How to Approach the Document-Based Question(DBQ)

How the DBQ is scored

Cracking the DBQ

Step 1: Process the Prompt

You can't begin to think about the documents until you know what you are being asked to do. So that is why it is first important to read the question carefully. Underline the important details, such as a time. cultural location, and then circle what you are supposed to analyze and the actions that you need to take. For example, you compare and contrast, change overtime, etc. You can also jot down any information about the question topic and time. that immediately springs to mind.

Step 2: Build a Framework

Once you have gotten a handle on the question, use it to create a framework for processing the documents you are about to read. For example, if a question asks you to compare and contrast two major religions, you would create a compared and contrast chart of the viewpoint in question. There are many types of charts and diagrams you can do to help you write your essays better. As you work through the documents, you can fill the chart out.

Step 3: Work the Documents

Reading the document is simply too passive. As you read each document, you need to summarize and analyze it in light of your framework. You must work the documents to properly understand and analyze what is going on. The best way to do this is first circle the source, making note of what kind of Texas is and its date. Then on the side right key points and details that you need to know to fill out your framework. Continue doing this for the next documents. And in the end, put all the information together.

Step 4: Frame the Documents

Once you've worked the documents, fill your framework from what you've read and your notes. For example, using the four documents, try filling in the comparison, or the other chart that you drew. This step is crucial to linking all the documents and information together.

Step 5: Analyze and Add

In order to get as many points as possible on the DBQ, you must analyze as many documents as possible and cite them in your essay. According to the sourcing rubric, an essay will earn the most points if at least six documents are sufficiently discussed in the essay. You must also pull outside examples and evidence that support your line of argumentation in some way. And analyzing the document's point of view is extremely important in earning a high score on the DBQ. And the best way to see this is to realize what the author is focusing on and what their idea is when writing the document. You should pay attention to who wrote the document and when they were written, as both of these factors can help you find the point of view.

Step 6: Organize the Documents

When do you process the question, build the framework, work the documents? It's time to organize your documents so that you know which ones you're using as support, which ones you're analyzing, and exactly how to use them in connection with one another. The best way to organize is to start with the thesis, supporting documents, group one, group 2, number of documents outside examples and evidence.