Test Taking Skills

DBQ Question

The Document Based Question (DBQ) on the Advance Placement Examination requires skill in organization and planning as well as writing. Before writing follow these tips:

1.         Read the instruction carefully. Know what the question implies. You will probably have to put the given information into a larger historical context than the data provides. The College Board expects students to bring outside information into their essays. Using the documents alone will not result in a top grade.

2.         Read the provided data as quickly as possible. Do not become interested in what is being said, but read to find out the pertinent information.

3.         Use the document to draw conclusions. Advance Placement Readers are looking
            for application of the data, not summaries or paraphrases.

4.         Use ten to fifteen minutes to organize the data into the form the question is asking (i.e., comparing and contrast, analyze, etc.)

5.         After organizing the data, develop a thesis for your essay. A good thesis must involve both the topic and an attitude towards the topic.

6.         Organize your conclusion. Be sure it goes beyond a mere summary to a statement of importance.

7.         Double check to be certain you included information from your own store of knowledge.  Information other than that in the documents is critical to a higher score.