How to Write a DBQ in APUSH in FIVE EASY STEPS

1. How to Write a DBQ in APUSH in FIVE EASY STEPS Read the prompt Brainstorm OI using categories Read the documents and place in the categories Write thesis Write essay

2. STEP ONE: Read the questions • Read the question. (What am I supposed to answer in my essay?) • Pay attention to verbs! **Review IB terms on the board.

3. STEP TWO: Brainstorm • Similar to what we do for the FRQ, we brainstorm for the DBQ FIRST. You are required to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the TOPIC not just the documents! • You can use the pre-write structure. (T-chart, venn diagram, etc.)

4. STEP THREE • Read the documents. It’s a good idea to take little notes in the margins about the main idea of each. That way you don’t spend time later re-reading each one. • Be careful to pay attention to APPARTS stuff. Underline author/date to save time. • As you go, jot down which category each doc goes into.

5. STEP FOUR: Thesis • Use the formula to guide you. (X, However A,B,C therefore, Y) • You need to do TWO things in a thesis: • Say what you are going to write about (this is where you answer the question- Y) • Say how you’re going to answer the question (this is where you set up your answer- ABC)

6. STEP FIVE: Write the body • Each paragraph should have a category. NEVER write chronologically. • You should answer the question using the documents AND outside information… DON’T RELY ON THE DOCS ALONE! • Avoid direct quotes. If you do use them, you must apply them to the prompt! • Write a conclusion if you have time.

7. PRACTICE! • Use the 1993 DBQ to practice the steps 1-4. You are not writing the full essay so ignore five. • Remember to brainstorm for OI first then look at the docs.