Transcript DBQ Workshop

DBQ Workshop
For first timers and experts alike
What is a DBQ?
A Document-Based Question is a form of
essay that is found in the AP exam which
provides both visual sources as well as
written sources for analysis around a specific
topic
 Mastering document analysis and then how
to group documents into a valid argument
will be essential to writing a good DBQ
 You must use all of the documents provided
in your essay as part of your argument

Example: DBQ

Based on the following documents,
analyze the responses to the spread of
Buddhism in China. What kind of
additional document(s) would you need
to evaluate the extent of Buddhism’s
appeal in China?
Historical Background

Buddhism, founded in India in the 6th
Century BCE, was brought to China by the
1st Century CE, gradually winning converts
following the collapse of the Han dynasty in
220 CE. Buddhist influence continued to
expand for several centuries. Between 220
CE and 570 CE, China experienced a period
of instability and disunity. After 570 CE, the
imperial structure was restored.
What do we do first?
Review the documents in the question
packet (separate packet – in AP format)
 Make notes in the brief review of ways
that the documents can be related to the
question and be used as support
 What are some ways you could answer
the question?

Next Step: Grouping
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In order to make sense of the documents in a
thoughtful way you need to group the documents
together so as to analyze them in the essay to
provide a worthwhile argument
DO NOT JUST LIST DOCUMENTS (this is
boring and does not show thought or analysis)
To understand grouping – the SHOE ACTIVITY
When you are grouping the documents, your
paragraphs should reflect the relationships
between the documents; there should be at least
one paragraph for each group.
How can this DBQ be grouped?
Possible
Grouping
Positive responses:
Documents 1, 2, 3,
&5
Possible
Grouping
Responses during upheaval (preTang): Documents 1, 2, & 3
Traditional Confucian –
Xenophobic, historical responses: 4
&6
(using evidence from 3 & 5)
Negative
Responses:
Documents 4 & 6
Universalist, individualistic, blending:
Documents 1, 2, 3, & 5
What voice is missing?
In all DBQs there is an expectation that to better
answer the question that there is a document or voice
that is missing from what is provided
 You need to articulate both the voice and type of
document which might help answer the question – you
must explain why this is appropriate

◦ Possibilities:
 Documents from the lower class – journal entries of attendance at a
Buddhist temple, letter from a peasant to a family member about
impressions of Buddhist monks
 Documents from Women – Letters or essays from women about
their experiences in Buddhist temple or reasons for conversion to
Buddhism
 Charts/graphs/maps which show populations of Buddhist converts
over time
Point of View

In all DBQs there must be acknowledgement of Point
of View of a minimum of 2 of the documents
◦ Never do the minimum, do as many as you possibly can
because the grading is comparative against the submitted
works on the day of the test (so if everyone shows POV of
3 and you only did 2, you will get a lower score – I know it
is messed up, but get over it and beat them at their own
game!)
Who wrote it, why did they write it, and what does it
mean – do they have an agenda, bias, motivation that
should be taken into consideration
 For this DBQ, which documents can you identify POV?

Getting Ready to write the essay
YOU MUST HAVE A THESIS – be sure
that the thesis has an actual argument and
is NOT a repeat of the prompt
 You try to create a thesis for this DBQ
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◦ Make sure that it indicates the major points
you will make in the essay
◦ Make sure it has an argument
◦ Make sure it actually is an answer to the
question asked at the beginning
Which Thesis is best?
There were many responses to Buddhism in
China
 There were positive and negative responses to
Buddhism in China
 There were more positive responses to
Buddhism early in the period than later
 Buddhism was more acceptable in times of
disorder, while in times of stability the appeal of
Buddhism lessened in favor of Confucianism
 In China the introduction of Buddhism led to
mixed reactions which included positive reactions,
negative reactions, and advocates for
blending/coexisting with native religions and
philosophies
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Where do you go from here?
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Now you can begin your body paragraphs
◦ Make sure to present the reasoning for the groupings you
have made
◦ Support your argument (your thesis) with specific details
from the documents
◦ Do not just quote things from the documents but actually
analyze and interpret the meanings
◦ You must show WHY a document is significant or HOW it
supports your thesis
◦ Please indicate which documents you are using (i.e. “It is
evident in document 6, that during the Tang dynasty Buddhism
was not just viewed as a religious alternative but that it was
perceived by Tang Emperor Wu to be a threat to the very
stability of the empire as he refers to it as a poison, a thief and
as the epitome of evil.”