of your essay outline.

Next, structure your outline with clear headings for the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Under each heading, jot down key points or documents that directly support your thesis. An organized dbq essay outline not only streamlines the writing process but also ensures all parts of the prompt are addressed comprehensively, adhering closely to the dbq rubric .

Drafting Your DBQ Essay Effectively

Drafting your DBQ essay effectively starts with a clear and focused thesis statement that directly answers the DBQ prompt. This thesis should guide the organization of your body paragraphs, each centered on a single argument supported by evidence from the provided documents. Use your essay outline as a roadmap to arrange these arguments logically, ensuring each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.

As you draft each paragraph, incorporate relevant quotes or data from the documents and pair them with external historical information to enrich your argument. Remember to:

Analyze the significance of each piece of evidence
Discuss the document's perspective or bias
Link back to your thesis statement

This approach not only strengthens your argument but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the historical context.

Revising and Refining Your DBQ Essay

Revising and refining your DBQ essay is key to enhancing its clarity and strength. Start by reviewing your essay's organization and content, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a specific argument and directly supports your thesis. Look for any gaps in logic or unsupported statements and adjust accordingly. Use active voice where possible to make your arguments more compelling and direct.

Pay attention to the clarity and flow of your writing. Read your essay out loud or have someone else review it to catch any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors. Additionally, consider the overall coherence of your essay, making sure it presents a unified argument. Revise your conclusion to powerfully restate your thesis and summarize your main points, reinforcing the impact of your argument.

Writing Your DBQ Essay: Tips for Success

Writing your DBQ essay effectively involves focusing on clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Start by clearly understanding the DBQ prompt to ensure your essay addresses the required elements directly and comprehensively. This initial clarity helps in structuring your essay logically around your thesis statement.

Ensure coherence by logically connecting your arguments and evidence throughout the essay. Each paragraph should seamlessly lead to the next, maintaining a consistent flow of ideas. Aim for conciseness by avoiding unnecessary details that do not support your argument or thesis, keeping your writing crisp and to the point.

Crafting Strong Body Paragraphs in DBQ Essays

Crafting strong body paragraphs in DBQ essays starts with a clear topic sentence that directly relates to your thesis. This sentence sets the stage for the evidence and analysis that will follow, guiding the reader through your argument.

In each body paragraph, integrate and analyse historical evidence from the provided documents to support your thesis. Discuss the relevance of the evidence and how it supports your argument. Remember to include:

A brief summary of the document
Analysis of the author’s perspective and purpose
Connections to your thesis

Developing a Coherent Argument in DBQ Essays

Developing a coherent argument in DBQ essays requires you to tightly interlink your thesis with evidence from the documents. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that encapsulates a main point of your argument.

Analyse the documents critically, demonstrating how they support your central argument. Consider the historical context and intended audience of each document to enrich your analysis. Ensure each piece of evidence clearly ties back to your thesis, enhancing the overall coherence of your essay.

Proofreading and Editing Your DBQ Essay

a laptop and a notebook on a wooden table

Proofreading and editing your DBQ essay is a crucial step to ensure it is error-free and polished. This involves checking for typos, grammatical mistakes, and ensuring that the style and tone are consistent throughout the document. It's important to also verify that all required elements of the DBQ are included and accurately presented.

During the editing process, focus on the following key aspects:

Accuracy of facts such as names, dates, and historical details
Correct document citations and the precise presentation of their content
Stylistic coherence , making sure that the essay maintains a formal academic tone and clarity

These checks will enhance the overall quality of your essay, making it ready for submission.

Essential DBQ Writing Tips for Success

To excel in DBQ essays, it's crucial to focus on the clarity and precision of your thesis statement . This statement should be a clear reflection of your understanding of the documents and the historical context. Also, ensure that each paragraph begins with a topic sentence that directly relates to your thesis, helping to maintain a coherent argument throughout the essay.

Additionally, effective time management can significantly enhance the quality of your DBQ essay. Allocate time wisely between reading, analyzing, and writing. Aim to spend:

Approximately 15 minutes reading and organizing the documents
5 minutes planning your outline
40 minutes writing
10 minutes revising and refining

This structured approach helps in covering all necessary points while adhering to the time constraints of the exam.

Sample DBQ Essay: Learning by Example

A sample DBQ essay can be an invaluable tool for understanding how to apply the strategies we've discussed. For instance, imagine a DBQ focused on the impact of the Renaissance on European society. The essay would start with an engaging introduction, setting the historical scene of Europe in the early 1400s, and end with a thesis statement like: "The Renaissance not only transformed European art but also spurred changes in social structures and political systems."

In the body paragraphs, the essay would detail specific examples of these transformations, supported by documents:

Analysis of a painting by Leonardo da Vinci to discuss art's influence on societal values.
A political treatise from the period to illustrate changes in governance.
Personal letters or diary entries to provide insights into shifts in social norms and individual aspirations.

The conclusion would then tie these points back to the thesis, summarising how the Renaissance played a pivotal role in shaping modern European society. It would also reflect on the broader implications of these changes, suggesting how the Renaissance not only redefined a historical era but also set the stage for future developments in art, politics, and social structures.

Elevate Your DBQ Essays with Samwell.ai

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Elevating your DBQ essays is seamless with Samwell.ai's AI-powered writing tools . The platform offers a sophisticated assistant that helps you structure your essays efficiently, ensuring each paragraph flows logically and adheres to academic standards. This is crucial in DBQ essays where the alignment of arguments with historical documents is key.

Moreover, Samwell.ai enhances the integrity of your work with advanced plagiarism checks . These checks ensure that your essay is not only original but also stands up to rigorous academic scrutiny. Features include:

Detection of potential plagiarism ensuring your essay is unique
Suggestions for correct document citations which are vital in DBQ essays
Tools that help integrate historical evidence smoothly into your arguments

These features collectively help in crafting a compelling, original DBQ essay that is likely to score well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dbq format.

The DBQ essay format typically consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction presents the historical context and the thesis statement. Body paragraphs explore specific arguments supported by evidence from documents and the student's own analysis. The conclusion summarises the main arguments and reinforces the thesis statement, showing a comprehensive understanding of the topic and the documents used.

How should a DBQ be structured?

A DBQ should be structured with a clear introduction that sets the historical scene and presents the thesis statement. This is followed by several body paragraphs that each focus on a specific argument supported by document evidence and analysis. The essay concludes with a summary of the main points and a reinforcement of the thesis, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the documents and historical context.

What are the three major parts of a DBQ essay?

The three major parts of a DBQ essay are the introduction, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The introduction sets up the historical context and thesis statement. The body paragraphs contain arguments supported by evidence from the documents and analysis. The conclusion summarises the arguments and reinforces the thesis, tying everything back to the initial thesis statement.

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Essay Writing Guides

DBQ Essay Writing Guide

DBQ essays are a type of history exam or course where students analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources to construct an argument. They consist of components such as historical context, thesis statement, evidence from provided documents, analysis of evidence, and synthesis of information. Mastering DBQ essay writing skills is crucial in history education as it assesses students’ ability to analyze historical documents, think critically, and construct cohesive arguments.

Writing a DBQ essay fosters transferable skills such as analytical reasoning and effective communication, which are valuable beyond the classroom. This article aims to provide practical writing tips for students to write a DBQ essay , equipping them with the tools and strategies necessary to tackle these essays confidently and successfully.

DBQ Essay : Definition

A Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay is an academic writing style commonly used in history courses and exams, where students analyze and interpret historical documents to construct an argument or response to a specific prompt. Originally developed by the College Board for Advanced Placement (AP) history exams, DBQ essays have become a staple in history education, challenging students to engage critically with primary and secondary sources.

A DBQ essay consists of five components: historical context, the thesis statement, evidence, analysis, and synthesis. Historical context refers to the broader circumstances, events, or conditions surrounding the topic or issue being examined. The statement serves as the central argument or claim that the essay will defend or support, guiding the writer’s analysis and providing a clear focus for the reader. Evidence in a DBQ essay includes information and insights drawn from primary sources (e.g., letters, speeches, photographs) and secondary sources (e.g., historical analyses, scholarly interpretations).

Analysis is the process of interpreting and explaining the significance of evidence in relation to the thesis statement and overall argument. The analysis demonstrates the writer’s critical thinking skills and ability to draw connections between the documents, historical context, and thesis statement. Synthesis is the integration of multiple sources and perspectives to develop a nuanced and cohesive argument, addressing the complexity of the historical topic or question.

Preparation Process for DBQ Essays

To write a BBQ essay, students should familiarise themselves with the prompt, understand the rubric and scoring criteria, review relevant historical content, and develop a strong thesis statement. The prompt provides a specific question or task that guides the response, and understanding the prompt helps break it down into key components. The rubric outlines the criteria for evaluation, including thesis development, evidence use, analysis, organization, and writing mechanics. Aligning with the rubric allows students to tailor their writing to meet grading criteria and maximize their scores.

Researching relevant historical content is essential for providing informed analysis and interpretation. Strategies for reviewing historical content include reading textbooks, primary sources, and scholarly articles. A strong statement serves as the foundation of the essay, providing coherence and focus while guiding the organization and development of the argument. By following these steps, students can write DBQ essays to the best of their ability.

DBQ Outline

To assist you in this endeavor, we present a structured outline for writing a DBQ essay. This DBQ essay outline provides a roadmap for organizing your thoughts, analyzing documents, and constructing a compelling argument.

Introduction: Hook, background information, and thesis statement.
Historical Context: Brief overview of the historical period or event.
Document Analysis: Summary of document content, analysis of perspective or bias, and connection to the thesis statement.
Synthesis of Documents: Identify common themes, discuss conflicting viewpoints, and analyze how documents support or challenge the thesis statement.
Outside Evidence (if required): Incorporate additional historical evidence or examples not provided in the documents.
Conclusion: Restate the thesis statement, summarise the main points, and offer a concluding thought on the topic’s significance.
Citations: Properly cite each document and outside evidence, following the citation style specified by the instructor or institution.

Remember to adapt this DBQ outline as needed based on the specific requirements of your DBQ prompt and the instructions provided by your teacher or professor.

DBQ Essay Structure

To know how to write a DBQ essay, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of a topic or event. It begins with an introduction, which introduces the topic and provides an engaging hook. The body paragraphs then follow, focusing on the main idea or argument of each paragraph. Evidence is used to support the writer’s argument and demonstrate their understanding of the historical context. Strategies for incorporating evidence include introducing relevant quotes or paraphrases from the documents, citing the source and providing brief context if necessary.

The analysis process involves examining and interpreting the significance of the evidence in relation to the thesis statement. The components of analysis include explaining how the evidence supports the argument, considering any biases or limitations of the source, and discussing its broader implications for understanding the historical context or topic.

In conclusion, the DBQ essay restates the thesis, summarising the main points, offering a closing thought or call to action, and encouraging further exploration or discussion. The thesis serves as a reminder of the main argument and reinforces its significance in light of the evidence presented. The summary provides closure and reinforces the key arguments made throughout the essay. The essay encourages readers to reflect on the topic’s significance and encourages further exploration or discussion.

DBQ Essay Topic Ideas

Here, we present a curated list of compelling topic ideas to write a DBQ essay , each ripe for research, discussion, and debate.

The Impact of Industrialization on Society: Examines how the Industrial Revolution transformed economies, societies, and daily life.
The Rise of Social Media and Its Influence on Communication: Analyzes how social media platforms have reshaped communication dynamics, affecting interpersonal relationships and societal discourse.
The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Investigates the applications of AI in healthcare, including diagnostic tools and personalized medicine.
The Global Refugee Crisis: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions: Explores the root causes of forced displacement, challenges faced by refugees, and efforts to address their needs.
The Rise of Populism in Contemporary Politics: Analyzes the factors contributing to the rise of populist movements and leaders.

Remember, the journey of discovery often begins with a single question, a spark of curiosity, or a desire to understand the world around us more deeply. Happy exploring!

How to Write a DBQ Essay

Here are some tips on writing the DBQ essays:

Prioritise Time Management: Allocate specific time for each stage of the writing process, including reading, analyzing documents, outlining, writing, and revising.
Practice Document Analysis: Develop skills in analyzing historical documents by practicing with various sources.
Use Outside Knowledge Wisely: Incorporate outside knowledge to enhance your argument but be selective in choosing which evidence to include.
Utilise Transitions Effectively: Smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas are crucial for maintaining coherence and flow.
Address Counterarguments: Anticipate potential counterarguments or alternative interpretations of the evidence presented in the documents.

And finally, be confident in your analysis. Trust your analytical skills and interpretation of the documents.

Citation Style

Students may wonder how to cite these sources within their essays appropriately. This guide explores various DBQ format styles suitable for DBQ essays and provides tips on when and how to use them effectively.

Chicago Manual of Style (CMS): CMS is a widely used citation style in history and humanities disciplines. In-text citations typically employ footnotes or endnotes, providing full bibliographic details for each source cited. For example, “The Gettysburg Address was delivered by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.”
Modern Language Association (MLA) Style: MLA is commonly used in English and literature disciplines but may also be suitable for history essays. In-text citations use parenthetical citations, including the author’s last name and page number within parentheses. For example, “The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln in 1863 (Lincoln 45).”
Document Descriptor: In DBQ essays, especially in standardized tests like the AP exams, it’s common to refer to documents by their designated numbers or brief descriptors. In-text citations use document numbers or descriptors within parentheses to reference specific documents.

In conclusion, choosing the right citation style to write DBQ essays in is crucial for accurately referencing the provided documents. By properly citing sources, students demonstrate integrity in their research and analysis, enhancing the credibility of their DBQ essay.

Afterthoughts

In conclusion, with the correct resources and methods, producing a successful DBQ essay can be mastered. Through adherence to the useful DBQ layout provided in this manual and comprehension of the proper citation styles for sources, students can proficiently address DBQ questions and get exceptional results in their history assignments or tests.

Recall that the secret is in careful document analysis, concise thesis construction, and well-supported argumentation. You may write a DBQ essay that demonstrates your critical thinking abilities and historical knowledge with dedication, practice, and attention to detail — all of which will ultimately lead to academic achievement. So take on the challenge, put these tactics to use, and let your creativity run wild as you masterfully tackle DBQ essays.

Academic Writing Guides

How to Write a DBQ Essay for APUSH

The Document Based Question (DBQ) essay is a key feature of the APUSH exam. And at 25% of your total score, it’s an important feature! Keep reading and you will get some great tips on how to write a DBQ for the APUSH exam.

What is a DBQ essay?

As I stated in a previous post on what the APUSH exam is all about , the goal of the exam is to test your historical thinking skills. Historians write arguments based on documents, and for this exam, you will, too.

For a DBQ essay, you will receive several documents of varying length. You will be asked to respond to some historical prompt that will require you to use the documents as evidence in your response. The great thing about a DBQ is that a lot of information you need to answer the question is in the documents themselves – score! However, you do need to have some background knowledge to make sense of the documents (we will practice this later in the post). The documents could be tables, charts, personal letters, or any other source that the exam creators believe would help you answer the question. Generally speaking, the documents will represent multiple perspectives on one topic.

It will be your job to synthesize those various perspectives into a coherent response.

Let’s walk through a sample DBQ topic for the APUSH exam.

Before we get too far into this, it’s important that you note that College Board, the organization that writes the APUSH exam, has made some major changes starting in 2015. I will be taking you through the 2015 sample the College Board provided for students to practice, but, as you will see in a second, it’s important that you practice as much as possible in order to read the documents quickly. Just make a note that the format may be slightly different if you review an exam prior to 2015.

Let’s say that you come across this prompt for a DBQ question:

Compare and contrast views of United States overseas expansion in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Evaluate how understandings of national identity, at the time, shaped these views.

Before you Read

You have 7 documents to read in the suggested time of 15 minutes. How is that even possible?!

Well, no one ever said it was going to be easy. But it is possible. When you get that prompt, or any other DBQ prompt like it, what you do before you read the documents will be just as important as what you end up writing. Before you even read the content of the documents, you should:

Recall what you know about the time period.
Read the source information for each document.
Recognize the possible opinions that could be compared and contrasted.

Let’s dig into each of those steps.

1. Recall what you know

This DBQ is interested in U.S. overseas expansion in the late 19th and early 20th century. What do you know about U.S. overseas expansion during that time period? Perhaps you remember something about the Spanish-American War of 1898, which falls into our time period. Perhaps you remember that the U.S. got some territory as a result of that war. Even if you can’t remember exactly what territory, this puts you in a much better position to get started.

2. Read the source information

Take these two documents below as an example.

Jane Addams speech for “Democracy or Militarism

Before I read the document, I see that Jane Addams titled her speech “Democracy or Militarism.” Based on the title alone, I can begin to make some inferences that this document is not likely to be positive about any overseas expansion that would most certainly require military force.

Before I even read this document, I can see that William Jennings Bryan is campaigning for the presidency. However, I cannot recall there ever being a President Bryan, meaning that he was unsuccessful in his campaign. Perhaps what he was saying was not popular enough to get enough votes.

These inferences help me make sense of the document later on.

3. Recognize possible opinions

Again, before I read the documents closely, I recognize that this is a compare/contrast question. Before I even read this document, I’m going to make the following table so that I can group documents later on.


1,2,3,etc	1,2,3,etc	1,2,3,etc

This table will help me more easily write my essay.

I know that your instinct will be to see the clock and think, OH MY GOSH, I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO BE DOING ALL THIS PREP WORK, MS. BERRY!!!!

Fight that instinct, because these steps will help you write a more coherent essay.

While you read

This part is tough. You have quite a few documents to make sense of in a short amount of time. But, as you are reading as fast as you can, you should be actively annotating the document for the following:

Words, phrases, and/or visual cues that help you place the document into a group that helps you answer the question .
Words, phrases, and/or visual cues that help you activate background knowledge .
Words, phrases, and/or visual cues that help you understand the document’s bias .

You will have to practice this multiple times to get good at it; there’s really no way around that. But you have a plan of attack. So work your plan to make your plan work!

As you write

When you are writing your DBQ, use the five paragraph essay to your advantage. I am sure you know lots of other things that could turn this answer into a novel, but the most important thing for this task is to make sure that you get enough of your ideas on the page so that your APUSH exam scorer knows that you know.

First paragraph: introduction with a thesis statement
Second paragraph: documents FOR expansion (As you write, make sure to mention who is for expansion and compare/contrast that with who is against it.)
Third paragraph: documents AGAINST expansion (As you write, make sure to mention who is against expansion and compare/contrast that with who is for it.)
Fourth paragraph: documents with ambiguity or complicated arguments (You should compare these documents to BOTH groups.)
Fifth paragraph: Conclusion that reiterates your argument

You may be thinking, why do I need that fourth paragraph? That seems needlessly complicated, to look for documents that are complicated.

Well, you are trying to score well on this DBQ, right? (Remember: it’s 25% of your overall score!)

You get a point for being able to do the following:

“Develop and support a cohesive argument that recognizes and accounts for historical complexity by explicitly illustrating relationships among historical evidence such as contradiction, corroboration, and/or qualification.” AP Scoring Guide

You will want that point!

I’ve given you a lot of information; but this information will become more like second nature the more you practice! For a summary, look at the table below.

And happy studying!

In summary: Strategies for writing the DBQ Essay

	While you Read	As you Write
what you know about the time period. the source information for each document. the possible opinions that could be compared and contrasted.	Annotate:

While you Read

As you Write

what you know about the time period.

the source information for each document.

the possible opinions that could be compared and contrasted.

Annotate:

Allena Berry loves history; that should be known upfront. She loves it so much that she not only taught high school history and psychology after receiving her Master’s degree at Stanford University, she is now studying how students learn history at Northwestern. That being said, she does not have a favorite historical time period (so don’t bother asking). In addition to history, she enjoys writing, practicing yoga, and scouring Craigslist for her next DIY project or midcentury modern piece of furniture.

View all posts

More from Magoosh

How to Write a DBQ Essay

March 29, 2024

Navigating the complexities of a Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay can be daunting, especially given its unique blend of historical analysis and critical writing skills. This guide is meticulously crafted to demystify the process of writing a DBQ essay, ensuring you have a comprehensive, one-stop resource for every aspect of this challenging assignment. We aim to transform what may initially appear as an overwhelming challenge into a manageable and enjoyable academic endeavor.

Definition of DBQ Essay

A Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay is a unique academic assignment primarily encountered in Advanced Placement (AP) history exams in the United States. This form of essay challenges students to engage with various historical documents and their background knowledge of the historical period.

A DBQ essay provides students with a series of documents, including written texts, speeches, letters, maps, photographs, or other historical records. These documents are not just sources of facts; they represent different perspectives, contexts, and interpretations of historical events. The student’s task is to analyze these documents critically, identify what is said, and understand the sources’ underlying biases, perspectives, and motives.

The skills tested in a DBQ essay are manifold. They include critical reading, analytical writing, and the ability to discern and articulate relationships between historical sources and events. Furthermore, it demands a balance between subjective interpretation and objective analysis, requiring students to make reasoned judgments based on the evidence.

Brief Overview of the DBQ Essay Writing Process

The core of a DBQ essay lies in synthesizing this information. Students must weave together these diverse strands of history to construct a cohesive and persuasive argument. This argument must directly address the question or prompt provided at the beginning of the essay. Unlike traditional essays, where students might primarily draw on secondary sources and scholarly analysis, a DBQ requires them to base their argument heavily on the primary sources provided, supplemented by their own knowledge of the historical context.

The journey to writing a DBQ essay involves several key steps:

Understanding the DBQ Prompt: Grasp the central question or theme.
Research and Evidence Gathering: Collect information from provided documents and additional sources.
Developing a Thesis: Formulate a strong, arguable thesis statement.
Creating an Outline: Organize thoughts and evidence coherently.
Composing the Introduction: Set the stage for your argument.
Writing Body Paragraphs: Develop and support your thesis with evidence.
Crafting a Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing and reinforcing your argument.
Revising and Editing: Enhance clarity, coherence, and correctness.

Understanding the DBQ Prompt

It is the first critical step if you have to write a DBQ essay. This process begins with a meticulous reading of the prompt to fully grasp the historical context and the questions posed. It is not just about reading the words, but also about comprehending the nuances and underlying themes central to the prompt.

The prompt typically provides a period or specific historical event, along with a question or a series of questions. Identifying key terms and phrases in the prompt is essential, as they often hold clues to what the examiners expect in your response. For instance, words like “compare,” “contrast,” “analyze,” or “evaluate” suggest different types of responses and will guide how you use the documents in your essay.

Moreover, deciphering the DBQ prompt involves predicting the types of documents that may be presented and thinking about the various viewpoints or arguments that could emerge from them. This foresight assists in formulating a flexible thesis that can be adapted and refined once you have analyzed the documents.

Researching and Gathering Evidence

Researching and gathering evidence for a DBQ essay is a critical process that goes beyond a cursory glance at the provided documents. It requires a detailed and thoughtful examination of each source, noting key points, perspectives, and potential biases related to the prompt. This step is about understanding what the documents say and interpreting their significance in the historical context and how they contribute to your overall argument.

Supplementing the information from the documents with your own historical knowledge is equally important. This additional knowledge, derived from your studies and readings, fills in the gaps that the documents alone may not cover. It provides a broader context, helping to enrich your argument and demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.

However, it’s critical to balance the use of document evidence and your own knowledge. While the documents are central to your argument, your own historical understanding allows you to provide analysis, rather than just a summary of the sources. This balance is key in building a well-rounded, persuasive, and informed argument.

Developing a Thesis

Developing a thesis for a DBQ essay is a critical step that sets the direction and tone of your entire essay. Your thesis should be clear, argumentative, and meticulously crafted to respond to the DBQ prompt directly. This statement is more than just a summary of your argument; it is the central claim you will defend throughout your essay. It serves as the backbone of your essay, providing a framework for your analysis and argumentation.

Moreover, your thesis should guide the structure of your essay. Each paragraph should connect back to your thesis, providing supporting evidence and analysis. This consistency ensures that your essay remains focused and coherent, making your argument more persuasive.

Creating an Outline with a Sample Example

Creating an effective outline for a DBQ essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and ensuring that each point flows logically into the next. An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, helping you to structure your arguments coherently and keep your writing focused. Below is a detailed sample outline to illustrate how you can use the structure to write a DBQ essay:

Introduction

Contextual Background: Begin with a few sentences providing the historical background relevant to the prompt.
Thesis Statement: Conclude the introduction with your thesis statement, which clearly presents your main argument in response to the DBQ prompt.

Body Paragraph 1

Main point: Start with a topic sentence that states the paragraph’s main point, directly supporting your thesis.
Evidence from documents: Include specific examples and quotes from the provided documents that support your main point.
Additional historical evidence: Supplement the document evidence with your own historical knowledge to strengthen your argument.
Analysis: Analyze how your evidence supports your main point and ties back to your thesis.

Additional Body Paragraphs

Follow the same structure as the first body paragraph, using different evidence and analysis to support the new point.
Summarize arguments: Briefly recap the main points of your essay, showing how they support your thesis.
Reinforce thesis: Restate your thesis in a new way, reinforcing how the evidence presented in your essay supports your original argument.
Final Thought: It could be a reflection on the importance of the topic, its relevance to the present, or a question that encourages further thought.

Remember, the strength of your essay lies not just in the information you present, but also in how well you organize and communicate your ideas.

Composing the Introduction

Composing the introduction of a DBQ essay is a crucial step in engaging your reader and setting the stage for your argument. The introduction should start with a compelling hook, an engaging statement, or a thought-provoking question that grabs the reader’s attention right from the start. This hook should be relevant to the topic and designed to draw the reader into the historical world you are about to explore.

After the hook, it’s essential to provide the necessary historical context. This involves giving a brief overview of the period or events central to the DBQ prompt. The goal is to equip your reader with the background knowledge needed to understand the rest of your essay. This background should be concise but informative, highlighting key events, figures, or ideologies relevant to your thesis.

Writing Body Paragraphs

Writing body paragraphs in a DBQ essay is where you delve deeply into your argument, supporting your thesis with concrete evidence. Each paragraph should be dedicated to exploring a single point that directly supports your thesis statement. This focused approach ensures that your essay remains coherent, and your arguments are presented clearly.

To write a DBQ essay, start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point or idea of the paragraph. This sentence acts as a mini-thesis, outlining the paragraph’s discussion and how it relates to your overall argument. It should be direct and specific, providing a clear direction for the rest of the paragraph. Each body paragraph should also include your own analysis and interpretation. This is where you showcase your critical thinking skills, drawing connections between the evidence and your main argument. Discuss the significance of the evidence, address potential counterarguments, and demonstrate how it all ties together to support your thesis.

Crafting a Conclusion

Crafting a conclusion for your DBQ essay is a crucial final step in your writing process. It’s more than just a summary; it’s your last opportunity to reinforce your argument and leave a lasting impression on your reader. A well-crafted conclusion should restate your thesis, but it should do so in a fresh way that reinforces the insights you’ve shared throughout your essay.

In your final sentences, aim to leave a strong, lasting impact. You could end with a powerful quote, a thought-provoking question, or a call to action, encouraging your reader to continue thinking about the topic. The goal is to make your conclusion memorable, ensuring that your essay stands out in the reader’s mind.

Revising and Editing

Carefully revise for content and organization. Then, edit for grammar, style, and clarity. This step is essential for a polished, compelling essay. Additionally, consider the overall tone and voice of your essay. It should be formal and academic, yet engaging. Avoid colloquialisms and ensure that your writing maintains a consistent tone throughout. Also, be mindful of passive voice, which can make your writing seem less direct and dynamic. Where possible, use active voice for a stronger impact. Remember that revising and editing can be a multi-step process. Reviewing your essay several times is often beneficial, focusing on different aspects each time. You might even find it helpful to read your essay out loud or have someone else review it. Fresh eyes can catch errors and inconsistencies that you might have overlooked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When writing a DBQ essay, certain pitfalls can detract from the quality and effectiveness of your work. Being aware of these common mistakes can help you steer clear of them and strengthen your essay.

Ignoring the prompt’s specifics.
Over-reliance on documents without incorporating additional knowledge.
Vague thesis statement.
Repetitive or off-topic arguments.
Neglecting to revise and edit.
Failure to analyze documents.
Ignoring document bias or perspective.
Inadequate conclusion.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance the quality of your DBQ essay. Considering these pitfalls during the writing process can lead to a more structured, insightful, and compelling essay.

To write a DBQ essay effectively, focus on understanding the prompt, developing a strong thesis, and supporting it with a mix of evidence from both documents and broader historical knowledge. Remember, clarity, coherence, and a strong argument are your keys to success. Additionally, always approach your essay critically, ensuring that your analysis is nuanced, and your perspective is well-supported. The ability to interweave document evidence with your own historical understanding will showcase your analytical skills and demonstrate a deep engagement with the material. In mastering these elements, you’ll excel in writing DBQ essays and enhance your overall historical thinking skills.

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How to Write a DBQ Essay

Last Updated: July 15, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 683,983 times.

In the past, Document Based Questions (DBQ) were rarely found outside of AP history exams. However, they’re now used in social studies classes across grade levels, so you’re bound to take a DBQ test at some point. [1] X Research source Going into the test, you will need strong background knowledge of the time periods and geographical areas on which you will be tested. Your documents will always relate back directly to the major subjects and themes of your class. The key to success is to analyze the provided documents and use them to support an argument in response to the essay prompt. While DBQ tests are rigorous, they allow you to actually do historical work instead of merely memorize facts. Don’t stress, put on your historian hat, and start investigating!

Writing Help

Analyzing the Documents

Step 1 Review the documents for 10 to 15 minutes.

For an AP exam, you’ll then have 45 minutes to write your essay. Exact times may vary for other exams and assignments but, for all DBQ essays, document analysis is the first step.
For an AP exam, you will also need to include a thesis, set the prompt’s historical context, use 6 documents to support an argument, describe 1 piece of outside evidence, and discuss the point of view or context of at least 3 of the sources. Label these elements as you review and outline so you don’t forget something.

Step 2 Identify the prompt’s keywords and assigned tasks.

A prompt might ask you to analyze or explain the causes of a historical development, such as, “Explain how the Progressive Movement gained social, political, and cultural influence from the 1890s to the 1920s in the United States.”
You might need to use primary sources to compare and contrast differing attitudes or points of view toward a concept, policy, or event, such as, “Compare and contrast the differing attitudes towards women’s rights in the United States from 1890 to 1920.”
Keywords in these examples inform you how to read your sources. For instance, to compare and contrast differing attitudes, you’ll need to identify your sources’ authors, categorize their points of view, and figure out how attitudes changed over the specified period of time.

Step 3 Note your documents’ authors, points of view, and other details.

Suppose one of the documents is a suffragette’s diary entry. Passages in the entry that detail her advocacy for the Women’s Rights Movement are evidence of her point of view. In contrast, another document is newspaper article written around the same time that opposes suffrage.
A diary entry might not have an intended audience but, for documents such as letters, pamphlets, and newspaper articles, you’ll need to identify the author’s likely readers.
Most of your sources will probably be written documents, but you’ll likely encounter political cartoons, photographs, maps, or graphs. The U.S. Library of Congress offers a helpful guide to reading specific primary source categories at https://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/guides.html .

Step 4 Place your sources into categories based on the essay prompt.

Suppose you have a letter sent from one suffragette to another about the methods used to obtain the right to vote. This document may help you infer how attitudes vary among the movement’s supporters.
A newspaper article depicting suffragettes as unpatriotic women who would sabotage World War I for the United States helps you understand the opposing attitude.
Perhaps other sources include a 1917 editorial on the harsh treatment of imprisoned suffragists and an article on major political endorsements for women’s suffrage. From these, you’d infer that 1917 marked a pivotal year, and that the role women played on the home front during World War I would lead to broader support for suffrage.

Step 5 Think of relevant outside information to include in your essay.

For instance, perhaps you read that the National American Woman Suffrage association (NAWSA) made a strategic shift in 1916 from focusing on state-by-state suffrage to prioritizing a constitutional amendment. Mentioning this switch to a more aggressive strategy supports your claim that the stage was set for a 1917 turning point in popular support for women’s suffrage.
When you think of outside evidence during the planning stages, jot it down so you can refer to it when you write your essay. A good spot could be in the margin of a document that relates to the outside information.

Developing an Argument

Step 1 Review the prompt and form a perspective after reading the documents.

For example, after reviewing the documents related to women’s suffrage, identify the opposing attitudes, how they differed, and how they changed over time.
Your rough argument at this stage could be, “Those in opposition saw suffragettes as unpatriotic and unfeminine. Attitudes within the suffrage movement were divided between conservative and confrontational elements. By the end of World War I, changing perceptions of the role of women contributed to growing popular support for suffrage.”

Suppose your DBQ is, “How did World War I affect attitudes toward women’s suffrage in the United States?” A strong tentative thesis would be, “The roles women played in the workforce and in support of the war effort contributed to growing popular support for the suffrage movement.”
A weak thesis would be, “World War I affected how Americans perceived women’s suffrage.” This simply restates the prompt.

Step 3 Make an outline of your argument’s structure.

For example, under numeral I., write, “New Woman: perceptions shift in the 1890s.” This section will explain the 1890s concept of the New Woman, which rejected traditional characterizations of women as dependent and fragile. You’ll argue that this, in part, set the stage for shifting attitudes during and following World War I.
You can start your planning your essay during the reading portion of the test. If necessary, take around 5 minutes out of the writing portion to finish outlining your argument.

Step 4 Plug your document citations into the outline.

For instance, under “I. New Woman: perceptions shift in the 1890s,” write “(Doc 1),” which is a pamphlet praising women who ride bicycles, which was seen as “unladylike” at the time.
Beneath that line, write “(Doc 2),” which is an article that defends the traditional view that women should remain in the household. You’ll use this document to explain the opposing views that set the context for suffrage debates in the 1900s and 1910s.

Step 5 Refine your thesis after making the outline.

Suppose your tentative thesis is, “The roles women played in the workforce and in support of the war effort contributed to growing popular support for the suffrage movement.” You decide that “contributed” isn’t strong enough, and swap it out for “led” to emphasize causation.

Drafting Your Essay

Step 1 Keep your eye on the clock and plan your time strategically.

If you have 45 minutes to write, take about 5 minutes to make an outline. If you have an introduction, 3 main points that cite 6 documents, and a conclusion, plan on spending 7 minutes or less on each of these 5 sections. That will leave you 5 minutes to proofread or to serve as a buffer in case you need more time.
Check the time periodically as you write to ensure you’re staying on target.

Step 2 Include your thesis and 1 to 2 sentences of context in your introduction.

To set the context, you might write, “The Progressive Era, which spanned roughly from 1890 to 1920, was a time of political, economic, and cultural reform in the United States. A central movement of the era, the Women’s Rights Movement gained momentum as perceptions of the role of women dramatically shifted.”
If you’d prefer to get straight to the point, feel free to start your introduction with your thesis, then set the context.
A timed DBQ essay test doesn’t leave you much time to write a long introduction, so get straight to analyzing the documents rather than spell out a long, detailed intro.

Each body section should have a topic sentence to let the reader know you’re transitioning to a new piece of evidence. For example, start the first section with, “The 1890s saw shifts in perception that set the stage for the major advances in women’s suffrage during and following World War I.”
Be sure to cite your documents to support each part of your argument. Include direct quotes sparingly, if at all, and prioritize analysis of a source over merely quoting it.
Whenever you mention a document or information within a document, add parentheses and the number of the document at the end of the sentence, like this: “Women who were not suffragettes but still supported the movement wrote letters discussing their desire to help (Document 2).”

Step 4 Make sure to show how each body paragraph connects to your thesis.

For example, a private diary entry from 1916 dismissing suffrage as morally corrupt isn’t necessarily a reflection of broader public opinion. There's more to consider than just its content, or what it says.
Suppose a more reliable document, such as a major newspaper article on the 1916 Democratic and Republican national conventions, details the growing political and public support for women’s suffrage. You’d use this source to show that the diary entry conveys an attitude that was becoming less popular.

Step 5 Weave together your argument in your conclusion.

In your essay on World War I and women’s suffrage, you could summarize your argument, then mention that the war similarly impacted women’s voting rights on an international scale.

Revising Your Draft

Step 1 Proofread your essay for spelling and grammatical mistakes.

If you’re taking an AP history exam or other timed test, minor errors are acceptable as long as they don't affect your argument. Spelling mistakes, for instance, won’t result in a loss of points if the scorer can still understand the word, such as “sufrage” instead of “suffrage.”

Step 2 Make sure you’ve included all required elements.

A clear thesis statement.
Set the prompt’s broader historical context.
Support your argument using 6 of the 7 included documents.
Identify and explain 1 piece of historical evidence other than the included documents.
Describe 3 of the documents’ points of view, purposes, audiences, or context.
Demonstrate a complex understanding of the topic, such as by discussing causation, change, continuity, or connections to other historical periods.

Step 3 Check that your names, dates, and other facts are accurate.

As with spelling and grammar, minor errors are acceptable as long as the scorer knows what you mean. Little spelling mistakes are fine, but you’ll lose points if you write that a source supports suffrage when it doesn’t.

Community Q&A

Remember that you shouldn't just identify or summarize a document. Explain why a source is important, and tie each reference into your argument. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you’re taking an AP history exam, find exam rubrics, practice tests, and other resources at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses . Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Taking a timed test can be tough, so time yourself when you take practice tests. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ http://www.gpb.org/blogs/education-matters/2016/10/14/getting-started-document-based-questions
↑ https://sourceessay.com/tips-to-write-an-impressive-dbq-essay/
↑ https://libguides.jcu.edu.au/writing/writing1
↑ https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-us-history-dbq-2018.pdf?course=ap-united-states-history
↑ https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-us-history-course-and-exam-description.pdf
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/

About This Article

Document-Based Questions, or DBQ essays, are often used in social studies classes to test your ability to do historical work rather than simply memorize facts. Start by spending some time reviewing the documents and developing an argument. Pay special attention to keywords in the prompt that will help you construct your argument. For example, if the prompt includes the words "compare and contrast," you'll need to include 2 different viewpoints in your essay and compare them. Then, as you read your sources, note the authors, points of view, and other key details that will help you figure out how to use the documents. Once you’ve reviewed all of the material, come up with your response. Sketch out a tentative thesis that encapsulates your argument and make an outline for your essay. You can then draft your essay, starting with an introduction that gives context and states your thesis, followed by supporting body paragraphs. To learn how to write a conclusion for your DBQ, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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As you prepare for college, you will want to learn as much as possible about a DBQ essay. This type of essay is found in AP history exams and social studies classes in different grades.

A DBQ , or Document-Based Question essay requires students to develop an argument using evidence from a set of primary source documents provided to them. The DBQ essay tests a student's ability to critically analyze multiple documents, connect them to the historical context, and form a coherent, well-argued response. These documents may include written texts, images, graphs, or maps, and typically relate to a specific historical period or theme.

It deals with way more of historical documents then you might have thought. So, at some point, you can certainly find yourself at a loss. “How to write a DBQ Essay?”, you may ask. Don't worry! In this article, we will talk about how to write it. We will look at its format and show you an example. Are you ready to learn more now from proficient essay writers online ?

What Is a DBQ Essay: Main Definition

In simple terms, a DBQ Essay is an assignment that tests student's analytical and comprehension skills. There is a more formal definition of this term. DBQ stands for Document-Based Question. This type of essay is part of the AP US History (APUSH) exam established by the US College Board. Student's task is to provide their foliage knowledge and back it up with facts. Three to 16 reliable sources of information are required. To write quality work, you must understand more about the DBQ essay schema.

How to Write a DBQ Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

The first question that students have is “how to write a DBQ essay?” Students must familiarize themselves with an issue posed in a document. They should interpret presented material with particular historical period in mind. Student will have 15 minutes to read paper, take notes, and then 45 minutes to write their DBQ. Sounds a little complicated? No worries. We’ve prepared a basic step-by-step guide to help you complete this challenge for the highest score.

Step 1. Analyze the Documents Before Starting a DBQ Essay

If you are on an AP exam , you will have 15 minutes to familiarize yourself with the hint and document for writing a DBQ essay. During this short period, you need to read your given tip carefully (we recommend re-reading it several times), analyze attached documents, and develop your own argumentation. Document analysis is the first and most crucial step in writing a DBQ. Be sure to highlight the question for yourself. Otherwise, you risk losing points even for the most adequately structured and competent essay if it does not answer the question posed in the tip.

Step 2. Create Your Thesis for DBQ Essay

After reading an essay recommendation, you will need to highlight a DBQ thesis sentence. It is a summary of your arguments. Make sure your thesis is a well-founded statement that responds to clues rather than just repeats them. There should be several arguments in the thesis itself. Let's suppose that the question of your document is, “Why did movement for women's suffrage start in the 20th century?”. "Significant contributions of women in support of the war formed a movement for women's suffrage to the right” is a strong thesis. In this case, thesis speaks of participation in hostilities during the First World War. Therefore, it will be easier for you and your future reader to form some strong point of view when reading your work. Support your arguments with around 6 documents. Always highlight one of them whose vision of the situation is closer to you. You will decide on the main answer to the question based on your thesis and read the documents.

Step 3. Read the Documents and Note the Details Before Writing a DBQ Essay

As we said above, correctly highlighted abstracts are key to successful DBQ essay writing. Be careful when reading any information. Read the documentation carefully and take your time looking for answers. We have a few recommendations for you:

Indicate the document's author, their audience, and point of view.
Determine percentage of reliability of this source and try to identify what influenced the author's opinion (perhaps this is particular historical period that will help you in further analysis).
Highlight key points such as “evaluate,” “analyze,” and “compare and contrast.” Also, look for keywords such as "social,” "political," and "economical,” as well as information about the period and society in question (it is convenient to take notes in document margins so that you can return to desired passage).

Kindly note that not all sources will be written documents. Occasionally, you will come across diagrams, maps, or political cartoons. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with some nuances of reading primary sources in advance.

Step 4. Create a DBQ Essay Outline

Before you start writing your text:

Make a brief DBQ essay template outline.
Organize your brief and write your central thesis at page's top.
Write a possible structure for your document.
Next to each item, write one statement that does not contradict your view.

If you indicate some sources as a confirmation to sections, it is recommended to draw up an essay in chronological order. Keep in mind that an essay structure should not be broken. Start with an introduction, then write at least three paragraphs with arguments. Your DBQ should end with a conclusion in which you again repeat your thesis, only in an affirmative manner.

Step 5. Write Your DBQ Essay

Find out time management tips when writing DBQ essays. Remember that you will have 45 minutes during which you must complete the entire paper. We recommend that you plan how much time you are willing to spend on each of your sections. Be sure that you take a few minutes and correct your essay at the very end. DBQ essays have a clear structure that cannot be deviated from introduction with a thesis sentence, body with enough evidence supporting your arguments, and conclusion. We will tell you more about what each section should include later in this blog post.

How to Start a DBQ Essay

It would help if you started with DBQ essay introduction. In this part of your text, indicate your thesis and several appropriate sentences in context. It is a natural and easy way that you can start your essay right and not get lost in thought. It should be noted that you must link your thesis with its historical implications. If you don’t, you will probably lose one point.

How to Write a Body Paragraph for a DBQ Essay

It is crucial to know how to write a body paragraph . DBQ essay body paragraphs occupy more than 80% of your text. It typically consists of at least three paragraphs. All sections should be logically related with each other. Stay tuned to chronology of events, especially if you mention periods or information that supports your arguments with documents' date. Each of the paragraphs can indicate some component of your thesis. You should mention dates, historical figures and cite papers as often as possible. Include document's number in parentheses when using a quotation.

How to Write a Conclusion Essay for a DBQ

Writing a conclusion in a DBQ essay is as easy as shelling pears. You shouldn't really indicate anything new that was not in your text. Summarize your arguments and point out to your reader that you have been able to prove your claim. You will most likely get an extra point if you can connect your arguments with history of other periods or other countries. Scale your thoughts. For example, if you are talking about the First World War period in the United States, then indicate that it had similar impact on citizens of other countries.

The Best DBQ Essay Example

Still, have some more questions? DBQ essay sample will be beneficial for you when preparing for an exam. An example helps you understand the structure and formation of arguments in your future text. You can check out our sample if you are in need of further help. Do not hesitate to contact professionals! After all, high-quality assistance is key to your good grade.

DBQ Essay: Bottom Line

We have detailed the way and structure of a DBQ essay. Its purpose is based on analyzing, drawing conclusions or tracing trends of events from the past. Writing a strong essay includes all your skills learned in the AP class. This way professors can assess student's knowledge, experience and evaluate their efforts. Your dbq score is one-quarter of your score on the entire AP exam. In general, you can achieve up to seven points for this assignment. Article above describes a few ways of getting more points...

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Frequently Asked Questions About DBQ Essay

1. do i need to use quotes in my dbq essay.

Yes. Use quotes in your DBQ essay as often as possible. In this way, you will provide evidence to support your argument. But do not forget to analyze these quotes every time and talk about your point of view. Use quotation marks when writing quotes.

2. Can I start a DBQ essay introduction with a question?

Yes, you can start the DBQ essay introduction with a question. Keep in mind that you must answer this question using an argument. Further down a text, you should not ask questions.

3. Is a DBQ essay an LEQ with documents?

A DBQ essay should consist of evidence from the documents provided in your task. LEQ (that stands for thesis-based response) should not contain any evidence at all.

4. How many documents usually need to be analyzed for DBQ essay?

Usually, before writing a DBQ essay, you need to analyze about 5 to 7 documents. But it is always a good idea to check with your professors for clear instructions.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

How to Write a DBQ Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

By: Angelina Grin

Before writing a DBQ essay, you should first know what a DBQ essay is.

DBQ is the short form for Document-Based Question. The report type shows up most frequently in social studies and US history (AP history) classes.

The structure of a DBQ essay is similar, regardless of the subject that the student is studying. In all cases, the candidate is provided with source information. Candidates then extract data from these source documents and incorporate them into the report.

Now that you understand what is a DBQ essay, the next step is to plan and write one. These essays typically cover much relevant information that students need to truly grasp a subject.

Exploring the DBQ Format

Preparing to write a dbq essay, step 1: structuring your dbq essay, step 2: crafting a strong thesis statement, step 3: building the body paragraphs, step 4: delivering a convincing conclusion.

The Document-Based Question format explains what you'll likely write in this report. Document-based suggests that you will be provided with one or more relevant documents. This tests your knowledge of research and information-gathering methods. Within the source papers will be information either couched in prose or given in statistics or graphs.

Your first job is understanding the document before you start writing on it. Since this is based on the record in front of you, it might be tempting to think you only need to understand that piece of text or graphics. However, the DBQ format goes deeper. The questions that the format asks rely on both internal and external knowledge to perform well. Using information within the presented report or except will only get you half the points.

Additionally, a question many students ask is, "How long should a DBQ be?" The length of the report will vary, depending on the subject and the requirements of the college board, but students should generally aim for three to four body paragraphs, along with an introduction and a conclusion. For an AP-level history exam, this translates to 700 - 1000 words or thereabouts.

When composing an essay in response to a Document-Based Question, the emphasis should be placed on the quality of the material presented rather than the word count.

DBQ essays are unique among report type questions because they test deep knowledge of a subject and expect complex answers. If you're wondering how to write a good DBQ essay, it starts with the planning phases. These are the things a student should do primarily:

Read the Question Carefully: Many students start answering the question long before they finish reading it. Sometimes, this can lead to a fatal flaw, as the students answer a question that the exam doesn't ask.
Familiarize Yourself with the Documents: The report is based on the document, so knowing what it contains will help you grasp what direction your thinking should go in. Spend enough time reading and interpreting the papers so you know what you're looking at.
Note-Taking Strategies: When going through the document, you should take notes of important quotes or information you can reference with your external knowledge. Especially important are words, phrases, and cues that help you place the document writer's inherent bias.

In summary, as a person taking a DBQ, these are the things you should focus on:


Recall information about the period you're writing on.	Annotate words and phrases that will provide relevant information to answering the question.	Form a coherent thesis statement.
Read the source information for the documents presented.	Highlight words, phrases, and visual cues that will help you draw out your background knowledge of the events being mentioned.	Group the document and compare the groups against one another.
Recognize the opinions you may have to contrast in your essay.	Examine words, phrases, and visual cues to give you insight into the document's bias in the setting.	Build a complex essay, don't simplify things, but delve into them.

How to Write a DBQ Essay in 4 Easy Steps

If you're tasked with writing a DBQ essay, you might feel overwhelmed, but it's not the most challenging thing in the world. DBQ structure has a well-defined layout, so following the structure and giving the report your own personal style is exactly what you're aiming for.

From there, you'll need a thesis statement, which you'll craft your body paragraphs to defend and present.

Finally, your convincing conclusion is the flourish that sets everything alight. Following this is supposed to give you a really good final report. Let's start with the first step, which is structuring your report.

The main aim of a DBQ essay is to convey your thoughts about a document to someone who wants to know what you think. It follows the standard structure of an article, with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. However, how to structure a DBQ essay that will stand out is unique to this type of report. The structure should be along these lines:

Introduction: Provide the historical context of the topic and intro the main question. State your thesis clearly in the opening, addressing the prompt and indicating the main points your report will cover.
Document Analysis: Incorporate relevant information from the provided documents into your paragraphs. Analyze each document, highlighting key details and explaining how they support your argument. Define the necessary evidence you need.
Outside Evidence: Integrate your broader historical ideas into the report using external sources. Use this external evidence to enhance your argument and provide context for the documents.
Counterarguments: Acknowledge potential counterarguments and address them within your report. This showcases your critical thinking skills and strengthens your argument.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your report and restate your thesis when you conclude. Offer a final analysis that underscores the significance of your argument and its implications for understanding the historical evidence and context.

Once you've sorted your structure out, we'll move on to building a solid thesis statement .

The thesis statement forms the core of your thought process and arguments within your report and is how to start a DBQ essay the right way. Some would consider it the most critical part of the report.

To build a great thesis, look at these points:

Engage with the Prompt: Carefully read the question and identify its central theme or question.
Formulate a Response: Craft a concise response addressing the prompt's requirements. This should guide the direction of your report.
Outline Main Points: Outline the main points you'll address in your report. These points will guide your argument and document analysis.
Clear and Specific: Ensure your thesis is clear, specific, and not overly broad. Avoid vague statements that don't directly relate to the prompt.

You can look at an example DBQ thesis to learn more about how these theses are developed. With a few examples, you should know how crafting a DBQ process works.

You could consider each body paragraph a slice of the larger DBQ essay. These paragraphs should fall into the categories that your plan deals with. In each paragraph, the process of building out your prose goes as follows:

Topic Sentence: Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the paragraph's main point.
Document Integration: Reference relevant documents that support your argument. Provide specific examples or quotes from the paper.
Analysis: Analyze the documents you've cited. Explain how each document's content, context, or perspective relates to your argument.
Connection to Thesis: Always connect the information in the paragraph back to your thesis and the central question of the prompt.

The body should read well, and each paragraph should connect to the thesis statement.

Conclusions might seem like the easiest thing to write, but they are more than just a summary of your points. Your DBQ conclusion should do these four things:

Summarize: Recap the main points of your report without introducing new information.
Restate Thesis: Restate your thesis to remind the reader of your central argument.
Final Analysis: Provide a definitive analysis of your argument's significance in the context of the prompt and historical understanding.
Avoid Repetition: While restating key points, avoid repeating the exact phrases used in the introduction and body paragraphs.

Each provides much-needed closure to the report while still focusing on your thesis statement and valid points.

Polishing your DBQ Essay

If you think you're finished once the first draft of your essay has been written, nothing could be further from the truth. Unpolished document-based essays can lead to students losing a grade they worked hard to get. You should look at these methods to properly polish your DBQ essay:

➡️ Reviewing and Revising

Go through your report and search for consistency in tone and terminology. Also, ensure that your writing flows between paragraphs, making it much easier to read. Check your body paragraphs and ensure that they call back to your thesis. Revisit the document, and check that you didn't miss any references or cues that might be useful in the report. Finally, recheck your external evidence so that your presentation is factual and honest in its representation.

➡️ Proofreading Tips

Read the words carefully as you go through your report. You're looking for errors in spelling and grammar. Bad spelling and grammar could undermine an otherwise well-argued point. Ensure your sentence structure is grammatically sound (and that subjects and verbs agree). Check for punctuation issues that might change the meaning of your sentences. Finally, check the flow state of your sentences and paragraphs to make it easy for the reader to shift from one to the other.

➡️ Getting Feedback

If you're working on a DBQ outside of an exam setting, for a project submission, having someone else to look over your work is crucial to perfecting your essay. Ask someone in your class (or a recent graduate) to give it a once-over for you. If your lecturer has an open-door policy, use it to get feedback on your report and suggestions for what you should change. Finally, pay attention to the feedback you get. You don't need to implement all of it, but you should at least give it an honest hearing.

DBQ Example Essays

If you need some DBQ essay examples, there are many on the Studybay site for you to peruse. Pay particular attention to the details we covered in the previous section. Look at the example of a DBQ essay to understand how they were developed and written. It will provide a template for your own work.

DBQ Tips: Dos and Don'ts of Writing a DBQ Essay

When examining how to write DBQs , there are some things you should do and some you should avoid. Let's look at some of them.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

❌ Lack of a Clear Thesis: Avoid writing a thesis statement that's overly broad or vague. Try to make your thesis as succinct as possible.

❌ Ignoring Document Details: Many students don't delve into the documents but instead summarize them. DBQ essays require more in-depth consideration of the material.

❌ Misusing Outside Evidence: Integrate outside knowledge wisely. Ensure it supports your argument and is relevant to the topic.

❌ Disorganization: Avoid disorganized paragraphs. Use clear topic sentences and maintain a logical flow and organize your report.

Best Practices in DBQ Writing

✍️ There are some best practices for how to write a DBQ thesis that you should pay attention to. Among these are:

✅ Read the Question Three Times: Don't progress anywhere until you've read and internalized the question three times to avoid misremembering what you read.

✅ Figure out the Task: Circle the main words or key phrases to guide you toward crafting a proper answer.

✅ Ask the "What" Question: What is the purpose of this report, and what do you have to prove with your evidence? This will guide your report structure.

✅ Look at Issues to Be Included: These issues include economic, political, and social issues that may shape the question and period.

✅ Gather Outside Information: Make a shortlist of outside information you will need to argue your report.

✅ Closely Examine the Documents: Underline or highlight thematic keywords and phrases you might need to use later on in your report.

Following these practices will give you better results for your report.

Writing a DBQ: Time Management Skills

How to write a DBQ APUSH in the shortest time possible? In an exam setting, you should pay attention to this rough guide for managing your report time:

Step 1: Develop a Plan (15 minutes)
Step 2: Write your introduction (5 minutes)
Step 3: Craft your thesis (20 minutes)
Step 4: Develop your Body (2 hours and 15 minutes)
Step 5: Conclusion (10 minutes)
Step 6: Proofreading and review (10 minutes)

Practice Makes Perfect

As with most academic disciplines, practicing your DBQ essay skills will help. On Studybay, you can simply locate an example of a DBQ question that you can use as a foundation for testing yourself or obtain expert support for test preparation .

Tracking Your Progress

When you first start, writing one of these reports will be very time-consuming, but with practice, they get a lot easier to deal with. Track your progress through time-based means (how long it takes you to complete a report) and the APUSH DBQ Rubric score.

Understand the APUSH DBQ Rubric

A DBQ example essay will have a score based on the APUSH DBQ Rubric. Below is a general outline of how the Rubric works.


	1 point	One point is awarded to the candidate if they make a claim that responds to the question and is written in one or two sentences.
	1 point	One point is awarded if the thesis and responses examine broader historical concepts.
	0 - 3 points	Up to two points can be awarded if the candidate accurately examines data from the document. Another point is awarded for successfully integrating data from the record instead of using quotes to support arguments.
	0 - 2 points	One point is awarded if the candidate explains the document's purpose, audience, and perspective. A further point is awarded if the candidate demonstrates a nuanced contextualized understanding of the historical events and issues that impacted it.

What is the importance of a DBQ?

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What is a DBQ? An Essential Guide to Document-Based Questions

As you prepare for your upcoming AP tests, you’ll likely hear the term DBQ thrown around multiple times. DBQs are crucial to your overall AP test score and help demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and analytical abilities.

But what is a DBQ, and how can you use it to your advantage on the AP exams? This article will answer your questions about DBQs, from what they look like and how they’re scored to what the rubric means. We’ll also look at the purpose of the DBQ as well as which exams include a DBQ. Read on for more information about DBQs and how to use them to your advantage.

What is a DBQ?

Let’s start by answering the essential question: what is a DBQ? The document-based question, or DBQ, is an essay question included in many Advanced Placement (AP) exams. DBQs are worth a significant portion of your overall grade on the AP test and are meant to assess your ability to analyze primary sources.

Which Exams Include a DBQ?

DBQs are included in many Advanced Placement (AP) exams, including AP History, AP English Language and Composition, and AP World History. They are also included in some SAT subject tests, such as SAT II US History, SAT II World History, and SAT II Literature. To correctly answer a DBQ, you must analyze historical documents as evidence to answer a primary question regarding historical events or issues.

What Does the DBQ Format Look Like?

Students can format a DBQ response in the same way they would with a standard analytical essay. Generally speaking, you should format your DBQ as follows:

Introduction: In the introduction, you should explain what the essay is about, introduce your argument, write your thesis statement, and describe the main points that you will be addressing in the essay.
Body: The essay’s body should consist of several paragraphs, each focusing on one central point you outlined in the introduction. Each paragraph should begin with a comprehensive topic sentence and be supported with evidence from the documents.
Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the central points of your essay and restate your argument. It should also explain how your argument supports the prompt.

When writing your DBQ essay during an AP exam, you will be given 15 minutes to look over the documents provided for the essay. You will spend the remaining 45 minutes writing the essay following this period. Most DBQs provide numerous documents to consider when supporting your argument, so understanding each document is crucial.

AP exams usually include two DBQs. Students have 90 minutes to write their essays after reviewing the documents.

How is the DBQ Scored?

Your DBQ will be scored based on how thoroughly you answer the prompt, the strength of your argument, the quality of your evidence, and how effectively you use the source material. DBQs are the second-highest contributor to your final score. The DBQ rubric emphasizes your essay’s thesis, analysis, evidence, and synthesis. These essays are scored based on the following categories and points system:

Thesis (0-1 point)
Contextualization (0-1 point)
Evidence (0-3 points)
Analysis (0-2 points)

How Much is the Document-Based Question Worth?

The DBQ is worth a significant portion of your grade on the AP test. Typically, the DBQ will be worth 25% of your overall score.

What Does the Rubric Mean?

The DBQ rubric is a set of criteria used to evaluate essays. It is divided into the categories listed above. But what does the rubric mean, and what should you expect to be graded on for each category? Below is a breakdown of each category and how points are determined.

Thesis: You earn a point on your DBQ thesis if you successfully make a claim responding to the prompt and addressing all of your central points that will be argued in the body. The thesis statement should be no more than two sentences, though one is preferable.
Contextualization: The context of your essay is crucial to a comprehensive and highly graded DBQ response. This portion relates to whether your thesis and arguments are connected to broader historical contexts central to the question.
Evidence: Students will earn anywhere from one to three points based on how successfully they incorporate the document-based evidence. Two points are earned when a student’s response describes the document’s content. The third point is earned if students integrate a document’s evidence throughout the essay rather than taking large chunks and quotes from the documents without providing analysis.
Analysis: Finally, you can earn one point for your analysis if you can accurately depict the content from each document, including its purpose and perspective. Students earn two points for responses that display a nuanced understanding of historical events relating to the documents.

What’s the Purpose of a DBQ?

The purpose of a DBQ is to assess your ability to analyze primary historical sources. DBQs test your skills and whether you can comprehensively respond to each question with a detailed explanation of the documents. DBQs focus on your analytical skills, overall knowledge of the subject, and ability to understand and break down historical documents.

It tests your ability to identify critical points and analyze how the documents support them. Additionally, it tests your ability to write a strong argument and support it with evidence. DBQs also demonstrate your understanding of the political and cultural contexts behind historical documents and their related events.

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Colleges of Distinction ensure that students are prepared for anything as they move toward a new chapter. Through our comprehensive resources and advice for students , you can master your DBQ responses and get into the colleges you’ve set your sights on. Check out our cohort of top-recognized colleges today by visiting Colleges of Distinction’s website. With some practice, preparation, and resources from Colleges of Distinction, you’ll be ready to ace your next AP test!

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AP® US History

How to write a new ap® us history dbq.

The Albert Team
Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

Hey! We wrote an updated version of this post here . Check it out for helpful videos and FRQ tips.

The dreaded AP® US History Document Based Question. For years it has struck fear in the hearts of many, turned boys into men and rookie students into old, weathered veterans. Rumor has it that little Jimmy Walker once took the AP® US History exam and when he got to the DBQ section, proceeded to spontaneously combust. Okay, so maybe that is a little dramatic. But the DBQ can be a really intimidating process that stands in the way of success for many students. Lucky for you, with this comprehensive guide, it can be relatively painless, and you will be well on your way to academic success and glory.

To start with, it is a good idea to figure out what exactly you are trying to accomplish on the DBQ . The quickest way to a high score is to know what the test scorers are looking for, and then do it! The rubric for grading the AP® US History DBQ can be found here . Also lucky for you, we broke down the rubric to make it easy to understand. Before you continue through the rest of this how-to guide, be sure to go check out the DBQ rubric guide here .

All right, so now you know what they are looking for and what you are trying to accomplish. Let’s get started.

The DBQ Layout:

Okay, so here’s how it works. Basically, you will be given an essay prompt, a set of primary source documents (never more than 7), and only 60 minutes to come up with a well written, clear and coherent essay response. The general rule of thumb, recommended by the good people at CollegeBoard, is to dedicate about 15 of those precious minutes to planning and the last 45 to writing. That may seem a little overwhelming, but it is totally doable! Especially with these 6 easy steps!

1. Read the Question.

Then figure out what the question is asking you. I can’t stress this enough, figuring out what the prompt is asking you is critical. No matter how good of a writer you are, or how much history you may know, if you don’t answer the question, you are sunk. A neat tip might be to write out in your own words what the question is asking.

As you are reading the question, be on the lookout for which skills they are trying to test you on. Every DBQ is looking to test your skills of historical argumentation, use of historical evidence, contextualization , and synthesis. These things are outlined in the rubric and are consistent parts of every good DBQ. In addition to these critical skills, a DBQ will be looking to analyze one of a number of certain skills. These include: causation, change/continuity over time, comparison, interpretation, or periodization. Don’t waste too much time trying to figure this out, and don’t get so caught up in it that you forget to answer the actual question, just be sure to keep it in mind as you plan out your answer.

That probably seems like an insanely long first step, but all of that will really only take a couple of minutes and set you up to breeze through the rest of the process. Once you have thoroughly read and interpreted the question, you are ready for step number 2!

2. Dig into the Sources

While you want to make sure that you read each document, don’t waste your time on too focused of a reading. Underline or highlight things that stand out, and make notes out to the side. One suggestion is to write a quick sentence or two that summarizes the main idea of each document. And again, this is all just part of the 15-minute planning period; so don’t get too caught up on any document. You are just looking for main ideas and details that really stand out. To take this one step further, you can organize the documents into groups based on their main point. (For highest score possibilities, make sure to use either all or all but one of the primary source documents).

3. Make an Outline.

First decide on a thesis, and from there think about how you want to use your primary source documents to support that thesis. Think about what kinds of outside information you might want to bring in to further support your argument, and where it will fit into your essay as a whole. Once more, don’t get stuck mapping out every single thing that you are going to say, but be sure that you include documents where they fit in the response. This will make it much easier to incorporate them into your answer. Hopefully it has only been 15 minutes or less at this point and you are now ready to write!

4. Start Writing!

Most of your highly intensive, critical thinking type stuff should already have happened and now it is just all about putting those thoughts into words. If you played your cards right and made good use of the first 15 minutes, this part of the process should be pretty straightforward. Start with a brief introduction that gives a little context to the subject matter and shows that you know some of the details surrounding the subject matter. Introduce your thesis, then a few of your main ideas that support your thesis. This part of your paper is not much different than a regular essay response.

5. Keep Writing!

As you get going on some longer paragraphs and stringing together lots of sophisticated and smart sounding sentences, it can be easy to lose sight of the main points of your paper. I have said it a couple times already, but it is absolutely essential that you answer the question!

A few key things to keep in mind as you write your body:

1. Use specific references from your documents, and always show where you are getting the information. At the same time, don’t just use huge block quotes to take up a bunch of space. Use what you need to answer the question.

2. Make sure you use some outside knowledge to support your argument, along with your documents. Specific examples that aren’t on the documents are super helpful in making your argument stronger, and just showing that you know what you are talking about.

3. Don’t forget to contextualize. Things that happen in history are not isolated events, and the circumstances surrounding things matter. Don’t forget to address that.

6. Wrap it up with a ballin’ conclusion.

Don’t draw it out and don’t introduce new ideas in the conclusion. Make it short and to the point. Summarize what your main thesis and arguments were and leave it at that. Don’t try to be too clever or witty or trite and you actually don’t have to use the term “In conclusion” every time you write a conclusion. (Mind blown, I know).

If you follow these 6 easy steps and ANSWER THE QUESTION , you will demolish the DBQ section of the AP® US History exam. (That’s a good thing). And at the very least, you will make it out better than poor Jimmy Walker.

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Kickstart your AP® US History prep with Albert. Start your AP® exam prep today .

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4 thoughts on “how to write a new ap® us history dbq”.

This says it was updated in May of 2020, bull crap! YOu are telling students they have 15 min to read the documents and 45 to write. Thats wrong! They have a total of 45 min. on the new 2020 online DBQ. So Im telling students to spend no more than 19 min with reading the docs. Come on guys! get this updated

I meant 10 min on reading Docs.

Paul, this was written several years ago as noted by the disclaimer. For the 2020 exam, please review our new guide here: https://www.albert.io/blog/ap-us-history-review/

Thanks for the comment!

Paul, this is an article from a few years ago (note the disclaimer). The updates made to this were just images, not core content. Our 2020 AP® US History guide can be found here: https://www.albert.io/blog/ap-us-history-review/

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Guide on How to Write a DBQ Essay with Ease

Updated 31 Jul 2024

Writing a DBQ essay is sometimes a daunting task for students as DBQ’s can often require high levels of academic ability as well as the ability to think ‘outside the box’. But do not fear, we at Edubirdie can help you master DBQ’s with our easy-to-follow guide! Read on to find out how write and format a DBQ and discover useful DBQ strategies and tips. Learn how to do a DBQ from professionals!

So, What Exactly is a DBQ essay?

Firstly, let’s get a clear idea of DBQ meaning and definition.

The DBQ (Document-Based Question) can be defined as a special combination that takes up to eight short answers for an essay based on the scaffolding of the documents. Each DBQ task will provide specific information, like your essay's subject and the historical background, before you start scaffolding or identifying things.

The 2021 Document Based Question will relate to historical development from 1754-1980 and it is worth 25% of the final score.

A DBQ needs a thesis and aims to prove a point whilst bearing in mind the historical context. It is assigned to test student’s knowledge, analyzation and understanding of a particular topic. Students are normally required to study several documents provided by the course instructor relating to an important point in history or historical figure. So, whilst working through the documents, you are seeking to identify patterns or how the information in the documents is associated. A good way to start is to create a DBQ plan or outline.

Create a DBQ Outline

As a general guide, a DBQ essay outline will include:

An introduction which begins with an interesting or exciting ‘hook’ for the reader and includes the historical context e.g., ‘The Great Depression in the USA was a time of desperation that quickly spread worldwide ’.
A thesis statement that directly answers the question (describe your claims made in the essay which you will support with evidence from the historical texts) e.g., ‘By far the most significant cause of The Great Depression was bank failures’.
Around 4 main body paragraphs (that give the reader one main idea within each paragraph):
Start with your topic sentence (linked to your thesis statement) e.g., ‘Firstly, banks decreased international lending resulted in…’

Then provide some outside information backed up by around three different sources of evidence in the documents e.g., ‘ We see evidence of the problems caused by banks decreased international lending in Document A.’

End with a transition sentence to lead into the next paragraph e.g., ‘Decreased international lending was not the only bank failure. There were others.’
A conclusion that:

- Paraphrases your thesis e.g., ‘Bank failures were the principal cause of The Great Depression’ .

- Summarizes your main arguments from each body paragraph and the historical significance of the arguments.

- Ends with a sentence that challenges the evidence provided by the documents.

How to Format a DBQ Essay Properly

The APUSH exam is normally around 3 hours and 15 minutes of which the DBQ section is allocated 60 minutes (15 minutes for planning and 45 minutes for writing). Roughly, 5 or 6 paragraphs are normally expected (one for the introduction and thesis, 3 or 4 for the main body and one for the conclusion) but there is no limit to the number of paragraphs. Most DBQ’s are around 2-3 handwritten pages. The length is not so important for DBQ’s as other essays. It is more important that your argument is concise, and you use evidence from the documents provided by the instructor as well as your outside knowledge. The number of documents can greatly vary (between 3-16 approximately) but often they are quite short.

If word processing your DBQ, you will need to double line space and use a clear, readable font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in font size 12 . You will also need to follow your educational establishments chosen citation style e.g., MLA, Harvard, APA, Chicago , etc. in regard to borders, use of indents, page numbers, etc.

Interpreting the Documents or Data

Every document provided in the DBQ exam is a form of evidence to help you understand a past event or historical figure. You will be expected to interpret the documents and see patterns or connections between them – much like a detective! To get started, ask yourself some analytical questions about each document. Some example question are below:

What exactly is the document e.g., letter, advertisement, book extract, public notice, newspaper article, legal record, annotated photograph, map, speech, quote, drawing, etc.?
What was its purpose e.g., to persuade, to entertain, to record information?
Is it a formal or informal document?
Is it a political or religious document?
Is it credible?
What is its connection to the other documents?
What events were happening at this point in history?
What was life like for people at this time in history e.g., unsettled, prosperous, poverty-stricken, exciting?
What people and objects can you see in the images?
What can you spot in the backgrounds?
What outside information do you recall that can help you interpret this document?
Where was this document written or a photograph taken?
In which state?
Was the document written or photograph taken in a home, a bedroom, a study, an office, a workplace, on a ship, train, in a rural or urban location, etc.?
Where was the document or image found or stored?
Where was it published?
Can you piece together or sequence a timeline of events from your documents?

When?

When was this document written approximately? How do you know?
Is a date included? You may need to check a very small print or look hard for it.
Are historical events mentioned?
Was it written before or after the events in the other documents your instructor has provided?
Can you tell when the image was taken from the clothes, buildings, background, signs, billboards, notices, etc.?
Who was the intended audience for this document?
Who wrote it/took the photograph/drew the image?
Is it signed? You may have to look very closely.
Who does the document mention?
Can you make any inferences about the writer?
Who or what event does the document refer to?
Who published it?
Who discovered it?
Was the writer likely paid to write it?
Who can you see in the photograph? Can you infer anything about their personality, age, status, work or lives from the photograph?
Why was the document written or a photo taken?
What was the writer or photographer trying to convey?
Could the writer have been biased? Why? How may this affect your interpretation of the document?
Could the image or photograph be staged? Photographs can be deceptive and fake back drops can be used.
Is it a reliable source of evidence? Are there any reasons why bias may have occurred in the document?
How was the document received or viewed at the time e.g., skeptically, with outrage, welcomed, with respect, with sensation?
How many people have interpreted it in the past? Think about the social norms, major influencers and what was happening around people in this place and at that time.
How is it connected to the other documents? Was it written at the same time, in the same place, about the same historical figure?
How are the people in the image portrayed poor, wealthy, healthy, sick, stern, etc.?
How did the people in the photograph want to be perceived? Does this contrast with how the photographer or person who requested the photograph wanted them to be perceived?
How do the objects, buildings and surroundings appear e.g., run down, overcrowded, luxurious, elaborate, grand, etc.?

In short, the documents provided are forms of evidence and evidence must be questioned. Try to remain objective, fair, balanced and read between the lines.

6 Easy Steps to DBQ Essay Writing!

Follow the simple steps below for DBQ success:

1. The Planning Stage (around 15 minutes)

Study the documents provided by your instructor and identify important or key points. Write your key points under the subtitles they fit best with. So, ask yourself which key points would fit well within your introduction? Thesis? Main body of your text?

2. Introduction (around 5-10 minutes)

The introduction needs to be a short summary of your essay. The first sentence should ideally be followed by a few sentences that give details about the topic being covered. Do not give the reader an answer to the question yet.

3. Thesis (around 5 minutes)

A DBQ thesis usually includes:

The claims you are making in the essay that you can support with evidence from the documents your instructor has provided.
A description of your essay.
An explanation of how you will answer the question.

4. The Main Body (around 20-30 minutes)

Every paragraph needs to link to your thesis. Within each paragraph make one point only with an answer to the question including evidence from your documents to back up your points or answers. Try to ‘read between the lines’ of your evidence texts and not just concentrate on the obvious.

5. Conclusion (around 5-10 minutes)

Begin by summarizing the whole essay and link your conclusion to your thesis. Then, answer the question. Remember, the conclusion involves persuading your audience (which in most cases is your instructor).

6. Proofreading (around 5 minutes)

Don’t skip this part, however tempting it is and worn out you are! You can lose marks for the simplest of spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors which could mean a lower grade. Also, check that your main body answers the question and link to your thesis.

Edubirdie’s Top Tips on How to Write a DBQ Essay!

As revision, grab a drink, get comfy, and chill while you read over a few DBQ example papers and then time yourself on a few practice runs!
Ensure you have read and understood all the documents before beginning writing.
Find the key points from the sources to include in your essay. Use a highlighter to help you.
Remember, to look for what may be implied in the documents as well as the obvious key points.
Write a temporary DBQ thesis in your rough notes to refer to throughout your writing. This helps you keep on track.
Present your opinion in the thesis.
Demonstrate an understanding of the writer’s opinion.
Use the correct document title when referring to it in your writing e.g., ‘Document A provides evidence of a capitalist attitude as it states…’.
Keep in mind why this topic mattered to people at this point in history!
As a DBQ is a formal piece of academic writing, ensure to keep your writing formal. Avoid slang, colloquialisms, contractions e.g., ‘don’t’, ‘can’t’. Instead use ‘do not’, ‘cannot’, etc.
It may sound strange, but it is often easier to write the introduction last. Try it out!

What does the examiner want?

The examiner is seeking:

An essay that shows the student has accurately interpreted the documents and incorporated outside information that relates to them.
Points that are supported by facts and examples.
Consideration of the importance, reliability and validity of the documents shown in your essay.
Conflicting points of view analyzed and various evidence from documents interwoven throughout the main body of the essay.
A strong introduction, thesis, and conclusion.

Note: You will likely lose marks if you did not demonstrate that you recognized the reliability, validity, or points of view of the texts. Avoid reiteration of the documents or only describing the documents, and ensure you include an introduction, thesis statement and conclusion.

Final Thoughts…

Understanding how to write a DBQ and learning the DBQ format APUSH is key to success. However, as with most things in life, practice makes perfect! Do not ignore your time management skills and have as many practice runs as you can. This will help you sail effortlessly through the DBQ exam. Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor for good DBQ example essays and a grading rubric or assessment guide. Reading successful past examples will help you get a real ‘feel’ of DBQ essay structure and wording, the grading rubric/assessment guide will help you understand exactly what the examiner is seeking in your essay. Writing a DBQ essay requires careful analysis and strong argumentation, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, you might consider asking a professional to write my essay for me to ensure a high-quality submission. Good luck!

Note: The advice in this article is generalized and exact requirements should be checked with your instructor or educational establishment.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Written by Eve Louise Davies

Eve holds a degree in Education, and she’s a real pro when it comes to academic writing. As an author of 5 books, she just likes to hold a pen. She’s a mother and a huge animal rights supporter. For the EduBirdie blog, Eve covers writing guides and any other topics that interest her.

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How to Write a DBQ Essay

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a DBQ .

This task often dazes students, as they don’t face this type of essay in class. When the time comes to deal with it, many questions and doubts appear about how to write a DBQ AP world , how long should a DBQ be , how to structure it, and so forth.

No worries:

We will go through the thorny path of DBQ essay writing together.

What Is a DBQ Essay?

A DBQ essay is a “document-based question” text you write as part of an AP History exam (such as the AP U.S. History exam, also known as APUSH, the AP European History exam, or the AP World History exam).

As you can see from the name, a DBQ essay is an assignment that requires you to analyze several documents related to a particular historical topic or time period and use them as evidence for your thesis and arguments.

Let’s see how to write a DBQ APUSH and organize the whole writing process for positive results.

When working on a DBQ essay, your goal will be to use the documents provided to analyze some trends or issues from the past. They’ll give you five to seven docs to check and determine any cause-and-effect relationships between the events those documents describe.

(These can be primary or secondary sources, including graphs, maps, letters, newspapers, etc.)

Instructors assign a DBQ essay to assess the skills you’ve gained in your AP class. They expect you to demonstrate the ability to:

Assess the context behind historical documents
Find connections between them
State a solid thesis related to the issue and use your analysis of the given documents to support it
Apply your knowledge and critical thinking to develop more substantial argumentation

So, here’s a recap:

You won’t need to describe the events from the documents they give you at the exam. A DBQ essay is about analysis: Imagine that you are a historian who needs to interpret sources and determine relationships between events to develop your thesis regarding a particular historical period or issue.

If you want to know how to write a DBQ, first learn inside and out. The structures of these two academic papers are very similar. (More on that below.)

Organization

Each AP history exam has two essay questions: one DBQ and one standard essay. You’ll see the DBQ essay in Part II (the writing section) of the test booklet. There will be instructions on the DBQ structure , the prompt, and the documents you’ll need to analyze.

You’ll have 90 minutes to write both essays. They recommend that you spend 15 minutes reading and interpreting the documents and 35-40 minutes writing.

Please note that your instructor won’t tell you when it’s time to finish the DBQ and move on to the second essay in your exam task, so keep an eye on the time to complete both papers successfully.

Part II (the writing section) of the AP exam makes up 50% of your grade: The two essays are of equal value, weighing 25% each.

In terms of grading, you can score up to seven points for your DBQ essay, one for each of the following:

A strong thesis
An argument addressing the historical theme and analyzed documents
The number of sources you link to your argument
Your analysis of the context, purpose, and audience for the given documents
Your discussion of the historical context that gives your argument more weight
Your mentions of pieces of supporting evidence besides those given to you in the prompt
Your ability to connect the thesis with another historical development, theme, or approach

If you want to know how to write a DBQ, first learn inside and out. The structures of these two academic papers are very similar. (More on that below.)

Each AP history exam has two essay questions: one DBQ and one standard essay. You’ll see the DBQ essay in Part II (the writing section) of the test booklet. There will be instructions on the DBQ structure, the prompt, and the documents you’ll need to analyze.

This task differs from a free-response essay, which may confuse students when they first encounter it. For this reason, we have specified the DBQ’s structure for you to reference when preparing for the exam. The outline sample is also here to make this type of essay even more straightforward.

DBQ Structure

A DBQ essay’s structure resembles a classic academic paper with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The only difference is that your thesis will be a separate paragraph rather than a sentence in your introduction.

That said, the DBQ structure is as follows:

Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Thesis
Paragraph 3: Argument 1
Paragraph 4: Argument 2
Paragraph 5: Argument 3
Paragraph 6: Conclusion

Format it in APA (for more information, here’s our article about how to write an essay in APA format ). As for length, a DBQ essay is typically three handwritten pages.

DBQ Outline Sample

What do you need to include in every paragraph of your DBQ essay? Below is an outline example that will help you understand this paper better.

How to write a DBQ AP world:

Introduction

– Hook your audience in the first sentence.

– Provide background for the topic. Use a source referring to a historical event or historical figure.

– Present the claims you’ll support with evidence.

– Present the evidence you’ll describe in the body paragraphs.

– Explain how you will answer the DBQ question.

Body paragraph 1

– Add the strongest argument you have related to your thesis.

– Add an analysis of the references that belong to that argument.

– Make a statement that performs the analysis from a different perspective. Link it to the thesis statement.

– Write a transition sentence that connects to the subsequent paragraph.

Body paragraph 2

– Add a new argument related to the one from the previous paragraph.

– Add an analysis of the references that belong to it.

– Write a transition sentence that connects to the following paragraph.

Main paragraph 3

– Add another argument that refers to your thesis and the argument from the previous paragraph.

– Write a transition sentence that connects to the conclusion.

– Summarize your arguments.

– Include any highlights or essential information that you’ve found.

– Write a strong closing sentence to leave readers with food for thought.

Steps to Writing a DBQ Essay

Now, let’s see how to write a DBQ essay when you’re at the exam and have about an hour to deal with everything.

Five steps to follow:

Analyze the prompt.
Develop a thesis.
Analyze the documents.
Write a draft.
Proofread and edit your DBQ essay.

Here are the details on each.

Analyze the Prompt

Read the task question: What is it asking you to do? Ensure you understand it; otherwise, you won’t be able to craft a clear thesis and essay.
Underline the key terms.
Identify categories. DBQs usually address either attitudes/reactions or political, economic, and social aspects within the question.
Pay attention to the documents’ chronology. Analyze it.
Number the parts of the question that you must answer.

Our guide on can help you better understand the idea behind reference analysis.

Develop a Thesis

A thesis comes after the opening paragraph of your DBQ essay, and it’s your opinion on the given topic. State your position on the question, answering all parts of it.

Please note:

A thesis statement is your argument, not another question you’re asking on the given documents and prescribed theme.

Below, we’ll provide more details on how to write a thesis for a DBQ.

Analyze the Documents

Now, it’s time to analyze the documents and decide which ones to use in each paragraph of your essay to support your claims.

Read through all the documents and see how they relate to the question in the prompt. Some will be more important than others; you should ignore those that are insignificant to your thesis. However, ensure that you include more than half of the documents in your essay.

Our article on will help you analyze the titles of documents and better understand the context behind them.

So, here’s the plan:

Outline your essay to see if it will answer all the parts of the question.
List the documents you’ll use as a reference in each paragraph.
Think about the outside information on the topic (besides that from the documents) that you might want to give to earn extra points on your essay.

Write a Draft

You’ll have 30-35 minutes to write your DBQ essay. Use this time wisely:

Follow the outline when writing.
Stick to the idea of “one paragraph = one argument” .
Use the documents and outside information (your knowledge) to support your answer.
Carry your thesis throughout your essay.
Conclude with a summary of your arguments.

Keep reading to learn the details of how to write a DBQ introduction and

how to write a DBQ conclusion.

Proofread and Edit Your Essay

The final step is to revise the draft to ensure it’s error-free.

Proofread your text for typos, as well as grammatical and stylistic mistakes. While minor errors are acceptable (such as writing “sufrage” instead of “suffrage” when talking about a woman’s movement for their rights), it’s still better to polish it as best you can.
Ensure that you’ve included all the required elements.
Check if your essay’s names, dates, people, and other facts are accurate.
Double-check that you’ve cited the correct documents and presented their content accurately.

If you can access an during the exam, please use it to ensure your DBQ paper sounds comprehensive and professional rather than superficial and AI-generated.

And now, for the most exciting part:

Here’s how to write a DBQ essay paragraph by paragraph.

How to Write a DBQ Introduction

Introduce the topic to your reader and mention the points you’ll describe in the text. Refrain from restating the question; tell them more about the purpose of your essay instead.

This is how to write a DBQ intro:

Start with a hook, i.e., an opening sentence that grabs attention and engages the reader. It can be an intriguing question or some unexpected statement about the historical period or issue you’ll discuss.
Explain what you’ll be talking about: Give readers the topic’s background.

Don’t explain the historical background! The instructors already know it, as they were the ones who gave it to you in the documents.

How to Write a DBQ Thesis

A thesis is a concise statement about your essay’s topic. It’s a defensible claim that responds to the prompt and that you’ll prove and support with evidence throughout your DBQ paper.

Ensure that you don’t simply restate the prompt in your thesis.

Review the prompt, read the documents to learn more about the topic, and form your perspective (argument) based on the information received. Refine that rough argument into a tentative thesis. It will be the heart of your paper to which all the claims and evidence in the body paragraphs of your essay will lead.

Below are your actionable tips on how to write a DBQ thesis.

Tips on How to Write a Thesis for a DBQ

Present the claim you’ll support with evidence.
Present the evidence you’ll describe in the body paragraphs.
Explain how you’ll answer the DBQ question.

Writing the Body Paragraphs of Your DBQ Essay

As a rule, DBQ essays consist of 3-4 body paragraphs.

Every paragraph covers only one idea and begins with a topic sentence.

Start with some outside information you learned in class and then support your thoughts with the documents. Don’t fall into lengthy descriptions of the documents – try to integrate them into your paper. You’re writing a formal, not a narrative, essay, so stick to the structure and formatting guidelines.

Our ultimate guide on will help you feel the difference.

Here are some tips on how to write a DBQ body paragraph:

Follow the structure: a topic sentence (argument related to your thesis) + evidence from the documents + logical transition to the subsequent paragraph.
Don’t just list the documents as they appear in the DBQ. Provide some analysis of them.
When referencing documents, always name the author and what they are in your sentence. At the end of each sentence, write the document number in parentheses in an abbreviated form.
Organize the facts in a logical sequence.
Place each set of facts in a separate paragraph.
Don’t quote the documents; use them as references. If you quote something, do it sparingly: one or two sources, and only part of them.

Every point you make should relate to the thesis statement and be supported with a suitable document or piece of outside information.

How to Write a DBQ Conclusion

Begin by restating the purpose of your DBQ essay and summarize the points you’ve described in previous paragraphs. Emphasize the “Why it is important” question to highlight the issue’s impact on today’s world. (It will make the audience feel the relevance and significance of the topic.) If you have no time for a lengthy conclusion, write a concluding sentence – it’s better than leaving the essay incomplete.

Below are some tips on how to write a conclusion for a DBQ.

Hacks on How to Write a Conclusion for a DBQ

Bring the reader back to your thesis and the initial question.
Summarize your points from the body paragraphs.
Include the highlights you’ve found.
Put in the historical significance of the event that the question asked about.
Write a strong closing sentence to leave readers with food for thought.

Little Tricks for Writing a Nice DBQ Paper

These tips from our experts will let you see how to write a good DBQ on the AP exam.

Ensure that you understand the question, as your credit depends on how well you answer it. A good tip: Write what it is about in your own words.
As you read the question, keep an eye on what skills they are trying to test you for in the DBQ: historical argumentation, proper use of historical evidence, synthesis, and contextualization. (As a rule, they’ll outline this in the rubric.)
Use the historical background, but don’t explain it (unless the assignment requires it).
Don’t reference documents by using phrases like “document 1 states”; mention the document’s title instead. Include contextualization, a brief statement that sets out the broader historical background that’s relevant to the essay prompt.
Different exams require or don’t require quotes. If you’re unsure, use a citation to clarify what document you are talking about.
Present all the paragraphs in a logical order.
Keep in mind that there is no correct answer to a DBQ essay. As long as you have evidence, you can argue for any point of view.
Remember to use outside information to get the most credit for your essay.
Don’t panic. Learn as much about the exam as you can and get prepared.
Remember that the graders will only have a little time to read your essay; they will look at the general picture instead of doing a detailed review.

How Long Should a DBQ Be to Appear A-Worthy?

You have 40-45 minutes to complete the DBQ essay. Aim for 5-6 paragraphs that will discuss at least half of the documents provided with the prompt. Use a double-spaced format for your essay.

If you write it by hand, keep it three pages long. As for the word count, your DBQ essay should be between 700 and 1000 words .

A DBQ Essay Sample to Check

It’s better to see once than hear twice, right? Now that you know how to write a DBQ, here’s a DBQ essay example to consider when you have doubts about organizing your paper like a boss.

The Role Of The Early Black Church In The Struggle For Civil Rights And Freedom

The Church’s role during the civil rights movement was pronounced in providing much-needed emotional, spiritual, and moral reinforcement and support that rekindled the community’s strength to continue their agitation for equal human rights for all Americans, irrespective of one’s creed or color. Historically, the Black Church played an enormous role in providing safer havens where agitators of freedom and racial justice could assemble in a comfortable environment. For instance, the Church inspired the struggle for civil rights and freedom by conceiving associations that mentored leaders, mobilized resources, and instilled a strong sense of spiritual culture.

The Black Church ascended to become an epicenter of African American life, inspiring and nourishing the Civil Rights Movement’s religious and political dimensions by molding personalities who led the movement in different phases. The Church conceived various powerful formations, including the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), that actively took part in the black struggle for racial parity and civil rights freedoms (Calhoun-Brown 170). The Church would make black leaders like Luther King Jr. more visible, shaping their ideologies of nonviolence to freedom and justice.

The Black Church supported the fight for freedom and civil rights by mobilizing a structured mass base, resources, and congregation points where the masses designed strategies and tactics and organized themselves to the struggle. The Church leadership was economically dependent on clergy persons from the White society with adequate skills in managing people, mobilizing the masses, and necessary resources, which fueled the movement towards its pre-mediated direction (Ghose 59). The Black Church became extensively involved in the freedom fight by deepening its commitment to the fight for social justice through direct actions, such as the Montgomery bus boycott, training young leaders, and asserting the value and quality of all individuals.

The Black Church made supplications that spoke directly to the oppressed peoples’ needs and emphasized the sinful nature of oppression before the Almighty, prayers that connected the movement’s purpose to the spiritual precepts entrenched in Christianity (Harris 8). Such prayers attracted more masses to join the movement. Existing evidence shows that SNCC students, including John Lewis, derived their activism motivation from a Christian conscience that strengthened them during violence, fear, and danger (Mays et al. 104). Such activism motivation was critical in supporting their movements.

The Black Church exhorted African American communities to accept the notion of redemptive suffering as sacred because it was grounded in Christianity, which gave them hope for a better tomorrow when they shall all be free from the tentacles of social, economic, and political injustices. Additionally, the Black Church gave activists a non-violent approach to the struggle (Taylor 4). The Biblical texts reinforced this approach and encouraged the masses to submit to God’s will. Despite acting as a model of independence that the oppressed sought, the Church served as a source of metaphors and symbols for the freedom fighters.

The Black Church gave hope to those who had suffered humiliation in the country’s history, including the oppressed African American individuals, by sustaining a strong sense of spiritual culture rooted in the faith, which walked them through their ordeal. The Black Church rendered the platform to gather for spiritual and cultural rejuvenation (Napierała 6). The Church also offered them the stage to express their cultural activities amidst exclusion and oppression (Mays et al. 104). The Church rituals, prayers, doctrines, and music gave them solidarity and identity pegged on the doctrine of the equality of men before the Creator (Mays et al. 104).

The Black Church’s history and the agonizing experience of the African American community in American society positioned the Church as the home of faith for freedom agitators. It acted as the Blacks’ cultural congregation and raising funds centers. Additionally, it acted as a laboratory for leadership training, a shelter of solace, a source of aid, and the emblem of autonomy and identity of African masses during the Civil Rights Movement. In that regard, the Church nurtured various personalities to ensure the movement’s sustenance into the future.

Works Cited

Calhoun-Brown, Allison. “Upon this rock: The black church, nonviolence, and the civil rights movement.” PS: Political Science & Politics 33.2 (2000): 169-174. Ghose, Supad K. “The role of the Black church in the American Civil Rights Movement.” UITS Journal 5.1 (2019): 58-68. Harris, Fredrick C. Something within: Religion in African-American political activism. Oxford University Press, 1999. Mays, Benjamin E., and Joseph W. Nicholson. “The Negro’s Church (New York, 1933; rpt. New York.” (1969). Morris, Aldon D. The origins of the civil rights movement. Simon and Schuster, 1986. Napierała, Paulina. “Black Churches and African American social activism: the” opiate view” and the” inspiration view” of black religion in the selected literature.” BAS British and American Studies 27 (2021). Taylor, Clarence. Black religious intellectuals: The fight for equality from Jim Crow to the 21st century. Routledge, 2013.

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The Ultimate APUSH DBQ Guide: Rubric, Examples, and More!

Advanced Placement (AP)

You’ve been working hard in your AP US History class, and now it’s time to start prepping for your APUSH exam.

But there’s a lot you’ll need to know if you want to do well, especially on the APUSH DBQ section. For instance, you’ll need to understand the APUSH DBQ rubric so you know how you’ll be scored on your answers, and you’ll need to look at a few APUSH DBQ examples so you understand what it takes to

Luckily for you, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about APUSH DBQs in one easy place. (That place is, uh, here. ) We’ll go over:

An explanation of what APUSH DBQs are and why they’re important
A walkthrough covering how APUSH DBQs work on the exam and what to expect
A six-step process for writing a great DBQ
Four tips for studying for and answering the APUSH DBQs

We’ll also give you an APUSH DBQ rubric and APUSH DBQ examples That’s a lot to talk about, so let’s get going!

The APUSH DBQ is an essay-based question, so you'll have to write quickly!

What Is an APUSH DBQ?

A DBQ is a “document-based” question that you’ll have to answer on your AP exam. For these questions, you’ll be given seven “documents,” which are short readings that cover different, usually related aspects of US History. From there, you’ll be asked to answer each DBQ in essay form using information from the documents you’ve been provided!

The good thing about APUSH DBQs is that they’re open-ended, meaning there are multiple correct ways to answer each question. The downside is that in order to answer the question and earn full credit, you’ll need to analyze and incorporate multiple documents as part of your argument.

And did we mention you’ll only have a limited amount of time to answer the DBQ, and that it's worth 25% of your total test score? That’s why APUSH DBQs can be stressful for test-takers!

How Do DBQs Work on the APUSH Exam?

The APUSH exam consists of 60 questions in total. Here’s how they break down across the test:

Of the two free response questions, one is a long essay (worth 15%) and one is a DBQ. This means that the sole DBQ is, by itself, worth 25% of your total grade, making it the single most heavily-weighted question on the APUSH exam.

The APUSH DBQ will consist of a single open-ended prompt . To answer it, you’ll have to create a persuasive argument that uses the documents you’ve been given on the exam itself. (More on that a bit later.)

To give you a little more context, here are some actual APUSH DBQ examples from previous years’ APUSH exams:

“Evaluate the extent of change in ideas about American independence from 1763 to 1783.” ( 2017 )
“Evaluate the relative importance of different causes for the expanding role of the United States in the world in the period from 1865 to 1910.” ( 2018 )
“Evaluate the extent to which the Progressive movement fostered political change in the United States from 1890 to 1920.” ( 2019 )

APUSH Document Types

To answer these questions well, you’ll also have to read, analyze, and incorporate information from seven documents you’ll be provided on test day. These documents will be a mixture of:

Primary texts : texts that were actually written in the time period you’re being asked about
Secondary texts : texts written by later historians that explain the time period
Images: these are typically either political cartoons or artworks from the time period

How many of each type of document you’ll see on your exam varies from year to year, so you’ll need to be equally comfortable using all three types of documents.

You’ll have to read through all seven documents and understand them so you can use them to answer your DBQ question. The information in the documents will help you create a thesis, build your argument, and prove your point…so you can get a great APUSH DBQ score! Just remember: to earn full credit, you’ll also have to explain how at least six of the documents are relevant to your argument, using evidence to back those claims up.

Using Outside Information

Along with the provided documents, you’ll also be expected to use one piece of historical evidence that isn’t included in the documents , but you already know from your own reading. This is information that you’ll have studied in class (or read on your own!) that applies to the DBQ and supports your argument.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to bring any class notes with you on exam day. That means you’ll need to study ahead of time so you’ll be ready to incorporate outside information into your DBQ answer!

Whew! That’s a lot! However, if it makes it any easier, the APUSH DBQ will only cover the period from 1754-1980 . That means you’ll only need to focus on studying–and remembering!--information from about 230 years.

Understand the APUSH DBQ Rubric

First, you need to understand what the expectations are and how your answer will be graded. That means reading through and understanding the official APUSH DBQ rubric!

The good news is that the College Board has provided the APUSH DBQ rubric as part of their 2021 AP Exam Administration Scoring Guidelines - AP United States History document .

Here’s how the rubric breaks down:

Thesis (1 point)

First, you’ll need to create a thesis that “responds to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis/claim that establishes a line of reasoning.” In order to get this point you’ll need to make an arguable claim based on the documents that answers the question of the prompt.

In other words, you’ll need to choose a position and then defend it with evidence from the documents and your knowledge base.

Contextualization (1 point)

In order to get a point for contextualization you’ll need to “accurately describe a context relevant” to the time period covered by the prompt. What this means is that you’ll have to describe the political, social, or economic events and trends that contributed to what your thesis is arguing.

Some of this you’ll know from the provided documents, but some of it you will also be expected to know on your own based on what you’ve studied in AP US History. You’ll also need to relate your knowledge to “broader historical events, developments, or processes that occur before, during, or continue after the time frame of the question.” That means you have to show how the events of this time period are relevant now or how they are similar to some other historical situation .

Evidence (3 points)

For this part of the rubric, you’ll earn one point just for incorporating specific evidence that does not come from the provided documents in a way that is relevant to your thesis!

In order to earn the other two points, you must support your argument by using content from six of the seven documents . (If you don’t use six documents, but do use at least three of them, you’ll only earn one point.)

You can’t just randomly throw information from the documents into your essay, though, you have to use it in a way that supports your argument and accurately represents what the documents are saying .

Analysis and Reasoning (2 points)

For the analysis and reasoning section, you get one point for explaining “how or why the document’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience is relevant to an argument.” You’ll earn another point for “complexity,” showing that you understand the time period that the prompt covers and use evidence to prove your understanding and back up your argument .

So to earn analysis and reasoning points, you have to prove how the documents are relevant to your argument, your argument has to demonstrate you understand the historical events of the time period, and you’ll have to create an argument that is well-reasoned and “complex.”

You’ll need to show graders you understand there’s a variety of possible perspectives about the issue you’re writing about and that people in that era did not all agree or have the same experiences.

Step-By-Step Process for Tackling an APUSH DBQ

The APUSH DBQ is a complicated question that tests you over several different skills, so there isn’t any simple technique to ace it. However, if you master each of the individual skills it takes to do well on the DBQ examples, rocking your APUSH DBQ will be much easier!

Here are five steps you can follow to build a foundation that’ll help you ace the DBQ.

Step 1: Take a Practice DBQ

The best way to master APUSH DBQs is by practicing with real APUSH DBQ examples.

The College Board’s website has the actual prompts from 2015-2019 available to download. This means you can take at least five practice APUSH exams, as well as read APUSH DBQ example responses and APUSH DBQ rubrics, for free!

This is excellent news because you can take several practice swings at answering APUSH DBQs before you have to tackle the real thing on test day.

Before practicing DBQ responses, it’s a good idea to take at least one APUSH DBQ practice test so you know what your baseline is. That way, you’ll understand your strengths and weaknesses and can really zero in on your weakest areas! From there, you can work through the practice APUSH DBQ prompts on their own.

However, the nature of a free response means that it won’t be easy for you to grade by yourself. To evaluate your DBQs, be sure to use the APUSH DBQ rubric we walked through above. Honestly try to assess whether or not you incorporated the information thoroughly and accurately. You can also ask a teacher, tutor, or even a family member to grade your APUSH DBQs for you as well!

Later, after you practice the skills outlined in the steps below, take another practice DBQ and see if it seems easier for you. Compare your score to the baseline score from your first attempt. Then, re-read over your textbooks and take it again. Repeat the cycle a couple of times. The big benefit will be that you will eventually get so used to the APUSH DBQ that you will be more comfortable in the actual testing environment .

Step 2: Practice Writing a Thesis

Because your DBQ response will have to choose a position and defend it, you’ll need to work on writing strong thesis statements. A thesis statement is essentially your argument in a nutshell, and it sums up the purpose of your essay.

The most important aspect of your APUSH DBQ thesis is that it has to make a claim that is both arguable (meaning you can use evidence to prove it) and is relevant to the prompt you’re given. However, you don’t want to just restate the prompt in your thesis!

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say your APUSH DBQ prompt is:

Evaluate the extent of change in ideas about American independence from 1763 to 1783.

You don’t want your thesis to be “Ideas about American independence changed a lot from 1763 to 1783. That’s just adding a few words to the prompt…and it’s not descriptive enough to cover the argument you’ll make later. Instead, make a specific claim about how and why ideas about American independence changed, and you’ll need to use the documents provided to prove it!

So for this example, a better thesis might be, “Between 1763 and 1783, American ideas about independence changed from being unsure about how the nation could survive without British rule to believing in (and fighting for) the nation’s independence.”

Because APUSH DBQs are open-ended, there are actually many different thesis statements you could come up with that would let you write an amazing answer. Here are two APUSH DBQ examples that College Board considers acceptable theses for this prompt:

“The ideas about American independence changed greatly from 1763 to 1783. In the beginning, colonists only wanted representation and a say in the legislation of new laws, but by 1783 Americans wanted true freedom from British rule.”
“From 1763–1783, ideas of American independence changed from the colonies blindly accepting the tyranny of the British by religious rights of divine kings to believing in natural rights of individuals against British rule.”

Let’s look at how these theses make specific claims:

The first thesis argues that colonists originally only wanted representation, but by 1783 wanted freedom from British rule. These are two different mindsets that the author can then use the documents to illustrate and prove actually existed.

The second example thesis addresses a more theoretical change in belief: one that changes from Americans of 1763 accepting the medieval notion of the king inheriting from God the right to govern, to one in which Americans of 1783 believed that individuals had the natural right of freedom from tyranny. The author can then use the documents as evidence that Americans in that time period had those beliefs, and can argue about what happened to change them.

By practicing thesis writing, you’ll be able to create a detailed–and defensible!--statement that will help you create a convincing DBQ argument.

An outline will serve as a roadmap that'll help you write a great essay—and it'll help you manage your time, too.

Step 3: Practice Creating an Outline

With only an hour to read the documents to write your essay, you probably won’t have time to revise. It’s very important that you make the best use of the limited time you will have available, so an outline will help you organize your thoughts and will keep you on track as you write.

Just be careful that you don’t take too much time with your outline–you need to write a whole essay! Five minutes (or less!) is all you need to put together an outline that’ll help you write an awesome DBQ.

With that said, let’s talk about what makes up a great outline.

Two important elements of a good outline are an introduction and conclusion ! Your intro will set up your thesis and your conclusion to restate your thesis while explaining why it’s relevant to the reader today. Because both of these sections center around your thesis statement, they’ll help you organize the rest of your argument…and your DBQ essay!

Once you have those in place, you can start adding body paragraphs to your outline. Since you only have about 45 minutes to write this essay, you don’t want too many of them. Three or four body paragraphs will be enough to get the job done.

The most important thing about your body paragraphs is that each of them makes a claim that a) supports your thesis and b) allows you to incorporate information from the documents as evidence. You may even want to make a note of which documents you want to use in each body paragraph!

Here’s an outline template you can use as you practice your APUSH DBQs:

Set up your argument and include your thesis.
You can break down your thesis into several component steps, which will then become the body paragraphs as you expand upon them.
Tell the reader what they need to know about the historical situation.
Include any information you might already know from outside the provided documents.
Make the first argumentative point you mentioned in your introduction/thesis.
Use information from two to three documents to illustrate and prove your point.
Make the second argumentative point you mentioned in your introduction/thesis.
Use two to three different documents to support this point.
If you have a third argumentative point, you’ll need to make it here.
Be sure to use at least one document to support your argumentative point.
Restate your thesis and summarize the main points you’ve made.
Show how it’s relevant to the reader.

Again, this outline doesn’t need to be fancy! Jotting down a few words–or a short sentence–for each point will get you to where you need to go.

Step 4: Practice Incorporating Quotes and References

As you write your essay, you’ll need to use examples from the documents provided–and each time you do so, you need to explain documents you pulled the information from. You’ll do this whether you are quoting your source or just paraphrasing it.

There are two ways to do this:

#1: Attribution

Attributing your information means you tell your reader in the sentence which document you’re quoting or paraphrasing from. Below are two attribution DBQ examples APUSH considers acceptable:

"Charles Inglis uses reason to note that the colonies would be unable to sustain themselves without British support because the colonies don’t make enough money through agriculture and commerce.”

Notice that even though this APUSH DBQ example doesn’t quote Inglis outright, the author still lets the readers know which source they’re using to prove their point.

#2: Parenthetical

Using a parenthetical citation means that you put either the author of the source’s name or which document it’s from, in parentheses, at the end of the sentence. H ere’s an example of parenthetical citation that the College Board considers acceptable:

“He claimed only man himself can direct his own actions and decisions, not the rule of any legislative authority or man (Doc. 3).”

Since the sentence does not say who “he” is, the author of this essay has included this parenthetical citation (Doc. 3) that the reader can use to read the document in question and see if the argument the author is making is correctly represented from the source.

As you use these sources, you need to make sure that you are using the document accurately and not plagiarizing. Your goal is to show that you understand each document and know how to incorporate it into an argument.

Step 5: Understand Time Management

One of the most important skills you can acquire by taking multiple attempts at the APUSH DBQ practice test will be time management . When you’re in the actual test environment, you won’t be able to use your phone to set a timer or alarm, so it can be difficult to keep track of how much time you’re spending on reading and re-reading the documents, brainstorming, and outlining.

You want to leave yourself the majority of the time allowed (which will be one hour) for writing. College Board’s APUSH DBQ rubric recommends that you spend 15 minutes reading the documents and 45 minutes writing the essay .

The best way to get your time management down is practice . Set timers during your APUSH DBQ practice test so you can get a feel for how much time it takes to put an answer together. That way you have a feel for the process and will have enough time to write your DBQ on test day.

4 Tips for Mastering APUSH DBQs

Now that you’ve read our step-by-step process for tackling the APUSH DBQ and have seen several APUSH DBQ examples, here are some expert tips on doing well on the APUSH DBQ .

Tip 1: Remember that Each Point Is Scored Separately

Go through the APUSH DBQ rubric and take note of each individual task since you’ll be scored on how well you complete each one . For each task, there are usually multiple points available.

For example, you’ll earn one point for using at least three documents in your DBQ. But if you want to earn the full two points for that category, you’ll need to incorporate at least six documents into your answer.

By understanding the rubric, you’ll be able to maximize how many points you earn on your DBQ.

Tip 2: Your Essay Can Contain Errors

Now, don’t misunderstand us: you can’t say an author makes one claim when they are clearly saying the opposite. You also can’t write something that is obviously wrong, like that America continues under British rule because the revolution was unsuccessful, and get full credit!

But you can make minor errors that don’t detract from your argument as long as you are demonstrating a knowledge of the time period and the ability to incorporate evidence to make an argument. So for example, if you said that the First Continental Congress ended in November instead of October of 1774, you’ll still be able to earn full credit despite making a small error.

Tip 3: Write For Clarity

One thing to keep in mind is that you will be graded on how well you make and argue a thesis, and how well you incorporate the evidence from the documents to support that thesis– you don’t get graded on how beautifully or fluently you write ! So, while you’ll want to use correct grammar and write as clearly as you can, don’t spend too much time thinking about how best to phrase things as if you were writing for publication. Just focus on clearly explaining your ideas!

You won’t have points taken away for grammatical errors unless they make it difficult for the graders to see how you’ve used the evidence to make an argument.

Tip 4: Connect the Dots

Not only for the APUSH DBQ, but for everything you write, you need to ask yourself, why is this relevant? In the contextualization section, you are required to relate the information you’re conveying to other time periods or situations to earn full credit.

This is your chance to show that while the period you’re writing about may have been long in the past, the events are still relevant to us today ! This is why we read, write, and study history in the first place!

What’s Next?

If you’re taking APUSH, you’re probably taking other AP classes as well! Here’s a general guide to preparing for AP tests that’ll help you get ready for any other AP exams you take.

Like we mentioned earlier, taking practice tests is one of the best ways you can get ready for your actual AP exams. Here’s a guide that’ll help you find the best AP practice tests for each exam.

If you’re taking multiple AP tests, you’ll need to maximize your study time. One way to do this is to study for each test based on when you’ll have to take it! Our complete breakdown of the AP exam schedule will help you manage your study time efficiently and effectively.

Looking for help studying for your AP exam? Our one-on-one online AP tutoring services can help you prepare for your AP exams. Get matched with a top tutor who got a high score on the exam you're studying for!

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what's a dbq essay and how do i write one.

Hey everyone, my history teacher just assigned us to write a DBQ essay, but I'm not exactly sure what that means. Can someone explain what a DBQ essay is and possibly give some tips or guidelines on how to approach it? Thanks in advance!

A DBQ (Document-Based Question) essay is a type of essay commonly found in history exams like Advanced Placement (AP) courses or on standardized tests. The main goal of a DBQ essay is to analyze and interpret a set of documents provided to you, incorporating the evidence from these documents into a coherent and well-structured argument. The documents can include a variety of materials such as texts, images, maps, or charts. Here are some steps to guide you through the process of writing a DBQ essay:

1. Understand the prompt: Before diving into the documents, make sure you thoroughly read and understand the prompt. Identify the historical context, key themes, and any specific instructions the question provides. Knowing what the question asks will help you focus your analysis.

2. Examine the documents: You'll typically receive 5-7 documents to analyze for your essay. Read and analyze each document carefully, noting the author, historical context, and intended audience. Pay close attention to any bias or perspective presented and think about how the documents relate to the prompt.

3. Develop a thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state your argument and address the prompt. It should be specific, concise, and take a position that can be supported with evidence from the documents.

4. Organize your thoughts: Create an outline for your essay, organizing your thoughts and evidence into a logical sequence. Make sure your argument flows coherently, and your points relate to one another. Group the documents into major themes or categories based on their content.

5. Write your essay: Start with an introduction paragraph that provides context for the time period and introduces your thesis statement. In the body paragraphs, discuss each document and tie it back to your thesis. Make sure to reference the document's author, title, or other relevant information. Use outside knowledge, where appropriate, to provide additional context or evidence. Balance your analysis of the documents with your own perspective and arguments.

6. Write a conclusion: Sum up your arguments, restate your thesis, and provide a closing thought. The conclusion should provide a sense of closure and effectively wrap up your essay.

7. Proofread: Read through your essay carefully, checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. Make sure your arguments are clear and well-supported, and your essay is logically organized.

Remember that practice makes perfect! If you're new to DBQ essays, try working through a few practice prompts and sets of documents to familiarize yourself with the format and expectations. Good luck!

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COMMENTS

How to Write a DBQ Essay: Key Strategies and Tips
Start with 20 minutes for your outline and 50 for your essay, (or longer, if you need). Then when you can do it in 20 and 50, move back to 18 minutes and 45 for writing, then to 15 and 40. You absolutely can learn to manage your time effectively so that you can write a great DBQ in the time allotted.
How to Write a DBQ (Ultimate Guide, Examples, Templates)
A Document-Based Question (DBQ) is an essay prompt used in exams like AP History. It requires you to analyze and synthesize historical documents to create a coherent argument. ... Conclusion: Restate thesis and summarize main points; Here is how to do it: Introduction: Start with a hook to grab attention, provide background information, and ...
How to Write a DBQ: Definition, Step-By-Step, & DBQ Example
Step 3: Thesis (20 Minutes) This form of essay requires a separate 3 paragraphs for the DBQ thesis. Describe the claims made in your paper which can be supported by the evidence. The second paragraph should include a description of the paper. The third paragraph should include how you're going to answer the question.
Where to Find the Best DBQ Examples
One of the best ways to prepare for the DBQ (the "document-based question" on the AP European History, AP US History, and AP World History exams) is to look over sample questions and example essays. Doing this will help you to get a sense of what makes a good (and what makes a bad) DBQ response. That said, not all DBQ essay examples are created equal.
How to Write a DBQ Essay: The Ultimate Guide
How to Conclude Your DBQ Essay. In the updated 2017 DBQ, you don't need to write a synthesis paragraph. So conclude your DBQ essay by reiterating the main analysis points of your body paragraph briefly, and restate your thesis. Together, this will distill your essay down to its main points for a clear, strong conclusion.
How to Write a DBQ Essay: Full Guide by HandmadeWriting
You can cite facts from history to write a DBQ. DBQ Essay Example: Logical Conclusion. The conclusion of a document-based question essay can contain such an essential, complementary element to the article as an indication of the application (implication) of your research, not excluding the relationship with other problems. DBQ essay example ...
How to Write the Document Based Question (DBQ)
Steps to Writing an Effective DBQ. We've summarized how to write an effective DBQ into the following five steps: 1. Read the prompt first. Though you may be tempted to jump into the documents right away, it's very important that you first look at what exactly the prompt is asking for.
Mastering the Art of DBQ Essays: How Do You Write a DBQ
The DBQ essay format typically consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction presents the historical context and the thesis statement. Body paragraphs explore specific arguments supported by evidence from documents and the student's own analysis.
Winning DBQ Essay: Practical Writing Tips for Students
In conclusion, the DBQ essay restates the thesis, summarising the main points, offering a closing thought or call to action, and encouraging further exploration or discussion. The thesis serves as a reminder of the main argument and reinforces its significance in light of the evidence presented. The summary provides closure and reinforces the ...
How to Write a DBQ Essay for APUSH
As I stated in a previous post on what the APUSH exam is all about, the goal of the exam is to test your historical thinking skills. Historians write arguments based on documents, and for this exam, you will, too. For a DBQ essay, you will receive several documents of varying length. You will be asked to respond to some historical prompt that ...
How to Write a DBQ Essay
Conclusion. To write a DBQ essay effectively, focus on understanding the prompt, developing a strong thesis, and supporting it with a mix of evidence from both documents and broader historical knowledge. Remember, clarity, coherence, and a strong argument are your keys to success. Additionally, always approach your essay critically, ensuring ...
How to Write a DBQ Essay (with Pictures)
2. Identify the prompt's keywords and assigned tasks. Ensure you understand what evidence to look for in the documents and what your essay needs to accomplish. Circle or underline task-oriented words such as "evaluate," "analyze," and "compare and contrast.".
Document-Based Question (DBQ) and How Ace Your Essay
The DBQ is placed at the start of the writing section, which forms Part II of the AP exam. The instructions on how to answer the section appear at the top of the page, followed by the essay prompt and then the historical documents. You have 15 minutes to read and understand the documents and 45 minutes to compose your essay.
How to Write a DBQ Essay Step by Step + Example
Step 1. Analyze the Documents Before Starting a DBQ Essay. If you are on an AP exam, you will have 15 minutes to familiarize yourself with the hint and document for writing a DBQ essay.During this short period, you need to read your given tip carefully (we recommend re-reading it several times), analyze attached documents, and develop your own argumentation.
ᐉ How to Write a DBQ ☑️ What Is a DBQ?
DBQ. DBQ is the short form for Document-Based Question. The report type shows up most frequently in social studies and US history (AP history) classes. The structure of a DBQ essay is similar, regardless of the subject that the student is studying. In all cases, the candidate is provided with source information.
What is a DBQ? An Essential Guide to Document-Based Questions
Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the central points of your essay and restate your argument. It should also explain how your argument supports the prompt. When writing your DBQ essay during an AP exam, you will be given 15 minutes to look over the documents provided for the essay. You will spend the remaining 45 minutes writing the ...
How to Write a New AP® US History DBQ
3. Don't forget to contextualize. Things that happen in history are not isolated events, and the circumstances surrounding things matter. Don't forget to address that. 6. Wrap it up with a ballin' conclusion. Don't draw it out and don't introduce new ideas in the conclusion. Make it short and to the point.
How to Write a DBQ Essay: Top Academic Ways and Tips
A conclusion that: - Paraphrases your thesis e.g., 'Bank failures were the principal cause of The Great Depression'. - Summarizes your main arguments from each body paragraph and the historical significance of the arguments. - Ends with a sentence that challenges the evidence provided by the documents. How to Format a DBQ Essay Properly
What is a DBQ? The Document-Based Question Explained
The dreaded DBQ, or "document-based question," is an essay question type on the AP History exams (AP US History, AP European History, and AP World History). For the DBQ essay, you will be asked to analyze some historical issue or trend with the aid of the provided sources, or "documents," as evidence. The DBQ is an unfamiliar type of in-class ...
PDF 2019 APUSH DBQ Sample Essays by Tom Richey
NOTE: This is NOT an essay that I would encourage students to write, but an essay in this format still warrants mention because 1) the average score on the 2019 APUSH DBQ was a 2.5, which this essay exceeds, and 2) it may be about as much as some students with weak writing skills will be able to do.
How to Write a DBQ Essay
Writing the Body Paragraphs of Your DBQ Essay. As a rule, DBQ essays consist of 3-4 body paragraphs. Every paragraph covers only one idea and begins with a topic sentence. Start with some outside information you learned in class and then support your thoughts with the documents. Don't fall into lengthy descriptions of the documents - try to ...
The Ultimate APUSH DBQ Guide: Rubric, Examples, and More!
Of the two free response questions, one is a long essay (worth 15%) and one is a DBQ. This means that the sole DBQ is, by itself, worth 25% of your total grade, making it the single most heavily-weighted question on the APUSH exam.. The APUSH DBQ will consist of a single open-ended prompt.To answer it, you'll have to create a persuasive argument that uses the documents you've been given on ...
What's a DBQ essay and how do I write one?
A DBQ (Document-Based Question) essay is a type of essay commonly found in history exams like Advanced Placement (AP) courses or on standardized tests. The main goal of a DBQ essay is to analyze and interpret a set of documents provided to you, incorporating the evidence from these documents into a coherent and well-structured argument. The documents can include a variety of materials such as ...

How to Write a DBQ (Ultimate Guide, Examples, Templates)

What Is a DBQ?

Types of DBQs

Step-by-Step Guide to DBQ Bliss

1. Read the Prompt

2. Analyze the Documents

3. Group the Documents

4. Develop a Thesis Statement

5. Outline Your Essay

6. Write the Essay

7. Proofread and Revise

DBQ Examples

Example 1: The American Revolution

Example 2: The French Revolution

Example 3: The Civil Rights Movement

Example 4: Industrial Revolution

Example 5: The Cold War

DBQ Templates You Can Use Today

Template 1: Causes of a Historical Event

Template 2: Impact of a Social Movement

Template 3: Comparing Historical Periods

Template 4: Evaluating Historical Policies

Final Thoughts: How to Write a DBQ

Read This Next

How to Write a DBQ

What Is a DBQ?

DBQ Outline

Introduction

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

Feeling Overwhelmed Writing a DBQ ESSAY?

How to Write a DBQ: Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Planning (15 Minutes)

Step 2: Introduction (5 Minutes)

Step 3: Thesis (20 Minutes)

Step 4: Body (2 Hours and 16 Minutes)

Step 5: Conclusion (10 Minutes)

Step 6: Proofreading (10 Minutes)

Writing Tips to Success with Your DBQ Essay

DBQ Example

Do You Need Help From A PROFESSIONAL ESSAY WRITER?

How to Write a DBQ Essay: The Ultimate Guide

First Things First: What is a DBQ Essay?

How to Outline a DBQ Essay (with Examples)

What Makes an Effective Thesis?

How to Develop a DBQ Argument

What to Look for When Analyzing the DBQ Documents

3 Strategies to Use When Drafting Your DBQ

How to Conclude Your DBQ Essay

How to Revise Your DBQ Essay Effectively

General Time Management Tips When Writing DBQs

What Delineates a Good DBQ from a Bad DBQ?

College Board Resources for DBQs

Wrapping Things Up: Key Takeaways on Writing a Good DBQ Essay

Professor Conquer

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Terms & More

How to Write a DBQ Essay?

What Is a DBQ?

The Purpose of A DBQ Essay

Preparing For The DBQ Essay

DBQ Outline

DBQ Structure

DBQ Essay Introduction: Starting DBQ Format

Strong Thesis Statement: What Should It Include?

DBQ Essay Example: Describe Your Main Ideas in Body Paragraph

DBQ Essay Example: Logical Conclusion

How to Write a DBQ essay With a Strong Thesis Statement

Steps of Writing a DBQ

Write a Powerful Thesis Statement

Correctly Structure a Body Paragraph in Your DBQ Essay Outline

Draw a Conclusion

Wrapping Up

DBQ Essay Examples

Writing Tips to Succeed with Your DBQ Essay