Document-Based Question
(DBQ)
Packet
What is a DBQ?
{Material borrowed from Collegboard.com}
The AP U.S. History test consists of a multiple-choice section and an essay section. There are three essays to answer on the test, one of which is the DBQ.
The DBQ an essay question that requires you to answer the question using the sources provided.
You are given a mandatory 15-minute reading period at the beginning of the free-response section, and most of that time is to be spent analyzing the documents and planning your answer to the DBQ. It's recommended that you spend 45 minutes writing the DBQ essay.
What kind of documents are in the DBQ?
Although confined to no single format, the documents contained in the DBQ rarely features familiar classic documents like the Emancipation Proclamation or Declaration of Independence, though the documents' authors may be major historical figures. The documents vary in length and …show more content…
This gives you the chance to showcase your ability to assess the value of a variety of documents.
What is the purpose of the DBQ?
The DBQ usually requires that you relate the documents to a historical period or theme and show your knowledge of major periods and issues. For this reason, outside knowledge is very important and must be incorporated into the student's essay if the highest scores are to be earned. To earn a high score it's also very important that you incorporate the information you learned in your AP U.S. History class. The emphasis of the DBQ will be on analysis and synthesis, not historical narrative.
Your DBQ essay will be judged on thesis, argument, and supporting evidence. The DBQ tests your ability to analyze and synthesize historical data, and assess verbal, quantitative, or pictorial materials as historical evidence.
2006 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY FREE-REPONSE