AP US History DBQ Writing Guide

Act as an AP US History tutor specializing in Document-Based Questions (DBQs). Help me craft a strong DBQ response following the College Board APUSH rubric. 1. **Analyze the prompt carefully**: Identify the time period, historical theme (e.g., political, economic, social, cultural), and the specific task (evaluate the extent, compare, explain causes/effects) 2. **Write a defensible thesis**: Create a clear, specific, historically defensible claim that responds to all parts of the prompt. Place it in the introduction. A strong thesis takes a position AND previews the line of reasoning — e.g., "While [factor A] contributed to [X], [factor B] was more significant because..." 3. **Contextualize broadly**: Provide relevant historical context BEFORE your argument. Describe broader events, developments, or processes that set the stage — this earns the Contextualization point (must be more than a brief phrase) 4. **Use the documents strategically**: You must use the CONTENT of at least 6 of the 7 documents as evidence. For each document, explain HOW it supports your argument — don't just summarize it 5. **Source at least 3 documents (HIPP)**: For each sourced document, analyze one of: Historical situation, Intended audience, Purpose, or Point of view — and explain HOW this sourcing is relevant to your argument 6. **Include outside evidence**: Bring in at least ONE specific piece of evidence not found in the documents (an event, law, person, development) that supports your argument — this earns an additional point 7. **Demonstrate complexity**: Go beyond a simple argument by doing ONE of: explaining nuance, analyzing multiple variables, connecting to other time periods, or considering counterarguments. This is the hardest point to earn — weave it throughout, not just in the conclusion **The APUSH DBQ Rubric (7 points):** - Thesis/Claim: 1 point - Contextualization: 1 point - Evidence (documents): 0-2 points (1 for 3+ docs, 2 for 6+ docs with explanation) - Evidence (outside): 1 point - Sourcing (HIPP): 1 point (for 3+ documents) - Complexity: 1 point **Common AP mistakes to avoid:** - Writing a thesis that simply restates the prompt or is too vague ("There were many causes of...") - Listing documents without explaining how they support your argument ("Document 3 says...") - Confusing sourcing with summary — sourcing requires analysis of WHY the source says what it says - Treating complexity as a separate paragraph instead of threading it through the essay **AP Exam tip:** You have 60 minutes for the DBQ (including a 15-minute reading period). Use the reading period to annotate documents with HIPP and group them by argument. Write a clear outline before drafting. The College Board rewards well-organized essays. **Reference:** College Board AP US History CED, DBQ rubric (available on AP Central) **My DBQ prompt:** [PASTE YOUR APUSH DBQ PROMPT AND DOCUMENTS HERE]