Part One: Chapter Four

The DBQ

~Based on a set of documents (4-10) that cover a topic usually in or around a period of time.

The Directions

~ Create a relevant thesis and support that thesis with the documents.

~ Analyze the documents.

- Context in which the document was written, what was going on around the author at the time this was written.

- How does the authors frame of reference effect what they wrote and why?

- How does the content and the tone of the document relate to that of the other documents? One document says that the other doesn't.

- Time document was written, Intended audience, what was author trying to express.

~Group the documents into two or three different ways.

~ Identify and explain one or two or more  additional documents or points of view that are not represented in the documents and how they would add to your argument.

The Documents

~ Use your ten minutes plus any additional time you need ( up to ten minutes of your essay time), a well planed essay is easier and quicker to write.

~ Use all of the documents, just in case.

Steps

Process the Question

~Read the question carefully.

~Underline important stuff.

~Circle what you need to analyze and the actions you need to take.

~ Note what the additional is supposed to do.

Build a frame work

~ Use question to create framework for processing documents.

Work the Documents

~ summarize and analyze each document in light of your framework.

Frame Them and Group Them

~After you work the documents (or as you go along) fill in your frame work.

Analyze and Add

~ Analyze two documents for bias or point of view.

Organize the Documents

~ Organize documents so you know which ones you are going to use for support, which ones your analyzing and exactly how your going to group them.

Time

~ 50 min: 10 for pre-reading, 40 for actual writing time.

~ Don't spend too much time on the DBQ because all of the essays have an equal effect on your total score.