"How to Write a DBQ"
2 Acronyms to Remember:
TOADS and QUOTA
O = Outside Information. The essay requires "substantial and relevant" information that is not gleaned directly from the documents, although you should be able to tie it into the documents. O.I. should not be merely mentioned, but developed and made relevant both to the thesis and to the documents provided. O.I. that is irelevant to the time period or subject does not help, so be sure that you understand what the question asks.
A = Analysis. A good DBQ is more than just descriptive or chronological in nature. It should be thorough and should break down the documents and outside information into main themes that can be fully developed. The essay should have a balance between depth (development of points) and breadth (number of points addressed).
D = Documents. The DBQ should address as many documents as possible. While it is not required, it is nevertheless prudent to clearly cite which document is being used; i.e., to include "(Document A"). Do not quote the documents at length. Instead, you should explain what the documents mean rather than what they say. It is permitted to use a 2-3 word "buzz phrase" from a document in order to make a point, but do so sparingly. Also, do not just list the documents in a "shopping list" approach by mentioning them one at a time.. Instead, group the documents based on their content and weave them with Outside Information to support your point.
S = Style. The essay should be well-written. Use good grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. These will strengthen the essay's presentation of its point and make a more positive impression on the reader. It is also important to use precise meanings: "important," "widespread," or "influential" are more clear than "big," "huge," or "major." Keep your tone formal and scholarly by avoiding editorializing, cliches, and glib attempts at humor.
Look also at the wording of the question. The date range is relevant: think about what might have happened in the start and stop years that might affect your topic. Zero in on key terms that can give some focus to your essay.
O = OUTSIDE INFORMATION. Once you understand the question, make a list of everything that happened in the time period relevant to the topic. Don't hold back; something obscure or only vaguely relevant might turn out to be addressed in the documents.
T = THESIS AND OUTLINE. Now organize your outside information into categories or themes that your paper can address. Choose which interpretation of the question your essay will take, and arrange your information into supporting evidence. Be sure that your thesis addresses every aspect of the question and that it provides a clear "road map" for your essay.
A = ANALYZE THE DOCUMENTS. Notice that the instructions are to "analyze," not "read." As you go through the documents, look for patterns: how do the documents tie into the outside information, how do they tie into each other, and how do they support the thesis of your essay? It may be necessary to tweak your outline to accomodate the documents, but you should now be able to plug them into your outline as supporting evidence for your thesis. Be sure that you understand the meaning of the document in order to use it more effectively; don't just skim the surface of what the documents say.
You now have a good skeleton on which to build a solid DBQ.