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

Overview

• The advice applies to APUSH (AP US History), AP World, and AP Euro exams as they share the same rubric.
• Focus on three steps to maximize scores.

Step 1: Understanding the Prompt

• Time Period: Identify what time period the question focuses on. Write out the actual years, e.g., 16th century = 1500s.
• Categories: Identify categories like society, politics, economics, etc., that the prompt focuses on.
  • Example: If the prompt is about the social effects of slavery, focus on social impacts, not political.
• Historical Thinking Skill: Determine which skill (causation, continuity and change, etc.) the prompt requires.
  • Sometimes the skill is explicitly mentioned; other times you decide based on the prompt.

Step 2: Reading and Understanding Documents

• Reading Documents: You have 15 minutes to read 7 documents.
  • Start with the citation to understand the context and bias.
  • Summarize the main idea in your own words, using annotation tools if digital.
• Document Grouping: Group documents by categories like economics, politics, etc.
  • Helps in structuring the essay and avoiding a document-by-document summary.

Step 3: Writing the Essay

• Go through the rubric step-by-step.

Thesis (1 Point)

• Historically Defensible: Take a clear, factual position.
• Line of Reasoning: Use specific historical evidence to outline how you will prove your thesis.
  • Formula: Restate prompt + specific evidence A and B.

Contextualization (1 Point)

• Situate your argument in historical context, usually before the time period of the prompt.
  • Write 2-4 sentences on relevant historical background.

Evidence (3 Points)

• Documents: Use at least four documents to support your argument.
  • Describe and then connect to thesis.
  • Group documents for cohesive arguments.
• Evidence Beyond Documents: Include additional knowledge outside documents.
  • Name, explain, connect to argument.

Analysis and Reasoning (2 Points)

• Sourcing Documents: Source at least two documents using historical situation, audience, purpose, or point of view.
  • Use the HAPPY acronym (Historical situation, Audience, Purpose, Point of view, and Why it matters).
• Complexity Point: Achieve via:
  • Using all seven documents or sourcing four documents.

Additional Tips

• Practice understanding documents quickly.
• Utilize resources like DBQ planning sheets and crash courses for additional help.
• Avoid writing essays structured solely as "Document 1 says... Document 2 says...".

• Resources: DBQ planning sheet, AP Cram Course.
• Videos: Additional videos available for more detailed guidance on each rubric point and skill.