What Is a DBQ?
Curious about what a DBQ is and how to excel in writing one? This blog post will demystify Document-Based Questions, explain how they are structured, and provide tips and strategies to help you navigate the entire exam-day writing process.
Essay Component and Skills
| Component | Point Value | Scoring Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis/Claim | 0–1 Point | Your thesis or claim must be clear and well-defined. |
Writing a DBQ Response
Writing a Document-Based Question (DBQ) response on the day of your AP History exam can be an intimidating task, but with a solid plan, you can tackle it confidently. Below are tips and strategies to help you navigate the entire exam-day writing process, from deconstructing the prompt to developing a thesis and writing and reviewing your essay.
Deconstructing the Prompt
The first step in writing a strong DBQ response — thoroughly analyzing and deconstructing the prompt — is pivotal. Before we show you exactly how to deconstruct a DBQ prompt, let’s look at the most common types of DBQ prompts, reviewing the main types of analysis required by DBQs.
Pro Tips
- Watch out for miscues when reading a prompt.
- Write down the tasks and requirements.
Efficiently Reading and Analyzing Documents
Efficiently reading and analyzing the documents provided is crucial. You need to think about how they relate to the prompt and how they might shape and/or relate to your thesis.
Creating an Outline
Planning your response before diving into writing is critical for a well-structured essay. Create an outline that includes the following:
- Incorporate and align evidence.
- Note where each document fits into your outline.
Writing Your Essay
When you’re ready to write, follow your outline, keeping these tips in mind:
- Make critical historical assessments.
- Align the documents and evidence with key elements of your essay.
Time Management
Time management on test day is vital. Here’s an efficient way to allocate your time:
- 5 minutes for deconstructing the prompt.
- 10 to 15 minutes for efficiently reading and analyzing documents.
- 5 to 7 minutes for planning your response.
- 25 to 30 minutes for writing your essay.
- 3 to 5 minutes for reviewing your essay.
Conclusion
Now that you know what a DBQ is, its format and purpose, how to prepare for DBQs, and how to approach a DBQ, you can use these insights to guide how you prepare for the DBQ and feel much more confident about your next steps.
