How to Write a DBQ Essay - Full Guide

At first glance, a DBQ essay might look demanding, but once you break it down, it’s much easier than it looks.

1. Read and analyze the prompt
2. Take useful notes
3. Create a strong thesis
4. Plan your essay
5. Write the introduction
6. Develop body paragraphs
7. Use document evidence
8. Add outside knowledge
9. Write a solid conclusion
10. Revise and proofread

This article lays out how to write a DBQ essay step by step. But if you want to skip the hassle, just reach out to EssayPro. Our expert essay writers will take the stress out of the process and help you nail it!

What Is a DBQ?

Many students may prosper: “What is a DBQ?”. Long story short, DBQ Essay or “Document Based Question” is an assigned academic paper which is part of the AP U.S. History exam (APUSH) set by the United States College Board. It requires a student’s knowledge of a certain topic with evidence from around 3 to 16 reliable sources. Understanding the APUSH DBQ and its outline is essential for success in the exam, itself.

DBQ Outline

Our professional writers have listed the DBQ format for your own reference while preparing for the exam. Like all essays, this involves an introduction, thesis, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

• An introductory sentence to hook your audience.
• State the background of the topic. Using a source relating to a historical occurrence or historical figure can be helpful at this time.

Thesis

• Describe the claims made in your paper which can be supported by the evidence.
• Create a brief description of the evidence that will be included in the body paragraphs.
• Write a paragraph which talks about how the DBQ essay question will be answered.

Body Paragraph 1

• Include the strongest argument. This should be linked to the thesis statement. Read our example of thesis statement.
• Include an analysis of the references which relate to the strongest argument.
• Write a statement which concludes the analysis in a different point of view. Include a link to the thesis.
• Write a transition sentence to the next body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

• Include a reasonable argument which links to the thesis, and the first argument in the previous body paragraph.
• Include an analysis of the references which relate to the strongest argument.
• Write a statement which concludes the analysis in a different point of view. Include a link to the thesis.
• Write a transition sentence to the next body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

• Include a reasonable argument which links to the thesis, and the second argument in the previous body paragraph.
• Include an analysis of the references which relate to the strongest argument.
• Write a statement which concludes the analysis in a different point of view. Include a link to the thesis.
• Write a transition sentence to the conclusion.

Conclusion

• Create a summarizing argument of the whole paper.
• Include the main points or important information in the sources.
• Create a concluding sentence or question which challenges the point of view that argues against these sources.

How to Write a DBQ: Step-By-Step Instructions

Time management is key when it comes to writing a DBQ essay. Since each part has a specific role, breaking it down into clear steps will help you stay focused. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a DBQ essay:

• Planning (15 min): Analyze sources and outline key points.
• Introduction (5 min): Start with a strong hook and summary of your argument.
• Thesis (20 min): Here’s how to write a DBQ thesis - spread it across multiple sentences, explain its significance, and preview supporting evidence.
• Body (2 hr 15 min): Each paragraph should focus on one point, backed by document evidence.
• Conclusion (10 min): Reinforce key points, restate the thesis in a fresh way, and tie it all together.

Following this structured DBQ outline will help you craft a solid essay, even under pressure!

Step 1: Planning (15 Minutes)

During the exam, it is important to study the provided sources. The exam is 3 hours, so 15 minutes for planning is a reasonable approach. During this time, analyze all of the important key-points from the sources provided. Then, take a note of all of the key points, and write them under the titles; introduction, thesis, body, and conclusion.

Step 2: Introduction (5 Minutes)

First impressions count. Keep the introduction short and brief. Don’t go straight into answering the question in this part of the paper. For a successful introduction, write a brief summary of the overall paper. It is also important to include an introductory sentence.

Step 3: Thesis (20 Minutes)

This form of essay requires a separate 3 paragraphs for the DBQ thesis. Describe the claims made in your paper which can be supported by the evidence. The second paragraph should include a description of the paper. The third paragraph should include how you’re going to answer the question.

• The key difference with other essays is that the thesis plays an important role in the DBQ structure.
• The APUSH DBQ thesis should not be two sentences long.
• The thesis should be written with act least 2 or 3 paragraphs long.

Step 4: Body (2 Hours and 16 Minutes)

Write well-structured, categorized paragraphs. Each paragraph should include one point. Avoid mixing ideas in the paragraphs. Include your answer to the assigned question with the provided documents. It is also important to read between the lines. Each paragraph should link to the thesis.

Step 5: Conclusion (10 Minutes)

The final part of your paper. The conclusion plays a vital role in persuading your audience. A poorly written conclusion means a skeptical audience. For well-written conclusion, summarize the entire paper. Link the conclusion to the thesis. Answer the question in a concluding sentence, “the big idea”.

Step 6: Proofreading (10 Minutes)

Spend around 10 minutes proofreading your work at the end of the exam. It is important to proofread your work to make sure it does not contain any grammatical mistakes. Any writing errors can lower one’s grade. Please make sure that the body paragraphs answer the question and link to the thesis, this is the most important part of the paper.

Writing Tips to Success with Your DBQ Essay

Understand: Before writing, make sure that you understand the sources and the essay question.
Duration: Remember that the exam duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Study: Practice how to write a DBQ before the actual exam.
Identify: Find the key-points from the sources to include in your essay.

Read Between the Lines: Don’t just write about what you read, but write about what the passages imply.
Read all Documents: Make sure you have read all of the sources, prior to writing the paper.
Read the Outline: Following the DBQ essay outline is essential for understanding how to structure the paper during the exam.
Categorize: Put each point into categories. This will come in useful for writing the body paragraphs.
Write the Author’s Opinion: Show an understanding of the writer’s point of view.
Write a Temporary DBQ Thesis on your Notes: Doing so will assist you during the paper writing.
Follow DBQ Examples: Following a DBQ essay example, while studying, is an excellent way to get a feel for this form of assignment.

DBQ Example

Do you need more help? Following a sample DBQ essay can be very useful for preparation. Usually, when practicing for exams, students commonly refer to an example for understanding the DBQ structure, and other revision purposes. Click on the button to open our DBQ example from one of our professional writers. Feel free to use it as a reference when learning how to write a DBQ.

The Great War and the second ordeal of conflict in Europe, played a fundamental in the increase of the rights for women. During the second world war, the British government encouraged house-wives to do the work of what was primarily traditional for men to do.Such as growing crops and butchering animals, which was generally considered to be“men’s work”. One of the slogans was “dig for victory”. The reason for this was for people to take care of themselves during the difficult times of rationing.

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Key Takeaways

Truly grasping how to write a good DBQ comes down to strategy, not just writing skills. Keep these steps in mind:

1. Understand what the prompt is asking.
2. Group documents by argument to make writing easier.
3. Nail the thesis.
4. Use outside historical knowledge..
5. Show why the evidence matters.
6. Tie every paragraph back to your main point.
7. Proofread to catch small mistakes and refine weak spots.

Writing a DBQ gets easier with practice, but if you ever need expert support, simply ask us, ‘Write essay for me.’ EssayPro is ready to help with any challenge, whether it’s a quick definition essay or a heavy-hitting research paper!

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