How to Write an APUSH DBQ
Each AP History class has slightly different DBQ rules so just make sure you’re writing the proper way. The average score for the DBQ is a 3 out of 9 which is bad for how easy the essay is. In my opinion, it’s the easiest essay and can be fun. You have to know outside information but you’re also given a lot. Plus, you learn some weird stuff. But basically, make it your strength. You need one good essay, one really solid essay, to do well. Knowing how to do it is half the fight and a rather easy one at that.
That being said, they changed the rubric, so if there are things I am missing, tell me!
This is something I wish people would have told me so I’m going to tell you. The DBQ is a conversation. It’s going to flow like one. The documents are just that- documents. They are what you use to construct your conversation. You use those documents as examples and use outside knowledge for other examples. You’re talking about a topic, your thesis, and the evidence is the stuff you know and the documents. Thinking about it in those terms should help, I think.
Read the question and rewrite exactly what it’s asking. This sounds stupid but it really helps. It’s super easy to answer the wrong question. Make sure your essay talks about the question.
Take small notes about each document as you go, use easy words like positive, negative, social, political, economic, ect. You won’t know the groupings until you finish all the documents so it’s nice to have a few quick options.
Read the documents once through, and then do back and decide exactly what your plan is
You aren’t required to have a certain amount of groups but I like doing three. Make sure the groups answer the question. Go back and take note of what group each document is in.
Underline or somehow mark just a line or two in every document. Don’t try to reread the document every time, just focus on that statement. It doesn’t work all the time but enough to make it worthwhile.
Circle the author. It helps so you can analyze the point of view and bias and all that later on.
Write down some stuff you know about what’s going on in the document. You need 50% outside information so little notes here and there help.
STAY ORGANIZED!!!!!!Everything I tell you to do in this section is basically to keep organized. It’s the way I do it. If you have another system that works, go for it.
Write your thesis before the reading time is up. It saves time so when it’s time to write, you’re ready. I promise you, having it written is extremely helpful. If anyone wants a whole post on how to write a good thesis, I’ll be happy to do it.
Start by writing the document numbers on the front page of the documents. Cross each number out as you use that document. It’s the easiest way to keep track. You need to use all the documents. Make sure you don’t lose points on this. It’s simple and it’s a point.
You don’t need an intro paragraph. A quick opening sentence or two if you want and then jump into your thesis.
The thesis should reflect what you’re going to talk about. Use words from the prompt, include the years that your essay takes place. Make it specific, just do it. It feels weird but specific is important.
Again, just use every document. If you don’t know what a document is saying, use words like “perhaps” and then talk about it. Just try. Take a few extra minutes to understand, it’s worth it.
Don’t use the word document. Use the author’s name or the document’s title. Example: “Document 4 states that the Constitution never said a national bank could be created so some people believed that it was not legal” is a bad sentence. Don’t do it. Instead say “Jefferson believed a national bank was unconstitutional (Doc 4)."
Do put (Doc #) at the end of the sentence where you reference the document. Just do it. The graders want to see it. It’s also easy to look back and check that you used all the documents
I have always been told to not quote the documents. Paraphrase them. Use at most ten words. Analyze the words don’t just use them.
For every document you use, write about some outside information. It’s the easiest way to make sure you have enough outside sources. Talk about who wrote the document or what what made them feel that way if you lack anything else.
New this year I guess you have to connect it to broader topics and processes? So don’t forget that. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT PART! Sorry I can’t help with it.
Analyze point of view and bias for all documents. This is my favorite part. Just talk about why people might think a certain way. It’s often pretty obvious. Don’t forget to mention it though.
For a conclusion, just scribble more BS down or just restate your thesis. Save your energy for other things.
Make inferences. Doesn’t have to be right, just sound right.
Writing the essay feels like running a marathon. Just keep going, keep moving forward and don’t take breaks. Keep a steady pace, you have three essays to get through
You don’t have all the time in the world so keep that in mind but I rushed mine when I didn’t have to and I regret it. Take your time but not that much time. Find a balance is what I’m trying to say.
The DBQ is probably going to be the easiest essay so take your time, make sure you get all the points possible, and then move on.
Believe in yourself. You’ve worked hard all year for this. You know what you know and you have the skills you need to do well. Just trust yourself and don’t freak out.
You might read the topic and be lost. Just keep working through it. Typically things will sort themselves out in your head.
Keep your handwriting legible and make sure you’re happy writing in pen.
Bring a pen. Pretty important.
Sorry this is so long! If I missed anything, feel free to tell me. If you want more posts like this, I’ll be happy to do it. If you need help with anything history, I’m happy to help.
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