I'm currently struggling with the DBQ portion in AP US History and I feel like seeing good examples would really help. Any recommendations on where I can find some?
A helpful resource for getting a feel of high-scoring DBQs in AP US History is the College Board website. They provide past exam free-response questions along with student responses and scoring guidelines. These are real responses from actual exams that were scored highly, so you will gain a nuanced understanding of how students weave together historical context, document analysis, and argumentation into successful DBQ responses.
Also, remember that writing well-scoring DBQs is not only about understanding the historical facts but also about being skilled in analyzing sources critically and weaving those analyses into a coherent argument. Break down the document one paragraph at a time and write down what every document is saying and its perspective. Then, try to group documents by similar theories, events, or principles. Every group becomes a body paragraph in your essay where you dive into details and relate back to the prompt.
The AP US History course and exam description from the College Board also provides a few sample DBQs with scores, commentary, and tips for writing. I would recommend using these materials to practice your DBQ skills regularly.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't just read these examples passively, but try to actively learn from them by noting down common elements of effective organization, argumentation, and use of evidence from the documents and course material.
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