Document Based Question
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A Document-Based Question (DBQ) is an essay that is constructed from an interpretation of primary history sources. It is featured on various Advanced Placement tests, including the European History and American History tests.
A student will be handed a packet of original sources (maps, letters, diaries, etc.) labeled starting with Document A, and time to plan by underlining, circling, or making notes in the packet. After a certain time period (usually around 15 minutes), the student is allowed to begin writing his essay, constructing and defending a thesis based on the prompt and using evidence in the form of direct support from the documents. The student usually receives 45 minutes to write their essay after the planning period is over.
For example, a student will be given a packet of documents relating to the American Revolutionary period and asked to construct and defend a thesis on how and why American sentiment towards the British was changing prior to the war.
External links
- Writing the DBQ essay - tutorial (http://www.perno.com/history/write.htm) - from Mr. Anthony Perno (http://www.perno.com)
- Oswego High School: DBQ Essay (http://www.oswego.org/staff/tcaswell/wg/dbq.htm) - From the Oswego High School Online Writing Guide