Document Based Question (DBQ)Document Based Question (DBQ)Steps for SuccessSteps for Success

Step 1Read through the DBQ

Step 2

Answer the short-answer questions for each document

Underline / hilite key words

Write in complete sentences

In the margins, jot down notes about related information that you might be able to use as “outside information” in your essay

OPTIONAL: brainstorm the topic (list, web, etc)

Step 3

Plan the essayBox Organizer

Big picture firstHow many body paragraphs?

What will each paragraph topic be?Depends on the task.

– EX) if there are four major task components, you may choose four body paragraphs; one for each major part of the task.

Write paragraph topics on side of boxes – this helps cover all aspects of the task

Body Paragraph Content

Outside Information

Not in documents

Consult your margin notes

What fits with my body paragraph topics?

If I was writing this without documents, what would I include?

Inside information

In documents

Consult your short-answer responses

Which docs fit with my body paragraph topics?

How can I use the docs to support what I’m writing?

Meet minimum #

Double check: Have I addressed all aspects of the task in my planning?

Step 4

Write the Introduction ParagraphDO: Use the Historical Context and Task for direction. If the task gives you options, only mention the options you are choosing.DO: inform the reader about what your essay is aboutDO NOT: simply recopy the Historical Context and TaskDO NOT: include document references.DO NOT: write “In this essay I will tell you about…” or anything similar

Sample Introduction

SAMPLE Historical ContextThe geographic factors of location and availability of resources have affected the history of Great Britain and Japan.

SAMPLE TaskCompare and contrast the effect of geographic factors such as location and availability of resources on the political and economic development of Great Britain and Japan.

Sample Introduction

The availability of resources and location have heavily influenced the development of Great Britain and Japan. Both island nations, Great Britain has benefitted from a wealth of natural resources, while Japan has been forced to deal with a lack of them. Historically, these geographic factors have played a role in the economic and political advancement of both civilizations and weighed heavily on decisions made by their governments.

Body Paragraphs

Start with a Topic Sentence. EX) Great Britain possessed an abundance of natural resources that played a major role in the Industrial Revolution. Coal and iron ore were readily available to be used in factories, which allowed Britain to industrialize first. ……………………..

Body Paragraphs: Citing Documents

How should I make document citations (references)?At the end of a sentence or sentences that you refer to a document in, put the document number in parentheses.EXAMPLE)

Japanese imperialism extended to resource rich Manchuria by 1934 (Doc 8).

Conclusion

DO: Summarize the essay

DO: Use the language from the task and historical context

Rewrite in your own words

DO: Include a couple of examples that you used in your body paragraphs

DO NOT: recopy the intro

Sample Conclusion

The histories of Great Britain and Japan were greatly influenced by geographic factors. The availability of resources led to the Industrial Revolution beginning in Britain, while a lack of resources led to an era of imperial expansion for Japan in order to obtain them. Great Britain’s location led to an easy outlet to sea trade, while offering protection from invaders. Japan’s close proximity to China enabled cultural diffusion to bring political and economic ideas from the mainland.