Writing a Document-Based Question (DBQ) can feel like solving a mystery.
You’ve got clues (documents), a mystery to solve (the question), and your wits to put it all together.
Here is a quick summary of how to write a DBQ:
Write a DBQ by analyzing the prompt, examining and grouping documents by themes, crafting a clear thesis, outlining your essay, writing with evidence from the documents, and proofreading for clarity and coherence. Organize your argument logically and support it with historical evidence.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to write DBQs, plus plenty of examples and full templates.
What Is a DBQ?
A Document-Based Question (DBQ) is an essay prompt used in exams like AP History. It requires you to analyze and synthesize historical documents to create a coherent argument. Think of it as being a historian, piecing together evidence to support a thesis.
Types of DBQs
- Historical DBQs: Focus on specific historical periods or events, such as the American Revolution or World War II.
- Thematic DBQs: Explore broader themes like political movements, social changes, or economic trends.
- Comparative DBQs: Compare different periods, regions, or themes to draw broader conclusions about historical processes.
Step-by-Step Guide to DBQ Bliss
I’ve done my best to outline each step with examples of specific “how-to” tips.
Follow this guide to learn how to write a DBQ you and your teacher will love.
1. Read the Prompt
Understand what the question is asking. Look for key terms, time periods, and specific directives. Knowing exactly what is required will help you focus your analysis and writing.
Example: “Analyze the causes of the American Revolution.”
Here is how to do it:
- Identify the time frame: Late 18th century.
- Recognize key terms: “Analyze” (break down into components) and “causes” (reasons or factors).
- Note any specific instructions: Are you asked to consider political, economic, or social causes?
2. Analyze the Documents
Examine each document carefully.
Identify the author’s perspective, the context, and how it relates to the prompt. Take notes on key points and underline or highlight important information.
Example: A letter from a colonial leader expressing frustration with British taxes.
Here is how to do it:
- Determine the author’s background: Is the author a colonial leader, British official, or ordinary citizen?
- Contextualize the document: When was it written? What events were happening at that time?
- Analyze the content: What is the main message or argument? How does it relate to the prompt?
- Identify bias or perspective: Is the author supporting or opposing the British policies?
3. Group the Documents
Group documents that share similar viewpoints or themes. This helps in organizing your essay and ensures that your argument is coherent and well-structured.
Example: Group documents showing economic grievances, political dissatisfaction, and social unrest.
Here is how to do it:
- Identify common themes: Are there multiple documents discussing taxes, political representation, or social issues?
- Create categories: Economic grievances, political dissatisfaction, social unrest.
- Note connections: How do these themes interrelate? Can one category lead to another?
4. Develop a Thesis Statement
Craft a clear, concise thesis that answers the prompt and reflects the grouped documents. Your thesis should serve as the backbone of your essay, guiding your arguments and analysis.
Example: “The American Revolution was driven by economic, political, and social factors.”
Here is how to do it:
- Address all parts of the prompt: Ensure your thesis covers the main aspects asked by the question.
- Be specific: Instead of saying “various factors,” specify “economic, political, and social factors.”
- Be concise: Your thesis should be one or two sentences long.
5. Outline Your Essay
Create a detailed outline. Each paragraph should focus on a specific group of documents and support your thesis. This ensures that your essay is logically organized and easy to follow.
Example:
- Introduction: Thesis statement
- Body Paragraph 1: Economic grievances
- Body Paragraph 2: Political dissatisfaction
- Body Paragraph 3: Social unrest
- Conclusion: Restate thesis and summarize main points
Here is how to do it:
- Introduction: Start with a hook to grab attention, provide background information, and present your thesis.
- Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Use evidence from the documents to support your points. Include outside knowledge to add depth to your analysis.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new light. Offer a final thought or insight.
6. Write the Essay
Follow your outline. Use evidence from the documents and your own knowledge to support your thesis. Make sure to integrate quotes and evidence smoothly into your writing.
Example:
- Introduction: “The American Revolution, fueled by economic, political, and social factors, marked a pivotal moment in history.”
- Body Paragraph 1: “Economic grievances, such as unfair taxation, sparked colonial anger. For example, Document 1 shows a colonial leader’s frustration with the Stamp Act…”
- Body Paragraph 2: “Political dissatisfaction with British rule led to a desire for independence. Document 2, a pamphlet by Thomas Paine, argues for the colonies’ right to self-govern…”
- Body Paragraph 3: “Social unrest, driven by Enlightenment ideas, encouraged a revolutionary spirit. Document 3, an excerpt from a speech, highlights the influence of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke…”
- Conclusion: “In conclusion, the American Revolution was a multifaceted event driven by economic, political, and social causes. This period of upheaval set the stage for the birth of a new nation…”
Here is how to do it:
- Introduction: Provide context and clearly state your thesis.
- Body Paragraphs: Start each paragraph with a topic sentence. Use evidence from the documents and outside information. Analyze the evidence and connect it back to your thesis.
- Conclusion: Summarize your arguments. Restate your thesis in a new way and offer a final insight or implication.
7. Proofread and Revise
Check for clarity, coherence, and errors. Make sure your argument flows logically and your writing is clear and concise. Revise for content, structure, and grammar.
Here is how to do it:
- Read your essay aloud: This helps catch awkward phrasing and errors.
- Check for consistency: Ensure that your thesis and arguments are consistent throughout the essay.
- Verify document usage: Make sure you have used all the required documents and cited them correctly.
- Look for clarity: Ensure that each paragraph flows logically and your points are clearly expressed.
Here is a good video about how to write a DBQ:
DBQ Examples
Read through these DBQ examples to learn how to apply all of the tips and steps covered earlier in this guide.
Let these examples prompt you to write your own original DBQs.
Example 1: The American Revolution
Prompt: Analyze the causes of the American Revolution.
Thesis: The American Revolution was driven by economic, political, and social factors.
Documents:
- A letter from a colonial leader expressing frustration with British taxes.
- A British tax document detailing the Stamp Act.
- An excerpt from a revolutionary pamphlet by Thomas Paine.
Essay: The American Revolution, fueled by economic, political, and social factors, marked a pivotal moment in history. Economic grievances, such as unfair taxation, sparked colonial anger.
Document 1, a letter from a colonial leader, expresses frustration with the Stamp Act, highlighting the economic burden placed on the colonies. Political dissatisfaction with British rule led to a desire for independence. Document 2, a British tax document, shows the imposition of the Stamp Act, which further fueled the desire for political representation. Social unrest, driven by Enlightenment ideas, encouraged a revolutionary spirit.
Document 3, an excerpt from Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, argues for the colonies’ right to self-govern and the influence of Enlightenment thinkers. In conclusion, the American Revolution was a multifaceted event driven by economic, political, and social causes.
Example 2: The French Revolution
Prompt: Evaluate the causes of the French Revolution.
Thesis: The French Revolution was caused by economic hardship, political corruption, and social inequality.
Documents:
- A tax record from a French peasant showing high taxes.
- A speech by a revolutionary leader denouncing the monarchy.
- An excerpt from a political manifesto calling for equality.
Essay: The French Revolution was caused by economic hardship, political corruption, and social inequality. Economic hardship, exemplified by high taxes and poor harvests, burdened the peasantry. Document 1, a tax record from a French peasant, illustrates the heavy tax burden that contributed to widespread discontent. Political corruption within the monarchy led to widespread disillusionment.
Document 2, a speech by a revolutionary leader, denounces the corruption and incompetence of the monarchy, calling for change. Social inequality, highlighted by the privileges of the nobility, fueled revolutionary fervor. Document 3, an excerpt from a political manifesto, calls for equality and the abolition of privileges, reflecting the revolutionary ideals.
In conclusion, the French Revolution was a complex event driven by economic, political, and social factors.
Example 3: The Civil Rights Movement
Prompt: Analyze the impact of the Civil Rights Movement.
Thesis: The Civil Rights Movement significantly advanced racial equality through legal victories, social activism, and cultural change.
Documents:
- A court ruling on school desegregation.
- A speech by Martin Luther King Jr.
- A newspaper article on the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Essay: The Civil Rights Movement significantly advanced racial equality through legal victories, social activism, and cultural change. Legal victories, such as landmark court rulings, dismantled institutional racism. Document 1, a court ruling on school desegregation, highlights the legal strides made toward equality. Social activism, including protests and marches, raised public awareness.
Document 2, a speech by Martin Luther King Jr., exemplifies the powerful rhetoric that mobilized masses and brought attention to civil rights issues. Cultural change, driven by influential figures and media, shifted societal attitudes.
Document 3, a newspaper article on the Montgomery Bus Boycott, shows the impact of collective action on public transportation policies and societal views on segregation.
In conclusion, the Civil Rights Movement was instrumental in advancing racial equality through a combination of legal victories, social activism, and cultural change. These elements collectively helped dismantle systemic racism and promote greater social justice in America.
Example 4: Industrial Revolution
Prompt: Analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution on European society.
Thesis: The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed European society by altering economic structures, social hierarchies, and urban landscapes.
Documents:
- An excerpt from a factory worker’s diary.
- A government report on urbanization.
- A political cartoon depicting child labor.
Essay: The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed European society by altering economic structures, social hierarchies, and urban landscapes. The new economic structures, driven by industrialization, created a shift from agrarian economies to industrial economies.
Document 1, an excerpt from a factory worker’s diary, highlights the grueling conditions and long hours faced by industrial workers, reflecting the changing labor dynamics. Social hierarchies were also impacted, with a growing middle class and a widening gap between the rich and poor.
Document 2, a government report on urbanization, details the rapid growth of cities and the emergence of new social classes. Urban landscapes were drastically changed as factories and tenements replaced rural areas. Document 3, a political cartoon depicting child labor, underscores the social issues and urban challenges brought about by industrialization.
In conclusion, the Industrial Revolution reshaped European society through significant changes in economic structures, social hierarchies, and urban environments.
Example 5: The Cold War
Prompt: Evaluate the causes and effects of the Cold War on global politics.
Thesis: The Cold War, driven by ideological conflicts and power struggles, had profound effects on global politics by shaping international alliances, fostering proxy wars, and influencing domestic policies.
Documents:
- A speech by Winston Churchill on the Iron Curtain.
- A CIA report on Soviet activities in Latin America.
- A newspaper article on the Vietnam War.
Essay: The Cold War, driven by ideological conflicts and power struggles, had profound effects on global politics by shaping international alliances, fostering proxy wars, and influencing domestic policies. Ideological conflicts between capitalism and communism created a deep divide between the United States and the Soviet Union. Document 1, a speech by Winston Churchill on the Iron Curtain, illustrates the ideological divide and the emerging tension between East and West.
These ideological battles led to the formation of international alliances, such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, which defined global politics for decades. Document 2, a CIA report on Soviet activities in Latin America, highlights the extent of Cold War influence in regional politics and the strategy of supporting proxy wars. The Vietnam War, as shown in Document 3, a newspaper article, reflects the Cold War’s impact on domestic policies and the significant toll it took on both superpowers involved.
In conclusion, the Cold War reshaped global politics through its ideological battles, formation of alliances, and influence on both international and domestic spheres.
DBQ Templates You Can Use Today
You can copy and paste these DBQ templates to start writing your assignment today.
Template 1: Causes of a Historical Event
Prompt: Analyze the causes of [Historical Event].
Thesis: [Historical Event] was driven by [Cause 1], [Cause 2], and [Cause 3].
Documents:
- A [type of document] from [perspective].
- A [type of document] from [perspective].
- An excerpt from a [type of document].
Essay: [Historical Event], driven by [Cause 1], [Cause 2], and [Cause 3], marked a pivotal moment in history. [Cause 1], exemplified by [specific example], sparked [reaction]. Document 1, a [type of document] from [perspective], highlights [aspect of Cause 1]. [Cause 2], highlighted by [specific example], led to [reaction]. Document 2, a [type of document] from [perspective], underscores [aspect of Cause 2]. [Cause 3], driven by [specific example], encouraged [reaction]. Document 3, an excerpt from a [type of document], reflects [aspect of Cause 3]. In conclusion, [Historical Event] was a multifaceted event driven by [Cause 1], [Cause 2], and [Cause 3].
Template 2: Impact of a Social Movement
Prompt: Analyze the impact of [Social Movement].
Thesis: [Social Movement] significantly advanced [Goal] through [Method 1], [Method 2], and [Method 3].
Documents:
- A [type of document] on [Method 1].
- A [type of document] on [Method 2].
- An excerpt from a [type of document] on [Method 3].
Essay: [Social Movement] significantly advanced [Goal] through [Method 1], [Method 2], and [Method 3]. [Method 1], such as [specific example], achieved [result]. Document 1, a [type of document] on [Method 1], illustrates [aspect of Method 1]. [Method 2], including [specific example], led to [result]. Document 2, a [type of document] on [Method 2], underscores [aspect of Method 2]. [Method 3], driven by [specific example], shifted [aspect]. Document 3, an excerpt from a [type of document] on [Method 3], highlights [aspect of Method 3]. In conclusion, [Social Movement] was instrumental in advancing [Goal] through [Method 1], [Method 2], and [Method 3].
Template 3: Comparing Historical Periods
Prompt: Compare and contrast the impacts of [Period 1] and [Period 2] on [Aspect of Society].
Thesis: Both [Period 1] and [Period 2] significantly impacted [Aspect of Society], but they did so in different ways through [Factor 1], [Factor 2], and [Factor 3].
Documents:
- A [type of document] from [Period 1] on [Factor 1].
- A [type of document] from [Period 2] on [Factor 1].
- An excerpt from [Period 1] on [Factor 2].
- An excerpt from [Period 2] on [Factor 2].
- A [type of document] from [Period 1] on [Factor 3].
- A [type of document] from [Period 2] on [Factor 3].
Essay: Both [Period 1] and [Period 2] significantly impacted [Aspect of Society], but they did so in different ways through [Factor 1], [Factor 2], and [Factor 3]. [Factor 1] in [Period 1] led to [outcome]. Document 1, a [type of document] from [Period 1], highlights [aspect of Factor 1]. Conversely, [Factor 1] in [Period 2] resulted in [different outcome]. Document 2, a [type of document] from [Period 2], reflects [aspect of Factor 1]. Similarly, [Factor 2] affected [Aspect of Society] differently in each period. Document 3, an excerpt from [Period 1], shows [aspect of Factor 2], while Document 4, an excerpt from [Period 2], illustrates [different aspect of Factor 2].
Lastly, [Factor 3] in [Period 1] had [impact], as shown in Document 5, while [Factor 3] in [Period 2] had [another impact], as evidenced by Document 6. In conclusion, [Period 1] and [Period 2] both significantly influenced [Aspect of Society], but through different factors and outcomes.
Template 4: Evaluating Historical Policies
Prompt: Evaluate the effectiveness of [Policy] in achieving its goals.
Thesis: [Policy] was [effective/ineffective] in achieving its goals due to [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3].
Documents:
- A government report on [Policy].
- A public opinion survey on [Policy].
- An excerpt from a speech by a [Policy] advocate.
- An excerpt from a critique by a [Policy] opponent.
- A statistical analysis of [Policy]’s outcomes.
- A newspaper article on [Policy]’s impact.
Essay: [Policy] was [effective/ineffective] in achieving its goals due to [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3]. [Reason 1] is illustrated by Document 1, a government report detailing [aspect of Policy]. Public opinion also reflects [Reason 1], as shown in Document 2, a public opinion survey. [Reason 2] is supported by Document 3, an excerpt from a speech by a [Policy] advocate, and Document 4, an excerpt from a critique by a [Policy] opponent. Both documents highlight differing perspectives on [Policy]. Document 5, a statistical analysis, provides evidence of [Reason 3], showing [data related to Policy’s outcomes].
Finally, Document 6, a newspaper article, discusses the broader impact of [Policy], reinforcing [Reason 3]. In conclusion, [Policy] was [effective/ineffective] due to [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3].
Final Thoughts: How to Write a DBQ
Think of writing a DBQ as a journey through time.
You’re not just analyzing documents; you’re stepping into the shoes of historical figures, experiencing their world, and understanding their challenges. Each essay is an opportunity to bring history to life. Make your readers feel like they’ve traveled back in time with you.