Transcript Introduction Paragraph DBQ Buddhism in China

Sample DBQ Introductory
Paragraph
Applying BAR
Introduction
1. Background sentence. Gives a short
description of the time and introduces the
topic of the question.
2. Argument. Main thesis. This must be an
original argument that takes a position.
3. Roadmap. The thesis should be followed
by at least three sub-arguments also
known as three roadmaps that further
explain the thesis.
Remember two additional things:
If the question includes the word “analyze” it
means to show how or why something is
happening.
If the question includes a period of time, it
means you may have an opportunity to
show change over time in your answer.
DBQ Questions:
• Based on the following documents,
analyze the responses to the spread of
Buddhism in China. What additional kinds
of document(s) would you need to
evaluate the extent of Buddhism’s appeal
in China?
Sample Introductory Paragraph
Buddhism originated in India in the 5th century B.C.E.
and spread to China in the 1st century B.C.E. via the Silk
Road. In a period of political instability, Buddhism was
accepted. As China’s political structure grew over time,
many rejected its teachings. Initially this new religion was
endorsed and the lives of Buddhist monks was admired
(Docs 1,2,3, and 5). However, others responded by
rejecting Buddhism because they saw it as an outside,
barbarian belief and felt that the Buddhist monks were a
threat to the Chinese way of life (Docs 3,4,and 6).
China’s political developments may have influenced their
responses since the initial response of acceptance
slowly gave way to criticism and eventual eradication
when the imperial structure was eventually restored
(Docs 2,4, and 6).
We’re not done!!
Intro continued
• Discuss the “missing voice” and tell why
this voice would be important (in analyzing
the responses to Buddhism in China).
• Identify an additional document. This
sentence identifies a missing voice or a
missing type of document. It needs to
include:
A. What voice is missing? B. What might
it say? C. Why might it say that?
Sample Introductory Paragraph
Buddhism originated in India in the 5th century B.C.E.
and spread to China in the 1st century B.C.E. via the Silk
Road. In a period of political instability, Buddhism was
accepted. As China’s political structure grew over time,
many rejected its teachings. Initially this new religion was
endorsed and the lives of Buddhist monks was admired
(Docs 1,2,3, and 5). However, others responded by
rejecting Buddhism because they saw it as an outside,
barbarian belief and felt that the Buddhist monks were a
threat to the Chinese way of life (Docs 3,4,and 6).
China’s political developments may have influenced their
responses since the initial response of acceptance
slowly gave way to criticism and eventual eradication
when the imperial structure was eventually restored
(Docs 2,4, and 6). The voice of women in China are not
represented in these documents. In a journal, a woman
might have supported Buddhism throughout this time
period because it gives women an escape from
subordination to men.
Body Paragraph
• 1. Set up the argument (should be first and last sentence of the
paragraph).
• 2. Summarizes the main points of a document. Should end with the
source in parenthesis.
• 3. Analyze the document. It ties the document to the argument of
that paragraph, which is answering one part of the DBQ question.
• 4. Ties one document to another. This sentence shows how one
document supports information found in another.
• 5. Shows if the sources are credible and why.