DBQ Thesis Writing Strategies

The video tutorial focuses on writing a thesis for AP World History DBQ essays. It emphasizes the importance of crafting a historically defensible thesis that responds to all parts of the prompt. The tutorial outlines common errors, such as merely restating the prompt or failing to address all required elements. It provides examples of unacceptable theses and stresses the need for specific analysis of similarities and differences. The video concludes with encouragement for students to develop their own thesis and offers support for any questions.

What is the primary role of a thesis in a DBQ essay?

• To introduce the topic

• To list all the documents

• To provide a historically defensible claim

• To summarize the essay

How many answers should a thesis ideally contain at a minimum?

• Two

• One

• Four

• Three

What must a thesis do to earn a point in the DBQ category?

• Respond to the entire prompt

• Use complex vocabulary

• Include a quote from the documents

• Be written in the conclusion

Why is it important to avoid generalizations in a thesis?

• They make the essay longer

• They are too specific

• They do not reflect reasonable interpretations

• They are difficult to write

What is a common error when writing a thesis?

• Rewriting the prompt

• Using too many documents

• Including personal opinions

• Using historical dates

In the sample prompt about Mesopotamia and Egypt, what is required to address all parts of the question?

• Only similarities

• Only differences

• A summary of the civilizations

• Both similarities and differences

What is the consequence of not writing an acceptable thesis?

• The essay will be too short

• It will be difficult to earn other points

• The documents will be irrelevant

• The essay will lack historical context

What is wrong with a thesis that simply restates the prompt?

• It uses too many documents

• It does not provide specific answers

• It is too complex

• It is too long

Why does the second example of a thesis not earn a point?

• It is too short

• It lacks differences

• It uses incorrect vocabulary

• It includes too many similarities

What should you do if you have questions about your DBQ thesis?

• Use more documents

• Ignore them

• Email the teacher

• Rewrite the prompt