Writing a DBQ Essay
Students Most Frequently Asked DBQ Questions
What is a THESIS statement?
A thesis statement defines the focus of your essay and reflects (states) your point of view. A
thesis statement prepares the reader for the facts and details you will use to prove your point of
view. A thesis statement is a single sentence. When writing this DBQ you MUST underline your
thesis statement.
Where does a THESIS statement appear in the essay?
The thesis statement appears in the opening (introductory) paragraph. It is usually best to place
your thesis statement as the last sentence in this opening paragraph.
How do I write an introduction?
It is best to think of your introduction as the setting of a story. Read the Historical Context and
answer the questions – WHERE does this event take place (location), WHEN in history does this
event take place (dates, decades, centuries), WHO are the main characters (people, countries,
governments). Depending on the task and historical context you may pose and answer additional
questions to frame the essay.
How do I write a body paragraph?
Always start with a topic sentence! This sentence tells the reader what part of your thesis is
being proven in this paragraph.
You MUST know if you are required to – Analyze, Criticize, Define, Describe, Discuss, Evaluate,
Illustrate or Summarize.
For example: If the task requires you to DESCRIBE then you must give a detailed account of
the event or action; including factual outside information not present in the documents. This
should not and cannot be accomplished in one sentence. Your body paragraph will most likely
be (and should be) greater than 10 sentences.
Documents: Ask Yourself. . .
 Is the document accurate, reliable?
 What is the point of view of document (author)?
 Is there a widely accepted contradictory point of view?
 Why might document be significant?
Integrate your use of outside information and documents to support your thesis and topic
sentence (try to use all of the documents). The questions you answered relating to each
document will GREATLY assist you in providing this support. Reference documents in the
following manner:
(1) (Doc. 1) – this appears at the end of sentence(s) when document is directly discussed.
Example – The political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, indicates that
…….(Doc. ?).
NEVER begin document reference with phrase – “In document 3……..”
How do I write the conclusion?
Look back at your thesis statement and evidence used to back up your thesis in the body
paragraphs. The first sentence of the conclusion restates your thesis a bit differently than you did
in the introductory paragraph and sums up the evidence.
Follow this sentence with statements that return to the general topic of the DBQ and place the
essay into a larger historical perspective – is this the end or start of a movement, trend or event.
DO NOT end with phrases such as…
“…this is the reason we are here today.”
“…these events make our country great.”
Top 5 DBQ
Helpful Hints
1. Never write in first person or use personal pronouns:
“I feel…”
“In my opinion…”
“As you see…”
“We can…”
2. Never use slang or abbreviations
3. There is a difference between the words – “their” and “there”
“their” (possession) – They left their coats on the bed.
“there” (location, place) – His coat is over there on the couch.
4. There is a difference between the words – “then” and “than”
“then” (time, next in line, order) – After you pay then I will pay.
“than” (comparison) – The Giants are better than the Jets.
5. Never be afraid! Do the best that you can – this is not rocket science and this is not life
and death. This is writing and yes, it is difficult but together with time and patience writing
improves.
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and there were
over eighty edits and corrections to his draft? Mr. Jefferson was not happy with all the revisions;
however, the result was truly amazing.