Introduction: Why the DBQ Is So Important
The Document-Based Question (DBQ) is the single most important essay on the AP US History (APUSH) exam.
- It’s worth 25% of your total score.
- It tests both your historical knowledge and your ability to analyze sources.
- Many students lose points not because they don’t know history, but because they don’t know the DBQ structure.
This guide breaks down how to write a perfect APUSH DBQ using RevisionDojo’s proven step-by-step framework.
Step 1: Know the DBQ Scoring Rubric (7 Points)
The College Board rubric awards points in 6 categories (total 7 points):
- Thesis/Claim (1 point) – Clear, historically defensible argument.
- Contextualization (1 point) – Broader historical background.
- Evidence from Documents (2 points) – Use at least 6 of 7 documents.
- Evidence Beyond Documents (1 point) – One piece of outside knowledge.
- Analysis of Documents (1 point) – Explain sourcing (POV, purpose, audience, context).
- Complexity (1 point) – Nuance, multiple perspectives, or connections across time.
RevisionDojo provides annotated DBQ samples showing exactly how each point is earned.
Step 2: Plan Before Writing
Many students jump straight into writing — mistake!
- Spend 15 minutes planning.
- Read the prompt carefully.
- Quickly skim all 7 documents.
- Group documents into 2–3 categories.
Example: A DBQ on the causes of the American Revolution (1754–1776).
- Group 1: Political causes (taxation, representation).
- Group 2: Economic causes (trade restrictions, debt).
- Group 3: Ideological causes (Enlightenment, rights).
Step 3: Write a Strong Thesis
Your thesis must:
- Respond to the prompt.
- Take a clear position.
- Preview categories of argument.
Weak thesis: “The American Revolution had many causes.”
Strong thesis: “The American Revolution was caused by political conflicts over taxation, economic tensions from British trade restrictions, and Enlightenment ideals that inspired colonial resistance.”
RevisionDojo tip: Use three-pronged thesis statements for clarity.
Step 4: Contextualization
Give background beyond the prompt.
Example (Revolution DBQ):
“By the mid-18th century, Britain’s mercantilist policies and costly wars, including the French and Indian War, created rising tensions in the colonies.”
This shows the grader you understand the broader historical setting.
Step 5: Use Evidence From Documents
To earn full points:
- Cite at least 6 of the 7 documents.
- Don’t just quote — explain how each supports your argument.
Example:
“Document 3, a colonial newspaper editorial, reveals widespread anger at taxation without representation, showing that political grievances fueled revolutionary sentiment.”
RevisionDojo practice: Write mini-analyses for each doc.
Step 6: Add Outside Evidence
You need at least one fact NOT in the documents.
Examples:
- Committees of Correspondence.
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine.
- Boston Tea Party.
RevisionDojo tip: Always have 2–3 outside examples ready for each unit.
Step 7: Analyze the Documents (HIPP Method)
To earn the sourcing point, analyze at least 3 documents using HIPP:
- H: Historical context
- I: Intended audience
- P: Purpose
- P: Point of view
Example:
“Document 5, a letter from a Loyalist, shows bias since the author sought to persuade colonists to remain loyal to Britain.”
Step 8: Show Complexity
This is the hardest point. Show you can think beyond the obvious.
Ways to earn it:
- Compare with another period.
- Discuss multiple perspectives.
- Show both change and continuity.
Example:
“While the Revolution marked a radical break from British rule, it also continued earlier colonial traditions of self-government seen in the Mayflower Compact and town meetings.”
RevisionDojo provides sentence frames to help hit this point.
Step 9: Structure Your Essay
A high-scoring DBQ follows this structure:
- Intro (Thesis + Context).
- Body Paragraph 1: Argument category + 2 documents.
- Body Paragraph 2: Argument category + 2 documents.
- Body Paragraph 3: Argument category + 2 documents + outside evidence.
- Conclusion: Restate thesis, show complexity.
Step 10: Practice With Real DBQs
Nothing beats real practice.
- Use College Board released DBQs.
- Write under 60-minute conditions.
- Grade yourself with rubric.
RevisionDojo includes annotated sample DBQs with full explanations of scoring.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Writing a vague thesis (“There were many causes”).
- Forgetting contextualization.
- Using docs without analysis.
- Forgetting outside evidence.
- Running out of time (not finishing essay).
RevisionDojo DBQ drills train you to avoid these errors.
Exam-Day DBQ Strategy
- Spend 15 minutes planning, 45 minutes writing.
- Group documents clearly.
- Always write thesis + context in intro.
- End with a strong conclusion.
RevisionDojo’s DBQ Study Tools
- DBQ templates with thesis frames.
- Sample high-scoring DBQs.
- Document analysis drills (HIPP practice).
- Timed practice DBQs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long should a DBQ be?
A: Typically 4–6 paragraphs, 750–1,000 words. Quality matters more than length.
Q: Do I need to use all 7 documents?
A: No, but use at least 6 for full credit.
Q: Can I quote documents directly?
A: Yes, but always explain them — don’t just drop quotes.
Q: How do I make sure I get the complexity point?
A: Compare with another period, show continuity, or discuss multiple perspectives.
Q: Should I practice DBQs weekly?
A: Yes — even just planning outlines helps.
Final Thoughts
The DBQ is the highest-stakes essay in APUSH, but it’s also the most predictable.
- Learn the rubric (7 points).
- Practice grouping documents + writing strong thesis statements.
- Always add context + outside evidence.
- Use RevisionDojo’s templates, drills, and practice DBQs to master structure and analysis.
With enough practice, you won’t just write a passable DBQ — you’ll write a perfect one that earns every point.
