fieldston american reader volume i – fall 2007 - Ethical Culture ...

DBQ GUIDELINESA DBQ is simply a document based question. Just aswe have been analyzing primary source documents in class, soyou will be asked to analyze a set of documents on your own.The difference is that you will be asked to answer a particularquestion, or discuss a particular thesis, using the documents asevidence.knowledge. Then state your thesis clearly and directly, beforemoving on to support it with a nice balance of informationfrom both the documents and outside sources.Typically, the DBQ:1.) contains documents, including maps, charts, and cartoons.These are often arranged chronologically. Note the dates.2.) focuses on topics we have discussed.3.) is specific about the information required, so read thequestion very carefully.TIPS FOR STUDENTS1.) Use a pen.2.) Remember that you have time to plan, so don’t panic.3.) Read the question and note the time period. Do not includeinformation unless it fits chronologically or is directly relevantto other events during the period.4.) List all the information about the time period that you canrecall-events, names, terms, etc.5.) Write a thesis sentence on top of a scratch sheet of paper.Make sure that it directly answers the DBQ question.6.) Outline your essay quickly without looking at thedocuments.7.) Now look at the documents and try to decide how you willfit them into your already planned essay.8.) Each document does different things, so try to use them all.Here is the format: As the map (document B) indicates.. Or:The cartoon (document D) shows that...9.) Analyze the documents. Why are they significant? What dothey show? Do quote extensively from them. Do not, however,be afraid to mention them briefly.10.) If possible, link brief descriptions to the names you use. Forexample: Alexander Stephens, a Whig senator from Georgia,noted in the Southern Literary Journal (document C) that..11.) Coverage of the documents is important, but the inclusionof outside information is critical. Strive for balance, becauseonly a balanced essay will receive the highest scores.12.) A possible approach: Write an introductory paragraphsetting the scene and demonstrating that you have some outside10 fieldston american reader volume i – fall 2007