How To Do an APUSH

1. How To Doan APUSH B Q D

2. You will have 55 Minutes (10-15 to read and brainstorm & 40-45 minutes to write) & you essay will be evaluated on a 7-Point Rubric • Thesis (1 point) Offers a complex thesis, which incorporates a point of view and roadmap • Contextualization (1 point) Situates the argument by explaining the BROAD historical context of the time period, using information NOT IN THE DOCUMENTS; includes evidence and analysis (3-4 sentences in Intro) • Argument Development (1 point) Develops and supports a cohesive argument that recognizes historical complexity by explicitly illustrating contradiction, corroboration, and/or qualification • Document Analysis – Basic (1 point) Uses the content of six of the documents to support the thesis • Document Analysis – Advanced (1 point) Uses CAPP from four of the documents to support the thesis • Outside Information (1 point) Provides an example NOT IN THE DOCUMENTS to support the thesis and explains how it supports the thesis •  Synthesis (1 point) Extends the argument by connecting the topic to another time period; includes evidence and analysis; “similar in kind, but at a different time” (3-4 sentences)

3. Step One: Read the Question & Identify essence of question: Every DBQ will focus on one of the following historical skills: causation, change and continuity over time, comparison, interpretation, or periodization. First, determine which one you need to demonstrate. • Step Two: Develop a Working Thesis

4. Step 3: Read the Documents • As you read the documents, pay attention to titles, dates, and sources, docs are in chronological order. • Decide where you may be able to use these documents in your essay to support YOUR argument • Identify CAPP: Context, Audience, Purpose, & P.O.V • Documents will trigger new outside info • Create a grid/matrix - which documents & outside info you can use for each body paragraph (including docs & outside info)

5. The Intro Paragraph • Context/Background: Establish TIME & PLACE what key broad major relevant trends of the era. • Create a clear, THESIS STATEMENT that clearly answers all aspects of the question and takes a strong stand. If it • Include SUB-CATEGORIES you will discuss to support your thesis statement (3 generally recommended) • Focus on the question at hand—do NOT begin with a “flowery” hook sentence

6. The Body Paragraphs • Identify your sub-topic or category in the first sentence. • Topic Sentence should support/develop thesis *and it should introduce your argument, not state a fact. • Include the documents that are relevant to support the ideas in the paragraph. • Use all (you can skip one but it leaves you no margin for error) of the documents given and include at least one of the following for a minimum of 4 docs (but I would recommend 5 or more): historical context, audience (probably weakest), purpose, &/or author’s POV. • Bring in supportive outside information (key terms & details) you should have at least one specific explained piece of specific info (key terms) for each paragraph • Closing analysis: reinforce your argument in last sentence to provide transition

7. How to use a Document in Your Essay • Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet, Common Sense, argued………………… (Doc. 2). • Joe Smith, a mid-Western delegate to the Republican convention in 1912, agreed with….(Doc. 4). • The 19c historian, Frederick Jackson Turner, felt that …………………. (Doc. 5) *NEVER begin with: In Document 2,it says blah blah blah …

8. The Concluding” Paragraph • Reinforce your main argument (thesis). • Put your essay answer in a larger historical context – this is key for Synthesis. • Connect to a similar event or era before or after date range.(You can also use a different geographic region or connect to a different theme) This must be clear and explained. Recommended 3-4 sentences and you must be specific. • But Do NOT end on the note that this is the reason we are where we are today!

9. The Do’s of DBQ’s • Approach the question as any essay • You get a point for Context so it is important to connect your argument to larger trends in the era. • Let your argument guide your organization • Reference all documents (or skip one if you completely don’t understand) • Try to include 1 piece of outside information per paragraph or at least a minimum of 2 per essay. • Pay attention to dates, titles, and sources of the documents - there is often helpful information there. • Look for the “distracter” document and try to give some attention to opposing viewpoints. • Stick to the date range given for the question

10. The Don’ts of DBQs • DO NOT QUOTE THE DOCUMENTS! - everyone reading your essay has also read the documents, so this just wastes time • Don’t “laundry list” the documents (Doc. A says, Doc. B says, etc.) use the documents as evidence to support your argument • If you do not understand or know the context of a document use it in a more conservative or general way to avoid major errors – remember you only need a deeper analysis of 4 of the documents. • If there is ONE document that you ABSOLUTELY DO NOT UNDERSTAND – skip it.