How to Do a DBQ

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How to Do a DBQ
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Steps

• Read the essay question.
• The scaffolding questions with each document are
  intended to help prepare you for the essay. So
  read the essay question to know what to look for.
• You also need to look for documents that will
  help you best support your thesis.
• Answer the scaffolding questions

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The Scaffolding

• In a normal DBQ, there are two sections
  scaffolding documents and an essay.
• Normally, the scaffolding documents each have a
  question to answer.
• Make sure you answer the question.
• Do not go off on tangents.
• Try not to quote paraphrase. If you must
  quote, explain the quote.
• Make sure your answer/summary is concise and to
  the point.

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Steps (cont.)

• Prepare to write the essay
• Carefully read the essay directions, especially
  the tasks.
• Make a chart to insure that you address all the
  tasks

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INTRO Idea Documents Background Knowledge
Para 1
Para 2
Para 3
Conclusion
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Steps (cont.)

• The instructions will tell you how many documents
  to use add one more! Use the documents and
  your background knowledge to write your essay.
  Double-check your chart to make sure you have a
  sufficient number of documents and background
  knowledge.
• Write your essay
• Make sure you have a clear, powerful thesis
  statement.
• Follow your chart precisely.
• Stay on topic watch out for tangents.
• End with a strong conclusion that expands your
  thesis.