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Mastering the AP World History DBQ

May 8, 2025

AP World History DBQ Strategy Lecture

Introduction

  • DBQ (Document-Based Question) is crucial in the AP World History exam.
  • Takes significant time and contributes heavily to your score.
  • Instructor has 20 years of teaching experience and has been an AP reader.

Understanding the DBQ

  • Prompt:
    • Usually starts with "evaluate the extent to which..."
    • Requires you to take a stand and make an argument.
    • Important to rewrite the prompt to maintain focus.
  • Annotated Prompt:
    • Use scratch paper to rewrite and annotate the prompt.
    • Regularly check back to align with the prompt in your essay.

Preparing for the DBQ

  • Documents:
    • College Board suggests 15 minutes to read, but take your time to organize thoughts.
    • Write quick notes for each document without quoting.
  • Document Analysis:
    • Read documents once; aim to understand and extract useful information.
    • Keep the prompt in mind while reading.
    • Look for groupings or themes among documents.

Super Secret DBQ Tips

  • Grouping Documents:
    • Documents are not random; find similarities or common themes.
    • Group documents by theme (e.g., sports analogy: baseball, soccer).
  • Missing Information:
    • Identify what’s not in the documents and use your knowledge to fill gaps.

Writing the DBQ

Structure and Points:

  1. Contextualization (1 point):

    • Provide background or context to the topic.
    • Connect context back to the prompt.

  2. Thesis (1 point):

    • Follow context with a clear thesis.
    • Restate the prompt and evaluate the extent.
    • Use actionable verbs and specific arguments.

  3. Describing Documents (1 point):

    • Describe the content of at least three documents without quoting.

  4. Supporting Thesis (1-2 points):

    • Use documents to support your thesis.
    • Use information effectively to build your argument.

  5. Sourcing (1 point):

    • Analyze two documents using historical context, audience, purpose, or point of view.
    • Explain relevance to the argument.

  6. Evidence Beyond Documents (1 point):

    • Include additional knowledge not covered in the documents.
    • Make sure it supports your thesis.

  7. Complexity (1 point):

    • Use all documents effectively or source four documents for complexity.

Final Steps

  • Conclusion:
    • Rewrite thesis at the end with added specifics.
    • This can help recover points if the initial thesis was weak.

Final Tips

  • Use scratch paper effectively for organization.
  • Spend appropriate time on context and thesis in the introduction.
  • Group documents strategically for body paragraphs.
  • Constantly check back with the prompt to ensure relevance.
  • Aim for detailed sourcing and use of beyond document evidence for higher scores.

Resources

  • Ultimate Review Packet available for additional DBQ practice.
  • Reach out with questions for further clarification.

Conclusion

  • Instructor available for further questions and guidance.
  • Good luck on your exam!

This lecture provides a comprehensive guide to tackling the DBQ section effectively with emphasis on preparation, strategic analysis, and organized writing.

Full transcript