How to Write a DBQ Essay (Document-Based Question)

TL;DR

A DBQ asks you to analyze historical documents and use them as evidence in an essay argument. Read the prompt carefully, group documents by theme, write a clear thesis, use at least the required number of documents as evidence, and include outside knowledge. Follow the rubric exactly.

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What Is a DBQ?

The Document-Based Question (DBQ) is a core essay type on AP History exams (APUSH, AP World, AP Euro). You receive 5-7 historical documents and must write an essay that:

1. Answers a specific historical question
2. Uses the documents as evidence
3. Includes outside knowledge (information not in the documents)
4. Analyzes the documents critically

The DBQ Rubric (Know This Cold)

Thesis (1 point)

• Make a historically defensible claim that answers the prompt
• Must be in the introduction or conclusion
• Must go beyond restating the prompt

Contextualization (1 point)

• Describe the broader historical context relevant to the prompt
• This is NOT just restating what the documents say
• Explain what was happening in the wider world at the time

Evidence (3 points possible)

• 1 point: Use the content of at least 3 documents
• 1 point: Use the content of at least 6 documents AND support your argument
• 1 point: Use at least 1 piece of evidence NOT found in the documents (outside knowledge)

Analysis and Reasoning (2 points possible)

• 1 point: For at least 3 documents, explain the author's point of view, purpose, historical situation, or audience
• 1 point: Demonstrate a complex understanding (multiple themes, nuance, connections across time, or both sides of an argument)

The DBQ Writing Process

Step 1: Read the Prompt (2 minutes)

Underline key words. What exactly is it asking? What time period? What theme?

Step 2: Read and Annotate Documents (10 minutes)

For each document, note:

• What does it say? (Main point in 1 sentence)
• Who wrote it? When? (Point of view)
• Why was it written? (Purpose)
• How can I use this? (Which argument does it support?)

Step 3: Plan Your Essay (5 minutes)

• Write a thesis that directly answers the prompt
• Group documents by theme or argument (usually 2-3 groups)
• Identify which documents support which group
• Note 1-2 pieces of outside evidence you'll include

Step 4: Write (30-35 minutes)

Introduction:

• Contextualization (broader historical context — 2-3 sentences)
• Thesis (clear, arguable claim)

Body Paragraphs (2-3):

• Topic sentence (states one aspect of your argument)
• Document evidence (cite by document letter/number: "As shown in Document A...")
• Analysis of documents (explain point of view, purpose, or audience)
• Outside evidence (1+ piece per essay)
• Explanation of how evidence supports your thesis

Conclusion:

• Restate thesis briefly
• Connect to broader historical significance

Document Analysis Tips (HIPP)

For each document, consider:

• Historical Context: What was happening when this was written?
• Intended Audience: Who was this written for?
• Purpose: Why was this written?
• Point of View: What bias might the author have?

You need to do this analysis for AT LEAST 3 documents to earn the analysis point.

Common DBQ Mistakes

1. Not answering the prompt — Stay focused on what was asked
2. Summarizing documents without analysis — Don't just say what the document says; explain WHY it matters
3. Ignoring the rubric — The rubric IS your scoring guide. Follow it exactly.
4. No outside evidence — This is a free point. Include at least one piece of outside knowledge.
5. Not enough documents — Use ALL or almost all documents. Using only 3 of 7 limits your score.

Let Gradily Help You Master the DBQ

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The DBQ isn't testing whether you know facts — it's testing whether you can BUILD AN ARGUMENT using evidence. Master the rubric, practice the format, and you'll score well every time. 📜