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Mastering DBQ Strategies for Full Points

May 13, 2025

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!