Follow these steps to help you get started with your DBQ:

• Carefully read the historical context (background information) and the two part essay question to be sure you understand the topic and the question.
• Answer the scaffolding questions (questions for each document) in complete sentence form, in ink, in the spaces provided.  Remember, some questions can be answered from information in the document itself while others questions require you to think a little more and make certain connections based on outside knowledge of the topic.  Be sure to read each question carefully and give what is asked for. Also, pay attention to all parts of the document, including captions and small print.
• Go back to the two part essay question.  Use two different colored highlighters and highlight the information in each document that applies to each part of the essay question.  Use one color for the first part of the question and a different color for the second part.
• Make two lists of outside knowledge you have which applies to each part of the essay question.  This should be information which is not found in the documents.
• Complete an outline or graphic organizer before you begin writing your essay.  Include your introduction, transition sentences for each part of the essay question, highlighted information from the documents you plan to use, and outside knowledge from your lists which you plan to include.
• You may start your introduction by using the historical context and rephrasing the essay question.  However, you must add something of your own to that.  An introduction should include a minimum of three sentences and should focus on the theme or the general topic of the essay question.  Save details and examples for the body paragraphs.
• Write a transition sentence after your introduction to lead the reader into the first part of the essay question.  Then follow it with specific information from the documents and your outside knowledge that applies to that part of the question.  When you use information from the documents, mention it by document title or number. 
• Repeat the same process in a new paragraph for the second part of the essay question.  Remember that in a DBQ of 6 documents you must use information from at least 4 of them in your essay.  Also remember that a DBQ essay with no outside information cannot receive a score higher than a 3.
• Write a conclusion paragraph which summarizes the theme or topic but does not repeat information from the body paragraphs.
• Proofread your rough draft.  Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors before you copy it over (in dark blue or black ink) as your final draft.  If you use the computer, double space your final copy and print it in Times New Roman 12 pt. font in black ink.  (Double spacing means there is enough room between any two lines of your print that I could write in something in my handwriting. You can set your program to double space or hit "enter" twice at the end of each line.)  Student work WILL NOT be accepted on disks or CDs; if you can't print it yourself, then do it the old-fashioned way and write it out.
• Note:  the tips about introductions, conclusions, transition sentences, paragraphing, proofreading, etc. can apply to any essay in Social Studies, not just DBQs.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF FILE OF THE DBQ CHECKLIST TO WALK YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS

ESSAY  SPOILERS  -  DON'T   LET  THEM  RUIN  YOURS !!!!!!

These are things which should NOT appear in any piece of formal writing.....................

• Contractions (can't, didn't, etc.).  These are meant for conversation, not essays.

• Abbreviations (mtns., gov't., etc.).  Write these words out in full. Numbers between 1 and 100 should also be written out (only dates can be written using numbers.)

• Slang expressions ("stuff", for example; replace it with "things", "objects", etc.)

• Symbols (plus sign instead of the word "and" or slash instead of the word "or".) Use the words instead of the symbols.

• "I", "me", "my", "you", "your"; these are the five words which should never appear in a formal essay.  It is not a conversation; assume you are instructing your readers on a topic they have no knowledge of.  Do not address them, ask them questions, or offer them your opinions, just inform them.  A more mature style of writing suitable for middle school students preparing for high school does not include phrases such as:   "In this essay I will talk about..........."   or  "I hope you enjoyed reading my essay on....".                        

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