Document Based Questions

Ms. Rendek

What is a DBQ?

• Document Based Questioning

• Examination of historical document

• Analytical written response

Examining Primary Source Documents

• Think about the main ideas of the topic

• Consider the following: – What is the time period?– What is the author’s point of view? – What is the origin of the document? – Is the document valid? Is it biased? – If time, gender, ethnicity, or age were

changed, would the message change?

Critically Read the Question

• Know exactly what the question asks you to do.

• Underline the verb in the question

• Rewrite the question in your own words.

Writing the Introduction

• Write two sentences that address the topic of the question in a general way.

• Write an organizational statement in which you mention the two or three issues or aspects of the topic about which you are going to write (your argument categories).

• Write a clear thesis sentence that expresses your response to the question.

Thesis Statement

• Directly answer the prompt question

• Clear, concrete, and concise

• ARE YOUR OWN ARGUMENT.

NOT A THESIS!!!

• The North and South fought against each other in a bloody battle called the American Civil War.

THESIS!!!

• The American Civil War exemplifies how democratic ideals can be overridden by regional differences.

Introduction Paragraph

Topic Sentences

• “Mini Thesis Statements”

• Outlines what you will speaking of in the paragraph.

• Should be your own argument.

Paragraphs

• Documents are used as support for your points

• Use of documents should show analysis

Conclusion

Example Question

• Examine the documents.

• Compare and contrast the various view points regarding colonists’ interactions with Native Americans.