Citing Sources in a DBQ

A strong citation connects the source to your argument and includes specific details.

What makes a strong citation?

Citing sources strengthens your argument and shows where your evidence comes from.

Why cite?

Introduction to Citing in a DBQ

• "According to Source X,..."

• "In [author’s] [document type], it is stated that..."

• "[Author] argues that..."

Introduction to Evidence

• "This demonstrates that..."

• "This evidence shows how..."

• "This supports the idea that..."

Explaining Evidence

• "Similarly, Source Y highlights..."

• "In contrast, Source Z reveals..."

Transitioning to New Evidence

Open Ended

Practice Prompt Question: How did the Columbian Exchange impact the Old World and the New World? Reference the Primary source excerpt.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of citing sources in a DBQ?

• To prove you know the material

• To provide evidence for your argument

• To make the essay longer

• To copy the documents

Multiple Choice

Which of these is an appropriate way to introduce evidence?

• "I think the source says that..."

• "The source probably means that..."

• "According to Columbus's journal, it is clear that..."

• "This source is probably not relevant."

Fill in the Blanks

Practice Prompt Question: How did the Columbian Exchange impact the Old World and the New World?

Use the following sentence stem to cite Source 1: "According to Columbus's journal..."

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct explanation for this citation:
Evidence: "According to Columbus's journal, the native people gladly traded their goods."

• This shows how the Columbian Exchange was one-sided.

• This demonstrates that the natives were open to trade with Europeans and had valuable resources.

• This evidence is irrelevant to the Columbian Exchange.

• This evidence proves that Columbus was an iron merchant.

Open Ended

Write a thesis statement for the prompt: "How did the Columbian Exchange impact the Old World and the New World?"

How to Cite Sources in a DBQ

Explain the Evidence

• Use sentence stems like “This demonstrates that…” or “This supports the idea that…”

• Always link the evidence back to your thesis.

Transition Between Evidence

• Use phrases like “Similarly…” or “In contrast…” to integrate multiple sources smoothly.

• Introduce the Source

  • Use sentence stems like “According to…” or “In [source/document], it is stated that…”

  • Include the author or document type when possible for clarity.

• Use Specific Evidence

  • Quote or paraphrase details directly from the source.

  • Ensure the evidence connects to your argument or thesis.

📚 Remember These Key Steps:

Citing Sources = Strong Arguments

💡 Pro Tip: Always check that your citation supports your thesis and stays relevant to the prompt!

📖 Next Step: Apply these strategies as we tackle the upcoming DBQ on the Columbian Exchange. Let's practice and soar to success! ✍️

• Citing demonstrates your understanding of the documents.

• It strengthens your argument with credible evidence.

• It showcases your ability to analyze and synthesize information.