DBQ essays (Document Based Question) are now very popular, and it is better to learn writing them. This kind of essays is actually designed to check not your knowledge, but rather an ability to work with historical documents, analyze them, and get necessary information.
 
Obviously, you will have to write a US history DBQ essay soon. Let us explain you some essentials of writing U.S. history DBQ essays so that you can get the highest grade.
 
Study a document carefully
 
This is what your work on the US history DBQ essay will start with. Take time to study a given document. Make sure you understand its content. Outline the author’s standpoint. Think about the origins of this document.
 
Analyze a question
 
Your major goal when writing the US history DBQ essay boils down to answering a question. Sure, you cannot answer it from scratch. To write an excellent US history DBQ essay, you need to analyze the question. Pay attention to such specific words in the question like “discuss”, “describe”, “compare”, “explain”, etc.
 
Introductions and thesis statements in US history DBQ essays
 
A strong and clear thesis plays an important role in US history DBQ essays. The thesis expresses your opinion on the topic.
The introduction of your US history DBQ essay should grab the reader’s attention. You can make it by addressing a historical background.
 
Body paragraphs in US history DBQ essays
 
In the body paragraphs, you will provide information to support the main points made in the thesis. Keep in mind one significant aspect: when writing the body of your US history DBQ essay, you should always use and quote historical documents.
 
Are you interested in other assignments on History? Then read about world history essay questions and a GCSE History coursework.