DBQ Writing—Could use some help.

Hey there! As we're getting into the heart of AP season, I've been struggling a great deal with writing DBQs (Document Based Questions). Everyone seems to have a different approach. What's the best way to tackle these? Any tips or strategies for how do I write a great DBQ?

DBQs require some finesse for sure! The first thing to remember is that DBQs are not just a test of your writing skills but are focused on your abilities to analyze and synthesize historical data and apply that data to a broad, thematic context.

First, let's talk about the prewriting phase. Read the prompt carefully, understand what question you are being asked to address, understand what time period you're dealing with and be very clear about what your task is. Examine each document closely—read not only the document itself but also the source info provided. Take notes on each document, keeping the question at the forefront of your mind. Ask, how does this document address the question or give me relevant information?

You want to create a strong thesis that directly responds to the prompt while using the language of the prompt. Be exact in your statement, no vague expressions—whether it is a cause-effect statement, typological, comparative or temporal, make it clear. Maintain this thesis argument throughout your response.

Next, when it comes to using the documents, remember to balance description with analysis. Use as much outside information as you can combined with the documents' contents. A good balance of both is key. It is very critical that you cite the documents correctly. When referring to a document in your essay, 'Doc 1' or 'Document 1' is generally the preferred format.

While writing the essay, start with a brief introduction that includes your thesis, then use the body paragraphs to show how, using the evidence and examples, your thesis is correct. It's a good practice to dedicate a single body paragraph to each document, analyze its meaning, and connect it back to your thesis. Try to incorporate each document into your essay in one way or another, but avoid simply summarizing the documents.

Finally, always remember to write a solid conclusion that restates your thesis. It's also good to put the answer into a larger historical context. What were the impacts? What were the next steps historically?

And practice, practice, practice! The more DBQs you write, the better you will become at tackling them in less time and with less stress. Best of luck!