PFA - Document Based Questions (Lesson)

Document Based Questions

The Document Based Question in U.S. History has a very prescribed method of writing. It is here that the College Board is testing a mix of what you know along with how well you can "write historically."

So what does it mean to "write historically?" Well, it simply means you can do the work a historian would do. You can read primary and secondary source documents, analyze them, extract information from them, draw conclusions about the topic at hand, and relate it to your studies, thereby bringing in "outside knowledge" to support the documents. Think of it as a mini-research paper for you where someone else has already done the majority of the research.

As stated above the main difference between the LEQ and the DBQ is that the DBQ requires that you use the documents to frame and support your argument in your thesis statement.

For your DBQ prompt, you’ll be provided with an essay prompt, a set of 7 primary source documents, and 60 minutes to develop a cohesive, coherent response using the provided primary sources to support your argument.

DBQ infographic 15 minutes to plan 45 minutes to write

 

Tips for Writing Documents-Based Questions

Read the question to figure out exactly what you are going to answer. If you don’t fully understand the essay prompt, you can’t write a useful response.

  1. DBQs test your skills:
    • historical arguments
    • use of historical documents
    • ability to contextualize
    • ability to synthesize
  2. Types of Analysis:  causation, change and continuity over time, comparison, interpretation, and periodization

Don’t spend too much time trying to figure out your analysis category—just keep the categories in the back of your mind as you plan your line of reasoning before writing. (Note: This process takes only a few minutes.)

 

Mine the Sources: Read each document, but don’t get bogged down. Underline or highlight the parts that catch your eye---you can make notes in the test booklet.

Think About This icon

 

Suggestion:  Quickly write a sentence or two about the main idea of each document. Then, organize like documents into groups based on the main ideas.

 

Use 3 or 4 of the documents in order to earn the most points.

 

Write Your Outline!

You’ll want to develop your thesis statement and then plan how you will use your documents to support your thesis statement.

Consider what kinds of outside information you might include to strengthen your claim and where the external information will fit in the response.

Include the documents in your outline because that makes it much easier to write your response.

 

1..2...3...Write!

The most challenging part of this process is done! Now it’s time to connect all of your documents, your thesis statement, and your arguments together in a cohesive, coherent, and organized essay.

  1. Start with a straightforward (brief) introduction paragraph---provide your reader with a little context of your subject to show you know some details about the topic.
  2. Introduce your thesis statement and a few of the main ideas to support that thesis statement. (Up to this point your DBQ is much like a ‘normal’ essay.)

 

Keep Writing...

What's the difference between "Use" and "Support"?

Use specific references to the documents and always show where you sourced the information. (Rather than calling the documents “Document A” or “Document 1,” use the given name of the document or a label such as “the letter from George Washington to Lund Washington back at Mount Vernon.” (Important:  Refrain from using quotes. Referencing the documents is sufficient and takes less time and less space in your test booklet.)

Make sure you include outside information to support your claims and reference as many of the 7 documents as possible to maximize your potential score.

Using specific examples (not in the provided documents) is a very effective way to show the reader that you are indeed an “expert”---you know your subject!

Don’t forget to contextualize---historical events don’t occur in a vacuum---they are not isolated---the circumstances surrounding events matter!

 

That’s a Wrap!

  • Don’t drag this out and write “fluff” unnecessarily. No “witty comments” and no “in conclusion.”
  • Don’t introduce new information!
  • Make your conclusion short and to the point.
  • Summarize your thesis statement and arguments.

If you have any time remaining, go back and proofread your entire essay to check for convention errors and missing information.

 

 

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