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

Introduction

• Applicable to APUSH, AP World, and AP Euro as they share the same rubric.
• Three-step process to approach and score full points on a DBQ.

Step 1: Understand the Prompt

Key Components:

1. Time Period
   • Identify the specific time period in the prompt.
   • Avoid writing about incorrect time periods; annotate dates digitally if needed.
2. Category/Categories
   • Determine the focus (e.g., political, social, economic) of the essay.
   • Keep the category central to your essay's argument.
3. Historical Thinking Skill
   • Notice or decide whether causation, comparison, or continuity and change is needed.
   • Follow explicit instructions if given, or choose the most appropriate skill.

Resources

• DBQ planning sheet and APSA Cram Course for additional help.

Step 2: Read and Understand the Documents

Process:

1. Read Quickly
   • Spend 1-2 minutes per document during a 15-minute reading period.
   • Practice interpreting documents quickly over time.
2. Start with Citation
   • Read the citation first to understand context, authorship, and purpose.
3. Summarize Main Idea
   • Write a summary in your own words.
4. Group Documents
   • Group by categories like social, economic, political.
   • Avoid structuring your essay as a list of document descriptions (e.g., "Document 1 says...").

Step 3: Write the Essay

Rubric Points:

1. Thesis (1 point)

   • Must be historically defensible and establish a line of reasoning.
   • Should acknowledge counterarguments and use specific historical evidence.

2. Contextualization (1 point)

   • Situate the argument within a broader historical context.
   • Typically explain events leading up to the time period.

3. Evidence (3 points total)

   • Documents (2 points): Describe content of 3 documents; support argument with 4 or more.
   • Beyond Documents (1 point): Introduce and connect additional historical evidence.

4. Analysis and Reasoning (2 points total)

   • Sourcing (1 point): Source at least two documents using the HAPPY framework (Historical situation, Audience, Purpose, Point of View).
   • Complexity (1 point): Use all 7 documents or source 4, or demonstrate complexity through analysis.

Conclusion

• Videos and resources are available for further skill development.
• Use APSA cram course for comprehensive guidance.
• Good luck with DBQs!