Hey guys, APUSH exam is approaching and I'm struggling a bit with the DBQ section. Could anyone share some tips on how to approach it? What structure should I follow while writing? And do you guys know where I can find some sample DBQs to practice with?
Hi there! Dealing with the DBQ section in the APUSH exam can certainly be a challenge, but with the right approach and practice, you'll be able to tackle it confidently.
Let's first focus on the structure of your DBQ response. An effective DBQ essay usually follows this organization:
1. Introduction: Here, present a brief context of the given documents and identify the main historical trends or events they're associated with. Also, mention your thesis statement that directly answers the question.
2. Body Paragraphs: Typically, you would want 2-3 body paragraphs. Start each with a topic sentence that connects to your thesis. Then, introduce a document, summarize its main points, and explain how it supports your argument. Repeat this process with a new document in the same paragraph if they are relevant to each other or your paragraph's main point. Remember to always relate the document's content back to your thesis.
3. Outside Evidence Paragraph: After dealing with document-based paragraphs, add a separate paragraph where you bring in relevant historical details or trends not covered in the documents. This showcases your broader understanding of the topic.
4. Conclusion: Restate your thesis in a new way and summarize your main points.
A few critical tips to remember:
- Be precise and concise. Directness is valued in the DBQ.
- Make sure you fully understand the documents and how they are interrelated.
- Remember to analyze the author's point of view and purpose for each document.
- Try to group the documents by themes or arguments for easier organization.
As for practice DBQs, I'd suggest starting with the College Board's AP Student resources. They offer previous DBQs along with scoring guides, sample student responses, and scorer's feedback. This allows you to not just practice writing, but also to understand what made an answer score high or low.
I hope this helps and good luck with your preparation!
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