DBQ: The Golden DBQ: The Golden RulesRules

Golden RulesGolden Rules

Answer the questionAnswer the question Write a detailed thesisWrite a detailed thesis

Re-word the statement by taking a positionRe-word the statement by taking a position Identify three main points you are writing onIdentify three main points you are writing on

Use half of the documents plus 1Use half of the documents plus 1 Body paragraphs (2,3,4) need additions of Body paragraphs (2,3,4) need additions of

prior knowledge (details related to topic) prior knowledge (details related to topic) or additions beyond the scopeor additions beyond the scope

Golden RuleGolden Rule

Reference the documents (can use Reference the documents (can use parenthesis) parenthesis)

ArgueArgue To practice you could underline details To practice you could underline details

and prior knowledgeand prior knowledge Keep it simple- short simple sentencesKeep it simple- short simple sentences Vary the vocabulary (Big words used Vary the vocabulary (Big words used

correctly)correctly) 5 Paragraphs 5 Paragraphs

I Have the Question, I Have the Question, Now What Do I Do? Now What Do I Do?

Getting StartedGetting Started Read the question thoroughlyRead the question thoroughly Explore all parts of the question (how Explore all parts of the question (how

many parts)many parts) Highlight important aspectsHighlight important aspects Think about what you know about the Think about what you know about the

topictopic Could list ideas you know already-Could list ideas you know already- Think about- What you must discuss in order Think about- What you must discuss in order

to write a successful essay? (most to write a successful essay? (most important)important)

Think about any opinion about this subject?Think about any opinion about this subject?

Read DocumentsRead Documents

Try to identify how the document Try to identify how the document relates to the topicrelates to the topic

Read and pull out main idea for each Read and pull out main idea for each and consider how this document and consider how this document relates to the promptrelates to the prompt

Think about how you might use this Think about how you might use this document to support your point.document to support your point.

Write ThesisWrite Thesis

Based on the prompt, create a thesis Based on the prompt, create a thesis that addresses prompt-that addresses prompt-

Include three main points that you Include three main points that you will arguewill argue

Decide where documents will fit into Decide where documents will fit into essayessay

Try to create an outline of your Try to create an outline of your paperpaper

Write Your EssayWrite Your Essay

Get to the pointGet to the point Back thesis up with facts, solid evidence Back thesis up with facts, solid evidence

not fluffnot fluff 3 or 4 different issues or topic sentences3 or 4 different issues or topic sentences Make sure you are addressing the Make sure you are addressing the

questionquestion Refer back to the question several timesRefer back to the question several times Include as many documents as possibleInclude as many documents as possible

College Board College Board RecommendationsRecommendations

Define Your Terms Where NecessaryDefine Your Terms Where Necessary Look especially at terms like liberal or conservative, Look especially at terms like liberal or conservative,

radical or progressive. Be prepared to define other radical or progressive. Be prepared to define other central terms, such as major change, that may central terms, such as major change, that may appear to be obvious but can be ambiguous.appear to be obvious but can be ambiguous.

Start with a Clearly Stated ThesisStart with a Clearly Stated Thesis Some good essay writers begin with a thesis Some good essay writers begin with a thesis

statement, back it up with supporting evidence from statement, back it up with supporting evidence from documents and outside knowledge, and, if time documents and outside knowledge, and, if time permits, restate the thesis at the end. Other writers permits, restate the thesis at the end. Other writers analyze the material and build up logically to their analyze the material and build up logically to their thesis statement. On an AP Exam, you should use thesis statement. On an AP Exam, you should use whichever method you feel most comfortable with. In whichever method you feel most comfortable with. In any case, exam day is probably not a good time to any case, exam day is probably not a good time to experiment with a new, unfamiliar method of writing.experiment with a new, unfamiliar method of writing.