PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Education and Communications
College University and Postgraduate
Academic Writing
Essays
How to Write a DBQ Essay Download Article Co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA
Last Updated: July 25, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Analyzing the Documents
|
Developing an Argument
|
Drafting Your Essay
|
Revising Your Draft
|
Writing Help
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA. Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 698,908 times.
In the past, Document Based Questions (DBQ) were rarely found outside of AP history exams. However, they’re now used in social studies classes across grade levels, so you’re bound to take a DBQ test at some point.[1]XResearch source Going into the test, you will need strong background knowledge of the time periods and geographical areas on which you will be tested. Your documents will always relate back directly to the major subjects and themes of your class. The key to success is to analyze the provided documents and use them to support an argument in response to the essay prompt. While DBQ tests are rigorous, they allow you to actually do historical work instead of merely memorize facts. Don’t stress, put on your historian hat, and start investigating!
Steps
Writing Help
Resource List to Prepare for DBQ EssaysDBQ Essay OutlineAnnotated DBQ Essay Part 1 Part 1 of 4:
Analyzing the Documents
Download Article
1 Review the documents for 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re taking an AP exam, you’ll have 15 minutes to review the prompt and document. During this initial reading period, you’ll carefully read the essay prompt, analyze the included documents, and develop your argument.
For an AP exam, you’ll then have 45 minutes to write your essay. Exact times may vary for other exams and assignments but, for all DBQ essays, document analysis is the first step.
For an AP exam, you will also need to include a thesis, set the prompt’s historical context, use 6 documents to support an argument, describe 1 piece of outside evidence, and discuss the point of view or context of at least 3 of the sources. Label these elements as you review and outline so you don’t forget something.
2 Identify the prompt’s keywords and assigned tasks. Ensure you understand what evidence to look for in the documents and what your essay needs to accomplish. Circle or underline task-oriented words such as “evaluate,” “analyze,” and “compare and contrast.” Additionally, note keywords such as “social,” “political,” and “economic,” as well as information regarding the time period and society in question.[2]XResearch source
A prompt might ask you to analyze or explain the causes of a historical development, such as, “Explain how the Progressive Movement gained social, political, and cultural influence from the 1890s to the 1920s in the United States.”
You might need to use primary sources to compare and contrast differing attitudes or points of view toward a concept, policy, or event, such as, “Compare and contrast the differing attitudes towards women’s rights in the United States from 1890 to 1920.”
Keywords in these examples inform you how to read your sources. For instance, to compare and contrast differing attitudes, you’ll need to identify your sources’ authors, categorize their points of view, and figure out how attitudes changed over the specified period of time.
Advertisement
3 Note your documents’ authors, points of view, and other details. Read the sources critically instead of simply skimming for information. For each document, identify the author, their audience, their point of view, who and what influenced them, and their reliability. Underline key phrases and take notes in the margins, and refer to your notes when you write your essay.
Suppose one of the documents is a suffragette’s diary entry. Passages in the entry that detail her advocacy for the Women’s Rights Movement are evidence of her point of view. In contrast, another document is newspaper article written around the same time that opposes suffrage.
A diary entry might not have an intended audience but, for documents such as letters, pamphlets, and newspaper articles, you’ll need to identify the author’s likely readers.
Most of your sources will probably be written documents, but you’ll likely encounter political cartoons, photographs, maps, or graphs. The U.S. Library of Congress offers a helpful guide to reading specific primary source categories at https://www.loc.gov/programs/teachers/getting-started-with-primary-sources/guides/.
4 Place your sources into categories based on the essay prompt. Determine how each document relates to your prompt, and figure out how to use the sources to support an argument. For instance, if you’re comparing and contrasting differing attitudes, categorize your sources based on the opposing ideologies they represent.
Suppose you have a letter sent from one suffragette to another about the methods used to obtain the right to vote. This document may help you infer how attitudes vary among the movement’s supporters.
A newspaper article depicting suffragettes as unpatriotic women who would sabotage World War I for the United States helps you understand the opposing attitude.
Perhaps other sources include a 1917 editorial on the harsh treatment of imprisoned suffragists and an article on major political endorsements for women’s suffrage. From these, you’d infer that 1917 marked a pivotal year, and that the role women played on the home front during World War I would lead to broader support for suffrage.
5 Think of relevant outside information to include in your essay. For an AP exam, you’ll need to include at least 1 piece of evidence beyond the provided documents. Rather than merely make a reference, you’ll need to describe how that event, policy, publication, person, or other piece of historical evidence supports your claims.[3]XResearch source
For instance, perhaps you read that the National American Woman Suffrage association (NAWSA) made a strategic shift in 1916 from focusing on state-by-state suffrage to prioritizing a constitutional amendment. Mentioning this switch to a more aggressive strategy supports your claim that the stage was set for a 1917 turning point in popular support for women’s suffrage.
When you think of outside evidence during the planning stages, jot it down so you can refer to it when you write your essay. A good spot could be in the margin of a document that relates to the outside information.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 4:
Developing an Argument
Download Article
1 Review the prompt and form a perspective after reading the documents. After you’ve learned more on the topic, return to the prompt and come up with a response. Keep in mind you’re not simply forming an opinion based on gut instincts. Use the information you’ve gleaned from the documents to form a well-reasoned opinion supported by evidence.[4]XResearch source
For example, after reviewing the documents related to women’s suffrage, identify the opposing attitudes, how they differed, and how they changed over time.
Your rough argument at this stage could be, “Those in opposition saw suffragettes as unpatriotic and unfeminine. Attitudes within the suffrage movement were divided between conservative and confrontational elements. By the end of World War I, changing perceptions of the role of women contributed to growing popular support for suffrage.”
2 Refine your rough argument into a tentative thesis. A thesis is a concise statement that encapsulates your argument. Be sure that your thesis is a defensible claim that responds to the prompt, but doesn’t simply restate it.[5]XResearch source
Suppose your DBQ is, “How did World War I affect attitudes toward women’s suffrage in the United States?” A strong tentative thesis would be, “The roles women played in the workforce and in support of the war effort contributed to growing popular support for the suffrage movement.”
A weak thesis would be, “World War I affected how Americans perceived women’s suffrage.” This simply restates the prompt.
3 Make an outline of your argument’s structure. Start with your tentative thesis, then list roman numerals (I., II., III.) or letters (A., B., C.). For each numeral or letter, write a claim, or a step in your overall argument. Under each claim, list a few bullet points that support that part of your argument.[6]XResearch source
For example, under numeral I., write, “New Woman: perceptions shift in the 1890s.” This section will explain the 1890s concept of the New Woman, which rejected traditional characterizations of women as dependent and fragile. You’ll argue that this, in part, set the stage for shifting attitudes during and following World War I.
You can start your planning your essay during the reading portion of the test. If necessary, take around 5 minutes out of the writing portion to finish outlining your argument.
4 Plug your document citations into the outline. You must support your argument by citing the documents included in the prompt. For a quick reference, make notes in your outline where you’ll discuss a source. If you’re taking an AP exam, you’ll need to include 6 out of the 7 documents, so it’s important to stay organized.[7]XResearch source
For instance, under “I. New Woman: perceptions shift in the 1890s,” write “(Doc 1),” which is a pamphlet praising women who ride bicycles, which was seen as “unladylike” at the time.
Beneath that line, write “(Doc 2),” which is an article that defends the traditional view that women should remain in the household. You’ll use this document to explain the opposing views that set the context for suffrage debates in the 1900s and 1910s.
5 Refine your thesis after making the outline. Go back and make sure that your argument structure and supporting evidence indeed support your tentative thesis. Double check that your thesis is clear, doesn’t include any fluff or unnecessary words, and completely responds to the prompt.[8]XResearch source
Suppose your tentative thesis is, “The roles women played in the workforce and in support of the war effort contributed to growing popular support for the suffrage movement.” You decide that “contributed” isn’t strong enough, and swap it out for “led” to emphasize causation.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 4:
Drafting Your Essay
Download Article
1 Keep your eye on the clock and plan your time strategically. If you’re taking an AP exam, you’ll have 45 minutes to write your DBQ essay. Times may vary in other settings but, in any case, plan out how much time you can spend on each section of your essay. Do your best to leave at least 2 or 3 minutes at the end to make revisions.[9]XResearch source
If you have 45 minutes to write, take about 5 minutes to make an outline. If you have an introduction, 3 main points that cite 6 documents, and a conclusion, plan on spending 7 minutes or less on each of these 5 sections. That will leave you 5 minutes to proofread or to serve as a buffer in case you need more time.
Check the time periodically as you write to ensure you’re staying on target.
2 Include your thesis and 1 to 2 sentences of context in your introduction. If you’re taking an AP history exam, you’ll lose 1 point (out of 7) if you don’t relate the prompt to its broader historical context. Setting context is a natural way to start your essay, so consider using the first 1 to 2 sentences of your introduction to discuss context.
To set the context, you might write, “The Progressive Era, which spanned roughly from 1890 to 1920, was a time of political, economic, and cultural reform in the United States. A central movement of the era, the Women’s Rights Movement gained momentum as perceptions of the role of women dramatically shifted.”
If you’d prefer to get straight to the point, feel free to start your introduction with your thesis, then set the context.
A timed DBQ essay test doesn’t leave you much time to write a long introduction, so get straight to analyzing the documents rather than spell out a long, detailed intro.
3 Write your body paragraphs. Your body paragraphs should be placed in a logical order, and each should address a component of your argument. For instance, you might discuss the attitudes toward women’s suffrage in the decades leading to World War I, then explain how women joined the workforce and supported the war effort. Finally, assess how these new roles gave further credibility to advocates of women’s rights and led to broader popular support.[10]XResearch source
Each body section should have a topic sentence to let the reader know you’re transitioning to a new piece of evidence. For example, start the first section with, “The 1890s saw shifts in perception that set the stage for the major advances in women’s suffrage during and following World War I.”
Be sure to cite your documents to support each part of your argument. Include direct quotes sparingly, if at all, and prioritize analysis of a source over merely quoting it.
Whenever you mention a document or information within a document, add parentheses and the number of the document at the end of the sentence, like this: “Women who were not suffragettes but still supported the movement wrote letters discussing their desire to help (Document 2).”
4 Make sure to show how each body paragraph connects to your thesis. You won’t receive points if you just mention sources or add quotes arbitrarily. You must make logical connections between the documents, the inferences you’ve made, and your thesis. Additionally, demonstrate that you’ve developed a critical understanding of your sources by focusing on what they mean instead of what they say.[11]XResearch source
For example, a private diary entry from 1916 dismissing suffrage as morally corrupt isn’t necessarily a reflection of broader public opinion. There's more to consider than just its content, or what it says.
Suppose a more reliable document, such as a major newspaper article on the 1916 Democratic and Republican national conventions, details the growing political and public support for women’s suffrage. You’d use this source to show that the diary entry conveys an attitude that was becoming less popular.
5 Weave together your argument in your conclusion. While you should sum up your argument, your conclusion shouldn’t merely restate or rephrase your thesis and introduction. Remind the reader of how you’ve proved your claims, and take the opportunity to connect your argument to a broader historical context.[12]XResearch source
In your essay on World War I and women’s suffrage, you could summarize your argument, then mention that the war similarly impacted women’s voting rights on an international scale.
Advertisement Part 4 Part 4 of 4:
Revising Your Draft
Download Article
1 Proofread your essay for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Try to leave about 5 minutes after writing your essay to proofread and make final edits. Look for misspelled words, grammatical errors, missing words, and spots where your handwriting is sloppy.[13]X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing CenterUNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
If you’re taking an AP history exam or other timed test, minor errors are acceptable as long as they don't affect your argument. Spelling mistakes, for instance, won’t result in a loss of points if the scorer can still understand the word, such as “sufrage” instead of “suffrage.”
2 Make sure you’ve included all required elements. If there’s time, and if it’s feasible, try to add any elements you’re missing. Rewriting a section or making major organizational changes with 3 minutes left isn’t practical, so check off your criteria as you outline and write. If you’re taking an AP exam, you’ll need to include these elements to receive 7 out of 7 points:
A clear thesis statement.
Set the prompt’s broader historical context.
Support your argument using 6 of the 7 included documents.
Identify and explain 1 piece of historical evidence other than the included documents.
Describe 3 of the documents’ points of view, purposes, audiences, or context.
Demonstrate a complex understanding of the topic, such as by discussing causation, change, continuity, or connections to other historical periods.
3 Check that your names, dates, and other facts are accurate. Ensure you’ve accurately cited names, dates, places, and points of view as they appear in the provided documents. For each reference, double check that you’ve cited the right document and accurately presented its content.
As with spelling and grammar, minor errors are acceptable as long as the scorer knows what you mean. Little spelling mistakes are fine, but you’ll lose points if you write that a source supports suffrage when it doesn’t.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How do you write a DBQ outline? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Start with your thesis, or main idea, then list your main points in support of your thesis. Write bullet points under each pain point with evidence and/or an argument to back up each point. End the outline with a list of any conclusions you’d like to make and a restatement of your thesis. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Question How do you write a DBQ thesis? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer To write the thesis, summarize your answer to the task question in 1-2 sentences. Your thesis should be the last sentence of your introduction. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
Question Do you use quotes in a DBQ essay? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You can use quotes, but it’s best to use them sparingly. Stick to using your own words to summarize your arguments and evidence as much as possible. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Remember that you shouldn't just identify or summarize a document. Explain why a source is important, and tie each reference into your argument. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you’re taking an AP history exam, find exam rubrics, practice tests, and other resources at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Taking a timed test can be tough, so time yourself when you take practice tests. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toWrite a Compare and Contrast EssayHow toWrite a Persuasive EssayHow toAnswer a Source Question in HistoryHow toWrite a History EssayHow toWrite an Essay in Under 30 MinutesHow toWrite a Two Page Essay QuicklyHow toWrite a Discussion EssayHow toWrite a Synthesis EssayHow to Answer an SAQ: Structure, Scoring, Writing Tips & MoreHow toWrite a Research PaperHow toWrite a Good College EssayHow toWrite an Academic EssayHow to Write Any High School Essay (With Examples!)How toWrite a Paper Advertisement
Co-authored by: Emily Listmann, MA Academic Tutor and Life Coach This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA. Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. This article has been viewed 698,908 times. 78 votes - 83% Co-authors: 62Updated: July 25, 2025 Views: 698,908 Categories: EssaysArticle SummaryX
Document-Based Questions, or DBQ essays, are often used in social studies classes to test your ability to do historical work rather than simply memorize facts. Start by spending some time reviewing the documents and developing an argument. Pay special attention to keywords in the prompt that will help you construct your argument. For example, if the prompt includes the words "compare and contrast," you'll need to include 2 different viewpoints in your essay and compare them. Then, as you read your sources, note the authors, points of view, and other key details that will help you figure out how to use the documents. Once you’ve reviewed all of the material, come up with your response. Sketch out a tentative thesis that encapsulates your argument and make an outline for your essay. You can then draft your essay, starting with an introduction that gives context and states your thesis, followed by supporting body paragraphs. To learn how to write a conclusion for your DBQ, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languagesSpanish
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 698,908 times.
Reader Success Stories
Livi G.
Apr 4, 2017
"My history teacher has been trying to teach us how to write a DBQ for weeks, and he is never clear or precise. This helped me so much because it gave it to me straight. I didn't have to work hard to understand it while I was reading, and gave me everything I needed to know. "..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Emily Listmann, MA Academic Tutor and Life Coach Co-authors: 62Updated: July 25, 2025 Views: 698,90883% of readers found this article helpful. 78 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote
Livi G.
Apr 4, 2017
"My history teacher has been trying to teach us how to write a DBQ for weeks, and he is never clear or precise. This helped me so much because it gave it to me straight. I didn't have to work hard to understand it while I was reading, and gave me everything I needed to know. "..." more Rated this article:
Emily Balint
Apr 18, 2016
"Thank you so much! The organization and grouping of the documents is the toughest thing for me to do. It takes me time to process the documents and place them together. This clearly outlines every step, and I feel confident I can get at least a 7 now! "..." more
Miracle Frappe
May 6, 2019
"I have a lot of issues in writing essays, especially with the thesis and creating an argument. This article has given me some ideas on how to write a good essay."..." more Rated this article:
Seorae Kim
Oct 30, 2016
"The points on how to order the essay, such as first including the historical context and then thesis, greatly aided me in organizing my essay. "..." more
Kate Alberry
Dec 30, 2020
"I was really confused on how to write a DBQ for my social studies class. This article really helped me to write one. So, thank you!"..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
College Grad Intelligence Test: Can You Score An A+?Take QuizAm I Ready for College QuizTake QuizWorld History Trivia QuizTake QuizThesis Generator: Get a Strong Thesis StatementGenerate
You Might Also Like
How toWrite a Compare and Contrast EssayHow toWrite a Persuasive EssayHow toAnswer a Source Question in HistoryHow toWrite a History Essay
Trending Articles
Psychopath TestWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizIf I Were A... Quiz
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?What Are Narrow Clavicles? Plus, How to Build Shoulder Width with Exercises
Take the Quiz Everyone Is Talking About
Am I Gay QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend Quiz
You've Seen These All Over Your Feed
10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call360 of the Best Borg Names for Your Next Party: Unique, Historical & MoreWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenThe Ultimate List of Truth or Drink Questions
Featured Videos
How toPlay Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)How toPersuade a Girl over TextHow toGive Someone the Silent TreatmentHow toMake Hibiscus Tea
Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥
Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?
Your Daily Dose of Fun!
When Will I Get My First Period QuizAm I a Bruh Girl?Which My Little Pony Am I QuizAm I Cool Quiz
Categories
Education and Communications
College University and Postgraduate
Academic Writing
Essays
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Emily Listmann, MA Academic Tutor and Life Coach This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA. Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. This article has been viewed 698,908 times. 78 votes - 83% Co-authors: 62 Updated: July 25, 2025 Views: 698,908 Categories: Essays Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Generate 
770 
Resource List to Prepare for DBQ Essays 
DBQ Essay Outline 
Annotated DBQ Essay Part 1 Part 1 of 4: 
1 Review the documents for 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re taking an AP exam, you’ll have 15 minutes to review the prompt and document. During this initial reading period, you’ll carefully read the essay prompt, analyze the included documents, and develop your argument. 
2 Identify the prompt’s keywords and assigned tasks. Ensure you understand what evidence to look for in the documents and what your essay needs to accomplish. Circle or underline task-oriented words such as “evaluate,” “analyze,” and “compare and contrast.” Additionally, note keywords such as “social,” “political,” and “economic,” as well as information regarding the time period and society in question.[2] 
3 Note your documents’ authors, points of view, and other details. Read the sources critically instead of simply skimming for information. For each document, identify the author, their audience, their point of view, who and what influenced them, and their reliability. Underline key phrases and take notes in the margins, and refer to your notes when you write your essay. 
4 Place your sources into categories based on the essay prompt. Determine how each document relates to your prompt, and figure out how to use the sources to support an argument. For instance, if you’re comparing and contrasting differing attitudes, categorize your sources based on the opposing ideologies they represent. 
5 Think of relevant outside information to include in your essay. For an AP exam, you’ll need to include at least 1 piece of evidence beyond the provided documents. Rather than merely make a reference, you’ll need to describe how that event, policy, publication, person, or other piece of historical evidence supports your claims.[3] 
1 Review the prompt and form a perspective after reading the documents. After you’ve learned more on the topic, return to the prompt and come up with a response. Keep in mind you’re not simply forming an opinion based on gut instincts. Use the information you’ve gleaned from the documents to form a well-reasoned opinion supported by evidence.[4] 
2 Refine your rough argument into a tentative thesis. A thesis is a concise statement that encapsulates your argument. Be sure that your thesis is a defensible claim that responds to the prompt, but doesn’t simply restate it.[5] 
3 Make an outline of your argument’s structure. Start with your tentative thesis, then list roman numerals (I., II., III.) or letters (A., B., C.). For each numeral or letter, write a claim, or a step in your overall argument. Under each claim, list a few bullet points that support that part of your argument.[6] 
4 Plug your document citations into the outline. You must support your argument by citing the documents included in the prompt. For a quick reference, make notes in your outline where you’ll discuss a source. If you’re taking an AP exam, you’ll need to include 6 out of the 7 documents, so it’s important to stay organized.[7] 
5 Refine your thesis after making the outline. Go back and make sure that your argument structure and supporting evidence indeed support your tentative thesis. Double check that your thesis is clear, doesn’t include any fluff or unnecessary words, and completely responds to the prompt.[8] 
1 Keep your eye on the clock and plan your time strategically. If you’re taking an AP exam, you’ll have 45 minutes to write your DBQ essay. Times may vary in other settings but, in any case, plan out how much time you can spend on each section of your essay. Do your best to leave at least 2 or 3 minutes at the end to make revisions.[9] 
2 Include your thesis and 1 to 2 sentences of context in your introduction. If you’re taking an AP history exam, you’ll lose 1 point (out of 7) if you don’t relate the prompt to its broader historical context. Setting context is a natural way to start your essay, so consider using the first 1 to 2 sentences of your introduction to discuss context. 
3 Write your body paragraphs. Your body paragraphs should be placed in a logical order, and each should address a component of your argument. For instance, you might discuss the attitudes toward women’s suffrage in the decades leading to World War I, then explain how women joined the workforce and supported the war effort. Finally, assess how these new roles gave further credibility to advocates of women’s rights and led to broader popular support.[10] 
4 Make sure to show how each body paragraph connects to your thesis. You won’t receive points if you just mention sources or add quotes arbitrarily. You must make logical connections between the documents, the inferences you’ve made, and your thesis. Additionally, demonstrate that you’ve developed a critical understanding of your sources by focusing on what they mean instead of what they say.[11] 
5 Weave together your argument in your conclusion. While you should sum up your argument, your conclusion shouldn’t merely restate or rephrase your thesis and introduction. Remind the reader of how you’ve proved your claims, and take the opportunity to connect your argument to a broader historical context.[12] 
1 Proofread your essay for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Try to leave about 5 minutes after writing your essay to proofread and make final edits. Look for misspelled words, grammatical errors, missing words, and spots where your handwriting is sloppy.[13] 
2 Make sure you’ve included all required elements. If there’s time, and if it’s feasible, try to add any elements you’re missing. Rewriting a section or making major organizational changes with 3 minutes left isn’t practical, so check off your criteria as you outline and write. If you’re taking an AP exam, you’ll need to include these elements to receive 7 out of 7 points: 
3 Check that your names, dates, and other facts are accurate. Ensure you’ve accurately cited names, dates, places, and points of view as they appear in the provided documents. For each reference, double check that you’ve cited the right document and accurately presented its content. 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 