A DBQ provides the student with an opportunity to weigh significant evidence/documents
to reach an informed position and to present the information in response to a question.
Process:
1. Read the question carefully. What does the question ask you to do?
- Underline key words, eras, names, issues, or categories used in the question.
2. Brainstorm and write down the facts - names, dates, and events that you know about
the topic and time period.
3. Read and analyze the documents:
- Look at the author and the time the document was written.
- Identify the point of view or main idea of the document. Underline key words.
Write notes in the margin summarizing each document.
- Respond to the prompt questions after the document. If there are no questions, write
down the main ideas.
4. Reread the question. Carefully consider your document summaries and their
relationship to the question asked.
5. Plan/Organize your response so that you prove your thesis with supporting evidence
and information. (Categorize, block, outline, mind map).
- Identify the main subjects to be discussed in the body select the documents related to
each major subject.
- Write down important information from the document and from your knowledge of the issue.
6. Write an organized essay responding to the question.
Introductory paragraph.
- Take a stand on the question. Respond to all parts of the question.
- Develop your thesis. To what degree is it true?