The DBQ, or document-based question, is an essay question type on the AP History exams where students are asked to analyze a topic using provided primary source documents. Because it requires careful analysis and synthesis of multiple documents, the DBQ is considered one of the more challenging parts of the exam. With effective strategies and preparation, students can feel more confident tackling this essay. Here are some tips for writing a high-scoring DBQ essay.
The first step is carefully reading the question. Circle or underline the key elements such as the time period, topic, and what is being asked. Look for directive terms like “compare,” “analyze,” “evaluate” that indicate what type of response is expected. Taking time to fully understand the question will help focus your essay.
After understanding the question, the next step is to lay out an effective essay structure. The standard DBQ essay structure is: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. In the introduction, restate the question and lay out your argumentative thesis that directly answers the question asked. For example, if asked to evaluate the impact of imperialism on African societies, a thesis could be “Imperialism negatively impacted African societies economically, politically, and socially in the late 19th century through exploitation, oppression, and cultural destruction.”
The body paragraphs should each focus on one aspect of the thesis with analysis of 2-3 documents to support each point. An effective strategy is using a restatement of the point as the topic sentence, followed by direct quotes and paraphrasing from the documents as evidence. Be sure to directly reference each document by letter/number so the reader knows which evidence comes from which source. Analyze and evaluate how each document relates to and helps prove the thesis point, rather than just summarizing the documents. Weave analysis throughout each paragraph by commenting on documents’ limitations, biases, agreements/disagreements with other sources, etc.
In the conclusion, restate the overall argumentative thesis and succinctly summarize the key points and evidence from each body paragraph without introducing new information. Conclude by stressing how the analysis from the body paragraphs definitively proves the thesis answer to the question asked.
Each body paragraph should take 4-6 minutes to write, for a total of 12-18 minutes for the body. The introduction and conclusion should take 3-5 minutes each. This helps pace writing to finish the essay within the recommended 30-45 minute time frame.
When reviewing the documents, some strategies to focus on are:
Ignoring preconceived notions and judging the document only based on what is literally stated or can be reasonably inferred
Considering possible biases, intended audience, author’s position or perspective that could skew the facts
Looking at agreements and disagreements between sources written around the same time on the same issue
Determining the purpose, main argument or point of view of each source
Figuring out what kind of source it is – primary account, propaganda, laws/government documents, scholarly analyses, etc. and how much credibility to assign it
Noting any limitations if the source is incomplete, undated, author is anonymous, etc.
During the exam it’s important to leave 5-10 minutes at the end to proofread. Check that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence, sufficient analysis woven throughout, and cites the required 2-3 pieces of evidence. Reread the intro/thesis to ensure it directly answers the question and the conclusion restates the thesis and key evidence without new information. Proofreading is crucial to catching small errors that could diminish an otherwise strong essay.
Practicing multiple DBQ essay questions in advance is one of the best preparations. Seeing sample student answers and professional rubric evaluations also provides a clear understanding of what high-scoring essays include. During the exam, remaining focused on analyzing and citing the documents, rather than writing generally, is key. Following a clear structure and using strategies like time-boxing and targeted review puts students in the best position to demonstrate their historical thinking skills and write a high-scoring DBQ response.
With guided practice and applying the effective tips outlined above, students will feel more comfortable and successful when it comes to crafting compelling, well-organized DBQ essays that directly answer the question asked using document evidence. The DBQ is an important opportunity for students to showcase their critical analysis and writing abilities – proper preparation and strategy employment helps maximize their performance on this challenging exam question format.