How to Earn Full Points on a DBQ (Document-Based Question)

Introduction

• This guide applies to APUSH, AP World, and AP Euro DBQs.
• DBQs are scored on the same rubric across these subjects.
• Focus on understanding the prompt as a key step before writing.

Step 1: Understanding the Prompt

1. Identify the Time Period

   • Note the specific time period mentioned.
   • Avoid confusion by writing out actual year numbers.

2. Identify Key Categories

   • Determine the focus area (e.g., society, economy, politics).
   • Keep the focus area central in your essay to earn points.

3. Identify the Historical Thinking Skill

   • Determine if the skill is causation, continuity and change over time, etc.
   • Follow the skill indicated or choose the most appropriate one if not stated.

Step 2: Reading and Understanding Documents

• Read Quickly: Spend about a minute or two per document.
• Start with Citation: Gain context from who wrote it, the year, and any critical information.
• Summarize Main Idea: Write a brief summary in your own words.
• Group Documents: Classify them under categories like social, economic, etc.

Step 3: Writing the Essay

1. Thesis Statement

   • Must be historically defensible and establish a line of reasoning.
   • Should take a clear position and be factually correct.
   • Acknowledge counterarguments, use prompt language, and include specific evidence.

2. Contextualization

   • Provide 2-4 content-rich sentences of historical context.
   • Must be relevant to the prompt and include specific details.

3. Using Documents as Evidence

   • Describe vs. Support: Describe for 1 point, support for 2 points.
   • Group documents and write topic sentences to support your thesis.
   • Evidence Beyond Documents: Include specific, relevant evidence not in documents.

4. Analysis and Reasoning

   • Sourcing Documents: Use the HAPPY acronym (Historical situation, Audience, Purpose, Point of View).
   • Perform sourcing for at least two documents, explaining why it matters.
   • Complexity Point: Use all 7 documents or source 4 documents.

Additional Tips

• Practice reading and interpreting documents quickly.
• Utilize annotation tools for digital exams.
• Use the provided DBQ planning sheet and AP Study Cram Course resources for additional help.

Conclusion

• Watch related videos for more detailed explanations on DBQ skills.
• Use provided resources for guided practice.
• Focus on understanding, summarizing, grouping, and effectively using documents in your argument.

These notes comprehensively cover the steps and tips needed to earn full points on a DBQ exam, including understanding the prompt, reading documents, writing an effective thesis, and analyzing documents. Use these notes as a study guide to prepare for your AP exams.