Why the DBQ matters so much
The DBQ is worth a huge portion of your APUSH score — around 25% of your total composite. Improving DBQ writing has the fastest impact on your predicted AP score.
Works with the full DBQ rubric breakdown.
Quick breakdown: 7-point DBQ rubric
- Thesis — 1
- Contextualization — 1
- Evidence from Docs — 2
- Evidence Beyond Docs — 1
- Sourcing (HIPP) — 1
- Complexity — 1
Goal for a 5:
- Earn 5–6 points consistently
- Strong evidence + sourcing
- Attempt complexity when possible
Step 1: Thesis + Context (2 easy points)
You should never lose these two.
Thesis template:
"Between DATE–DATE, the primary cause/response of TOPIC was CATEGORY 1, while CATEGORY 2 & CATEGORY 3 also influenced developments."
"Between DATE–DATE, the primary cause/response of TOPIC was CATEGORY 1, while CATEGORY 2 & CATEGORY 3 also influenced developments."
Context guideline: 3–4 sentences describing prior events → connect to thesis.
Step 2: Reliable DBQ Body Paragraph Format
- Topic sentence = category
- Use 2–3 document evidences
- Explain how evidence supports argument
- Sourcing (HIPP)
- Mini conclusion
Topic Sentence → "One major way _____ developed was _______." Evidence → "Document 2 shows..., Document 5 demonstrates..." Sourcing → "Because author wrote in ____ to ____, it shows..." Mini Finish → "Therefore ______ shaped ______ in this era."
Step 3: Sourcing + Evidence Beyond Docs
Sourcing (HIPP)
- Historical Situation
- Audience
- Purpose
- POV
Outside Evidence Examples:
- Acts, Wars, Court Cases
- Movements
- Political Trends
Step 4: Complexity Point Trick
Add counter-argument or contrast.
"While ___ was a main factor, it is also important to recognize ___ which shows a more nuanced picture."
Step 5: Weekly Practice Schedule
2–3 times/week
- Write thesis + context only
- Paragraph Outlines
- Quick Sourcing Drills
Weekly: Full DBQ timed → Score → Enter in calculator.
Putting it all together
Master templates → Build routine → Score jumps fast.
RC
Author: Rohit Chauhan
Updated Feb 2025
Updated Feb 2025