Writing a DBQ Essay

1. Writing a DBQ Essay

2. Prompt = Using examples from The Bill of Rights and The Eyes of the Emperor decide whether the United States government should or should not be allowed to encroach upon (violate) the rights of citizens in times of war. Which of the following is this“asking” you to do? • ANALYZE: examine relationships • DESCRIBE: tell about something in detail • EXPLAIN: clarify causes or reasons • IDENTIFY: find and connect specific events • EVALUATE: judge and discuss the value of

3. Thesis= a statement of the writer’s position that he/she supports or proves with evidence Simply put, a thesisis: • One sentence that sums up the writer’s answer to the prompt’s question • The writer’s main point that sets the direction for the entire essay

4. Historical Background= facts + analysis Specific details from history: • Dates • Names • Events • Locations THINK: How does each fact support your thesis? Explain connection and make your point to reader! Ask yourself, “So what?” Explain how facts relate to and support your position (thesis).

5. Using References • You need to include at least two quotes in each paragraph. • For this assignment, you will need one quote from the book and one from the Bill of Rights. PHRASING Document A when talking about The Bill of Rights OR Document B when referring to The Eyes of the Emperor MLA FORMAT You can complete this process in two different ways: Within the sentence… In Document B, ... According to Document A, …. OR At the end of the sentence… “……………………………….” (Document A).

6. *You’ll write detailed document references in your DBQ organizer. • Prewrite/Graphic Organizer* • Write Draft* • Peer Edit/Color Code • Revise/ Complete Essay Step 2: Expand organized ideas from box outline to three paragraph writing response.

7. Writing References DO explain how documents support your answer. DON’Tjust restate content of documents. DO use power verbs like represents, illustrates, portrays, exemplifies, depicts, reveals, demonstrates, indicates and symbolizes . DON’Tuse weak verbs such as show, feel or believe. DO write to a sophisticated audience. DON’Tuse words like good, bad, etc.

8. Use Third Person 1st Person: All about #1 (I, me, we, us, our) 2nd Person: Two = you (you, your, yours) 3rd Person: Write as reporter using: he, she, it, him, her, them, they, its, their

9. Write to the Limit • TimeCheck= I will let you know where you should be each day. • Length = Three paragraphs that answer the question using document references for support You’ll write DBQ Essays throughout middle and high school to develop strong analysis and writing skills.

10. You will color code document references along with the other elements of your DBQ Essay. • Prewrite/Graphic Organizer • Write Draft • Peer Edit/Color Code • Revise/ Complete Essay Step 3: Color code your draft using the handout for guidance.