How to DO A DBQ

Step 1. Read the Historical Context and underline key terms.

Step 2. Read the Question or Task and write down anything that pops into your head about the topic.

Step 3. Read the documents

1) Answer it. (Answer the question(s) in COMPLETE SENTENCES.)

2) Label it.(Put the document into a category that can be used to create

paragraphs in your essay. For example: social, political, economic changes; positives and negatives; causes and effects)

3) O.I. it(Write down any OUTSIDE INFORMATION that relates to the

document in the margin.)

Step 4. Organize yourself! Create a chart or Thinking Map so you know where you are going to put your information in your essay.

Step 5.Write your INTRODUCTION

How do I start my essay?

Use the 4 T’s of Introduction writing:

-Your introduction should have at least one declarative sentence for each of the 4 T’s. A declarative sentence is a statement of fact.

  1. Topic- What is your essay generally about? Define any terms or provide a basic background statement about the topic.
  1. Time Period- What is the date or era of the topic? If you don’t know the exact dates, state something about where in history the topic might fit or how old the topic is.
  1. Thesis- What is the purpose of your paper? Create a declarative sentence that states the controlling idea or purpose of your paper. This basically tells the reader what the essay will be about.

NEVER write “In this essay, I will tell you about…” or “This essay

will be about…” That is an unacceptable format for a thesisstatement.

  1. Transition- Connect your paragraphs together so they “flow.” Lead into the next paragraph. Provide some information about how the next paragraph relates to the one you’re writing.

Step 6.Write your BODY PARAGRAPHS

  • Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence.
  • Explain the documents related to the topic of the paragraph.
  • Provide Outside Information (OI) related to the topic of the paragraph.
  • Link ideas together smoothly with transitional words and phrases.

Here are some useful transition words:

To show addition:

again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.), further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, too

To give examples:

for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate

To compare:

also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly

To contrast:

although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, though, yet

To summarize or conclude:

all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to sum up

To show time:

after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before, during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when, while

To show place or direction:

above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.)

To indicate logical relationship:

accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus

Step 7.Write your CONCLUSION

How do I finish my essay?

usE the following tips:

  1. Restate your thesis. Review with the reader the purpose of your paper. Try to write your thesis using different words than you did in your introduction.
  1. Provide a one sentence summary of each paragraph you wrote. So if you have four body paragraphs, try to have four sentences to “sum things up.”
  1. Have a closing statement that finishes the paragraph. If can be something general about the topic to end with. The concluding sentence should sum up your evidence and re-state its effect.