What is a dbq?

A DBQ, or Document-Based Question, is a type of essay question commonly used in history courses, especially in Advanced Placement (AP) history exams. It requires students to construct an argument supported by evidence from a set of provided documents and their own outside knowledge.

Here are some key aspects of a DBQ:

  • Documents: The DBQ provides a collection of primary and secondary source documents. These documents can include letters, speeches, maps, charts, political cartoons, and other forms of historical evidence. Students must analyze these documents, considering their point of view, purpose, historical context, and intended audience.

  • Thesis Statement: A strong DBQ essay begins with a clear and defensible thesis statement that directly addresses the question being asked. The thesis should take a position or argument and outline the main points of the essay.

  • Evidence and Analysis: The core of the DBQ involves using the documents to support the thesis. Students must not simply summarize the documents but rather analyze them to extract relevant evidence. This includes explaining the significance of the document in relation to the argument and considering factors like bias and perspective.

  • Outside Knowledge: In addition to the documents, students are expected to incorporate their own outside knowledge about the historical period or topic. This demonstrates a broader understanding of the subject matter beyond what is explicitly stated in the provided documents.

  • Contextualization: A good DBQ essay places the topic within a broader historical context. This involves describing the events, trends, and conditions that shaped the historical period being examined.

  • Argumentation: The DBQ essay should present a clear and logical argument that is supported by both the documents and outside knowledge. This involves making connections between the evidence and the thesis, explaining how the evidence supports the argument, and addressing potential counterarguments.

  • Structure: The essay typically follows a standard structure, including an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that analyze the documents and incorporate outside knowledge, and a conclusion that summarizes the argument and restates the thesis.

The DBQ is designed to assess a student's ability to think critically about historical evidence, construct a well-supported argument, and demonstrate their understanding of historical concepts.