•       Essay and DBQ Guidelines    
     
     

    A.P. European History

    Suggestions for Improved Essay Writing in History

     

    Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare and write a history essay. These suggestions are particularly aimed at the essay written under some kind of time constraint.

     

    1.Consider the essay a draft. (To essay means to “try,” not to perfect).

     

    2. Make an outline of the main points you will make before you begin writing.

     

    3. Refer to the terms used in the essay question throughout your essay.

     

    4. Remember the first sentence sets the tone of your whole essay. Your first paragraph should introduce the arguments you will make and should provide some kind of thesis statement.

     

    5. Use strong prose. Avoid the following words: “obviously, of course, basically, interesting, more or less, somewhat, somehow, people began to….” Also avoid metaphor, simile, and colloquial expressions.

     

    6. Follow up any general statement with concrete examples. Support all your argument with evidence (including dates, names, terms).

     

    7. Make distinctions. Show complexity in your essay. Historical arguments are rarely absolutely certain one way or the other. Suggest a greater subtlety in your thought by revealing an understanding of both sides of an issue.

     

    8. Quantity is not the most important part of an essay. A structured and compressed essay, in which every sentence “speaks” is much more impressive than a long and rambling essay. Make your prose and ideas as dense and rich as possible.

     

    9. Time permitting, add a conclusion at the end of your essay. Re-iterate the point you made at the beginning.

     

     

                            Ten Guidelines for Document-Based Questions

     

    1. Show that you understand the question. Refer to the terms of the question from the beginning of your essay, but develop and analyze them rather than simply repeating them. Definitions of the key terms are often appropriate.

     

    1. DO NOT begin your essay by simply reiterating the historical background provided on the exam sheet. Respond to the question. Unlike the American History exam, you DO NOT need to bring the outside information. However, if you do, it should be appropriate and correct.

     

    1. Use as many documents as possible, and refer to them explicitly where it is appropriate.

     

    1. Treat charts, graphs, maps or pictures very seriously. They provide good information and are included for a purpose.

     

    1. Consider the bias or point of view of the document. Talk about it. Do not assume that what the document says is a fact, but report it as a statement from a particular source. *

     

    1. Avoid simplistic generalizations. Wherever possible, consider shades of gray as opposed to black and white. Avoid metaphor, flights of fancy, longwindedness and anything that distracts from your serious handling of the documents.

     

    1. Pay attention to the grouping of documents (if they are grouped.) Pay attention to the chronology of the documents.

     

    1. Quote from the documents in a meaningful way. This usually means quote sparingly and in context that shows your sophisticated understanding of the documents.

     

    1. Look for change over time (or for the LACK of change over time). Analyze it.

     

    1. Incorporate a thesis in your essay which responds to the question. Use the documents in a reflective way and construct an organized, thoughtful and distinctive response to the question.

     

     

    *This rule deserves particular emphasis
Last Modified on April 3, 2025