How to Write a DBQ Essay
Writing a DBQ essay may seem a tough nut to crack, but it’s only on the surface. Remember, to get the full credit for the AP exam you need to know what you will face. It can seem that a DBQ essay is difficult, but more information about it will make you feel “I can do it.” Let’s explore what a DBQ essay is.
What is a DBQ essay?
DBQ (document-based question) essay is a type of paper that is commonly used in the AP world, and European and US history exams. As it can be seen from the name, a DBQ essay is based on several documents that relate to a certain topic or period of time. The student’s aim will be working through the documents and finding out how these documents relate to each other, tendencies that can be seen through time, etc. Keep in mind that you won’t need to simply describe the events, as a DBQ essay is about analysis. Imagine that you are a historian that needs to analyze primary sources and determine cause and effect relationships between events.
DBQ essay structure
This task differs from a free-response essay and students are frequently confused with it. But there is no reason to worry. Read our list of structure elements on how to write a document-based essay and be ready for writing any DBQ essay.
DBQ outline
It is not a secret that writing a DBQ essay may be difficult for those who are writing this paper for the first time. For this reason, we have specified the DBQ format for reference when preparing for the exam. It includes an introduction, thesis statement, main part, and conclusion.
Introduction
– Hook your audience with the first sentence.
– Provide a background for the topic. For the time being, it may be helpful to use a source referring to a historical event or historical figure.
Thesis
– Present the claims that you can support with solid evidence.
– Create a short piece of evidence described in the main paragraphs.
– Write a paragraph that describes how you will answer the DBQ question.
Main paragraph 1
– Add the strongest argument. It should be related to the thesis.
– Add the analysis of the references that belong to the strongest argument.
– Make a statement that completes the analysis from a different perspective. Add a link to the thesis statement.
– Write a transitional sentence to the following main paragraph.
Main paragraph 2
– Add a reasonable argument related to the first argument in the previous main paragraph.
– Add the analysis of the references that belong to the strongest argument.
– Make a statement that completes the analysis from a different perspective. Add a link to the thesis statement.
– Write a transitional sentence to the following main paragraph.
Main paragraph 3
– Add a reasonable argument that refers to the thesis statement and the second argument in the previous main paragraph.
– Add the analysis of the references that belong to the strongest argument.
– Make a statement that completes the analysis from a different perspective. Add a link to the thesis statement.
– Write a transitional sentence to the final part.
Conclusion
– Make a summary argument for the entire essay.
– Include highlights or essential information that you found.
– Create a closing sentence or question that challenges the view that opposes the opinions that you found.
How to write a good DBQ essay
There are only two main things that will help you write a better DBQ essay. Any timed essay depends on proper planning and using working methods to write a timed essay. If you wish to be more confident and increase your chances to write a great DBQ essay on your AP exam, you will need to practice. Use tips on how to write a DBQ essay below to improve your skills in writing timed essays.
Usually, the AP exam limits the DBQ essay with 55 minutes (but it may vary from one type of test to another). You will be given15 minutes for reading and 40 minutes for writing. In the first 15 minutes you will need to understand the question, brainstorm about the issue and process the documents. If you will be ready to start writing earlier than 15 minutes, we still recommend you to use the time for proper planning. Keep in mind that you will have other tasks along with the DBQ essay, so make sure you have planned your time wisely.
6 easy steps for writing a DBQ essay
1. Read and understand the question. Point out the key words (location, time period, personality, etc.) that should be mentioned while reading and underline what you should do (e.g. you can be asked to compare and contrast). Come up with your point of view and think what outside information you can use for this question. Briefly write down your thoughts related to the question for two or three minutes. It will be a big mistake to read documents before brainstorming, as it will be hard to think about outside information with documents in your mind.
2. Define the main idea. After understanding the document, you should identify the main idea and find the keywords in the provided prompt. Such keywords will help you determine what you need to do in your paper and the type of evidence to search for in the sources provided. For example, an essay prompt might ask you to:
- Explain
- Analyze
- Compare and contrast
- Evaluate.
3. Work through the documents effectively. The number of the documents may vary from one exam to another, but you will need to analyze as many documents as possible. Also, consider that you will need to add your own evidence to support your arguments.
Be ready to face the following types of documents: articles, speeches, legislation excerpts, letters, diary entries, charts, maps and pictures. Some documents may be classic or well-known, but most of them will sound new for you.
First, read who has created the document and when. Then briefly write the main idea of the text and points. Then, answer the questions related to the document (if available). Take notes about the most important moments during the reading – you will use this information when you will be writing the essay. As soon as you will finish reading all the documents, think whether documents can be divided into groups and whether the documents may be biased.
4. Come up with the thesis statement. Create an outline for your future essay and think about what you already know about the topic and what documents you can use in your writing. Make sure that every paragraph refers to one certain idea.
5. Write an essay. Your main aim is to create a thought-out text with a good thesis, well-developed body paragraphs supported with examples that address the question and a conclusion.
- Introduction. You may be puzzled with how to start a DBQ introduction, but it’s more like the introduction to any essay you have already written. Introduce the topic to your reader, get the reader to understand the historical context (Who? What? Where? When?), mention the points you are going to describe in the subsequent text and present a thesis. Don’t restate the question and tell more about the purpose of the essay.
- Body section. Usually, the body paragraphs consist of two and more subparagraphs. Every subparagraph should cover only one idea. If you have sorted the documents into several groups, start analyzing the information from the first group beginning each paragraph with the topic sentence.
- Try to include as much documentation as you can (at least more than a half). Start writing your own information that you have learned in class and support your thoughts with the documents. Don’t fall into a description of the documents – try to integrate them into your paper or make references when appropriate. Make sure that every point relates to the thesis statement and is supported with the right document or outside information.
Conclusion. Begin with restating the purpose of this DBQ essay and summarize the points you have described in previous paragraphs. Answer the “Why it is important” question to show the impact of the issue on today’s world. If you will feel that you won’t have time for a long conclusion, write a concluding sentence – it’s better than leaving the essay incomplete.
5. Proofread. In a perfect world students proofread their DBQ essays after writing. Check whether you have correctly written the dates, names and documents.
Tips for your DBQ essay
- Make sure that you have fully understood the question, as your credit depends on how well you have answered the question. It is critical to figure out what you are asked. No matter how well you write or know history, you are on the wrong path if you fail to answer the stated question. A good tip might be to write what it is about in your own words. As you read the question, keep an eye on what skills they are trying to test you for in the DBQ. Each DBQ seeks to test your skills in historical argumentation, proper use of historical evidence, synthesis and contextualization. These things are usually outlined in the rubric and are integral to every good DBQ essay.
- Use the historical background but don’t explain it (only if the assignment requires it).
- Don’t name documents like “document 1 states,” it’s better to mention the title of the document instead. Include contextualization, which is a brief statement that sets out the broader historical background relevant to the essay prompt. You provide your reader with information about what events have happened or are happening in history, which will help them understand the particular topic and argument you want to make.
- Different exams require or don’t require quotes. But sometimes it’s better to use a citation to make clear what document you are talking about (don’t forget to add the number of document after quote).
- Make sure that all paragraphs are presented in logical order, as you can lose some points.
Keep in mind that there is no right answer for a DBQ essay. While you have evidence, you can argue for any point of view. - Don’t forget to use outside information to get the most credit for your essay.
- Don’t panic. Learn as much about the exam as you can and get prepared.
- Remember that graders won’t have much time to read your essay, so they will be looking for the overall picture instead of a detailed review.
- Keep in mind that you are writing a history essay, as many DBQ questions may refer to religion, science, art, or other disciplines.
And the main thing you should bear in mind – don’t panic! Many students that have prepared well for the exam receive a lower grade just because of anxiety they experience during the exam. Writing a DBQ essay may seem hard, but with some practice, you will gain more confidence. We hope our tips will help you on your exam, as it’s always a good idea to know your enemy.
Common mistakes in writing DBQ essays
In addition to stylistic inconsistencies and problems with grammar, DBQ essays can contain errors related to structure and content. The most common ones are listed below.
- Answering several questions at once
Often students take on a broad topic but do not narrow it down to a specific question. As a result, in trying to address the many ramifications of the same document, they lose the essence. The essay turns out poorly reasoned.
How to avoid: highlight one aspect of the topic and consider it in detail.
- Lack of thesis
The absence of a thesis statement can make an entire essay seem meaningless. If there is no main thought, or no specific thing to prove, there is nothing to give examples of.
How to avoid: formulating a thesis is not difficult, just look at the question and express the answer to it in a sentence.
- Plagiarism
Plagiarizing a paper is unacceptable. It can occur due to a lack of time spent on documents’ analysis and interpretation of the question.
How to avoid: firstly, if a list of questions is offered, it is better to choose the one that is interesting, and not the one that can be written faster by redoing an essay from the Internet. Secondly, think about the fact that an essay is not a formal paper that is needed only for a good grade, it is typically a worthwhile endeavor requiring the use of analytical skills and the ability to show cause and effect relationships.
DBQ essay sample
The Role Of The Early Black Church In The Struggle For Civil Rights And Freedom
The Church’s role during the civil rights movement was pronounced in providing much-needed emotional, spiritual, and moral reinforcement and support that rekindled the community’s strength to continue their agitation for equal human rights for all Americans, irrespective of one’s creed or color. Historically, the Black Church played an enormous role in providing safer havens where agitators of freedom and racial justice could assemble in a comfortable environment. For instance, the Church inspired the struggle for civil rights and freedom by conceiving associations that mentored leaders, mobilized resources, and instilled a strong sense of spiritual culture.
The Black Church ascended to become an epicenter of African American life, inspiring and nourishing the Civil Rights Movement’s religious and political dimensions by molding personalities who led the movement in different phases. The Church conceived various powerful formations, including the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), that actively took part in the black struggle for racial parity and civil rights freedoms (Calhoun-Brown 170). The Church would make black leaders like Luther King Jr. more visible, shaping their ideologies of nonviolence to freedom and justice.
The Black Church supported the fight for freedom and civil rights by mobilizing a structured mass base, resources, and congregation points where the masses designed strategies and tactics and organized themselves to the struggle. The Church leadership was economically dependent on clergy persons from the White society with adequate skills in managing people, mobilizing the masses, and necessary resources, which fueled the movement towards its pre-mediated direction (Ghose 59). The Black Church became extensively involved in the freedom fight by deepening its commitment to the fight for social justice through direct actions, such as the Montgomery bus boycott, training young leaders, and asserting the value and quality of all individuals.
The Black Church made supplications that spoke directly to the oppressed peoples’ needs and emphasized the sinful nature of oppression before the Almighty, prayers that connected the movement’s purpose to the spiritual precepts entrenched in Christianity (Harris 8). Such prayers attracted more masses to join the movement. Existing evidence shows that SNCC students, including John Lewis, derived their activism motivation from a Christian conscience that strengthened them during violence, fear, and danger (Mays et al. 104). Such activism motivation was critical in supporting their movements.
The Black Church exhorted African American communities to accept the notion of redemptive suffering as sacred because it was grounded in Christianity, which gave them hope for a better tomorrow when they shall all be free from the tentacles of social, economic, and political injustices. Additionally, the Black Church gave activists a non-violent approach to the struggle (Taylor 4). The Biblical texts reinforced this approach and encouraged the masses to submit to God’s will. Despite acting as a model of independence that the oppressed sought, the Church served as a source of metaphors and symbols for the freedom fighters.
The Black Church gave hope to those who had suffered humiliation in the country’s history, including the oppressed African American individuals, by sustaining a strong sense of spiritual culture rooted in the faith, which walked them through their ordeal. The Black Church rendered the platform to gather for spiritual and cultural rejuvenation (Napierała 6). The Church also offered them the stage to express their cultural activities amidst exclusion and oppression (Mays et al. 104). The Church rituals, prayers, doctrines, and music gave them solidarity and identity pegged on the doctrine of the equality of men before the Creator (Mays et al. 104).
The Black Church’s history and the agonizing experience of the African American community in American society positioned the Church as the home of faith for freedom agitators. It acted as the Blacks’ cultural congregation and raising funds centers. Additionally, it acted as a laboratory for leadership training, a shelter of solace, a source of aid, and the emblem of autonomy and identity of African masses during the Civil Rights Movement. In that regard, the Church nurtured various personalities to ensure the movement’s sustenance into the future.
Works Cited
Calhoun-Brown, Allison. “Upon this rock: The black church, nonviolence, and the civil rights movement.” PS: Political Science & Politics 33.2 (2000): 169-174.
Ghose, Supad K. “The role of the Black church in the American Civil Rights Movement.” UITS Journal 5.1 (2019): 58-68.
Harris, Fredrick C. Something within: Religion in African-American political activism. Oxford University Press, 1999.
Mays, Benjamin E., and Joseph W. Nicholson. “The Negro’s Church (New York, 1933; rpt. New York.” (1969).
Morris, Aldon D. The origins of the civil rights movement. Simon and Schuster, 1986.
Napierała, Paulina. “Black Churches and African American social activism: the” opiate view” and the” inspiration view” of black religion in the selected literature.” BAS British and American Studies 27 (2021).
Taylor, Clarence. Black religious intellectuals: The fight for equality from Jim Crow to the 21st century. Routledge, 2013.
FAQ about DBQ essay writing
How do you prepare for APUSH DBQ?
Pay special attention to the US history lessons at AP. Take notes and discuss what you heard in class with classmates. A good option is passing mock DBQ exams. After that, ask your friends to rate them. You should not just take history seriously but also develop your writing skills. Your grade depends on them as well.
How many documents should I use in APUSH DBQ?
As a rule, students are provided with three types of documents, and they must also use additional sources. Five to seven sources will be enough.
What should be your timeline for studying DBQ rubrics?
If you ask how to manage your time on DBQ, spend 20% of your time reading documents, 10% should be spent on essay planning, about 50% — on essay writing, and another 20% should remain spent on editing and proofreading.
How can AP scores influence your college chances?
Remember that the chances of enrolling are not affected by your AP scores. Nevertheless, the AP course you take is more significant than the exam results, meaning that the AP scores impact is more negligible than you might think.
Instead, it will be more effective to pay attention to the AP classes in the transcript and the relevance of those classes to the future speciality. For a deeper understanding of the AP classes’ role in college admissions, you can use unique calculators that consider your standardized test scores, GPA, and more.
DBQ essay writing help from experts
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