WRITING A DBQ:

1
WRITING A DBQ AP U.S. History
2
What Is a DBQ?

• An essay question that asks you to take a
  position on an issue that has several possible
  answers
• No right or correct response
• You must craft a thesis based on your own
  knowledge and your interpretation of the evidence
  presented

3
DBQ Documents

• Charts, graphs, and maps
• Newspaper articles/editorials
• Speeches
• Letters
• Diaries
• Laws
• Treaties
• Executive orders
• Editorial cartoons

4
Prompt Analysis Format
5
The Question

• Read the question carefully, then think about
  the following
• What is the essence of the question?
• Is it a yes/no, to what extent, or compare and
  contrast question?
• Does it have more than one part?
• Are there bullets provided?
• Is there a choice of responses?

6
Sample DBQ Multipart Question

• Discuss the changing ideals of American womanhood
  between the American Revolution (1770s) and the
  outbreak of the Civil War.
• What factors fostered the emergence of
  republican motherhood and the cult of
  domesticity?
• Assess the extent to which these ideals
  influenced the lives of women during this period.
  
• In your answer be sure to consider issues of race
  and class.

7
Key Terms

• Discuss the changing ideals of American womanhood
  between the American Revolution (1770s) and the
  outbreak of the Civil War.
• What factors fostered the emergence of
  republican motherhood and the cult of
  domesticity?
• Assess the extent to which these ideals
  influenced the lives of women during this period.
  
• In your answer be sure to consider issues of race
  and class.

8
Date Parameters
Discuss the changing ideals of American womanhood
between the American Revolution (1770s) and the
outbreak of the Civil War. What factors fostered
the emergence of republican motherhood and the
cult of domesticity? Assess the extent to
which these ideals influenced the lives of women
during this period. In your answer be sure to
consider issues of race and class.
9
Date Parameters (continued)

• Does the question state specific dates? What are
  they?
• If no specific date parameters are given, set
  ones of your own
• List presidents of the period
• Put the question in chronological context of the
  events and culture of the period

10
Construct a Database

• Use a database to organize outside information
  you know that may be relevant to the question
• Write down headings on the back of your test
  booklet
• Create the database before you read the documents
• Next, read the documents and add any other info
  to your database that occurs to you