HELPFUL HINTS FOR WRITING A DBQ

1)Make sure that you are answering the question that is being asked.
2)When using the documents provided, avoid “laundry listing” them. Use them out of order.
3)Make sure that you use the documents to support your argument or point, do not just describe or summarize the documents without applying them to the question.
4)When using the documents to support your argument, make sure that you interpret them (use your own words) to make them fit into your essay. DO NOT COPY straight from the documents!
5)If you wish to use the exact words of the document, you must use quotation marks around whatever you are copying even if it is only one word. (Ex. …The citizens of Avignon felt the practice of choosing one’s own spouse “scandalous.”)
6)Avoid quoting extensively from the documents. Quotes should be no longer than three typed or five hand-written lines.
7)Even though the documents certainly can be interpreted in many different ways, make sure that they do support your point in some fashion.
8)Avoid repeating statements you already have made.
9)Outside information is great as long as it is true and relevant (meaning that it helps answer the question).
10)PROOFREAD! While some spelling and grammar mistakes are always going to happen, make sure you read your essay over a few times before you hand it in!

Name: ______Period: ______

DBQ Checklist

Directions: After you have completed your final copy of your DBQ, use the checklist below to be sure that you have all the necessary information.

Introduction:

Paraphrased historical context (put it in your own words)

Thesis statement (what is the whole essay going to be about)

Body Paragraphs: One body paragraph for each task

Topic sentence (make the task into a statement)

Example from the documents; explain what it says, if necessary!

(include doc # in parenthesis at end of sentence)

Outside information (what else do you know; when in doubt, use key vocabulary and define the words fully)

Conclusion:

Concluding statement (re-state your thesis statement)

Summarize each body paragraph in a separate sentence. The # of sentences you’ll have will depend on the # of body paragraphs.

Make a connection: “Today, …”