DBQ Writing Techniques and Strategies

The video tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to writing a Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay. It begins with an analogy to Fortnite, emphasizing that there is no single way to achieve success in DBQ writing. The instructor explains the flexible structure of a DBQ, highlighting that there is no required number of paragraphs or specific format. The video outlines a formula for writing a thesis and body paragraphs, focusing on the importance of evidence and analysis. It also covers sourcing documents and incorporating additional evidence. The tutorial concludes with resources for further learning.

What analogy does the narrator use to describe the process of writing a DBQ?

• Building a house

• Playing chess

• Playing Fortnite

• Cooking a meal

According to the narrator, how many paragraphs are required for a DBQ?

• Exactly five

• As many as needed

• No more than four

• At least three

What should the introductory paragraph of a DBQ include?

• Contextualization and thesis statement

• A personal opinion

• A summary of the documents

• A list of references

What does the 'T' in the T.E.A. method stand for?

• Thesis

• Title

• Transition

• Topic sentence

What is the purpose of the 'E' in the T.E.A. method?

• To entertain the reader

• To explain the thesis

• To end the paragraph

• To provide evidence

How should you introduce evidence from documents in a DBQ?

• By summarizing in your own words

• By quoting directly

• By listing document numbers

• By ignoring the documents

What is a key difference between a descriptive essay and an argumentative essay?

• The presence of an argument

• Use of complex vocabulary

• Inclusion of personal anecdotes

• Length of the essay

How many documents should you ideally use to earn the complexity point?

• None

• Only one

• All seven

• At least two

What is one way to source a document in a DBQ?

• By describing the document's audience

• By ignoring the document

• By listing the document's title

• By stating the author's name

What should you add to your DBQ to enhance your argument beyond the documents?

• General knowledge

• Unrelated facts

• Specific historical evidence

• Personal stories