Question

You were given two options of how to submit your stance on the DBQ: Were the Gilded Age businessmen robber barons or captains of industry?
You must now submit your choice of a:

written speech
newspaper editorial
Both formats can be completed using Microsoft Word. Please view the examples if you are confused about what you need to submit for this.

Answer 1

Here is how I structure my DBQs.  I hope this provides you with some help.  Learning how to write the DBQ is important for the upcoming exam:

Paragraph 1:

[CONTEXTUALIZATION: 3-4 sentences]

[THESIS]

Although X, because A and B, therefore Y…

Paragraph 2:

[Topic Sentence]

[Describe ONE document here]

[Relate that document back to argument here]

[Explain the Point of view, historical context, or purpose of doc]

[Describe ONE document here]

[Relate that document back to argument here]

[Explain the Point of view, historical context, or purpose of doc]

[Insert outside historical evidence #1]

[Explain how it’s relevant to argument]

Paragraph 3:

[Topic Sentence]

[Describe ONE document here]

[Relate that document back to argument here]

[Explain the Point of view, historical context, or purpose of doc]

[Describe ONE document here]

[Relate that document back to argument here]

[Explain the Point of view, historical context, or purpose of doc]

[Insert outside historical evidence #2]

[Explain how it’s relevant to argument]

(Optional) Paragraph 4~Counterargument:

[Insert counter argument here]

(Optional): Conclusion:

[restate thesis here]