DBQ Essay Terms

Inference

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

sub-claims

A smaller point to a larger claim or position in your argument (your reasons are your sub-claims)

citation

a quotation from, information or reference to a book, paper, or author in the documents. Citing your sources is key to your grade.

evidence

a quote or information from one of the documents.

grabber/hook

also known as attention grabber, is an interesting fact or question meant to get the reader's attention. Can be a quote, definition, question or just setting the scene.

thesis statement

argument of the essay, also known as the road map (your three reasons will setup your three body paragraphs)

sourcing

asking questions about a particular source, including: Who created it? When? Why? From what perspective or point of view? What did they know? Is primary or secondary?

background

pretend you are explaining information about this civilization/time period to someone who has never heard of it. Establish time, story and place (2-3 sentences for full credit)

restatement of thesis

re-write the thesis in a new way.

composition

spelling, grammar and organization fo essay. Did you capitalize proper nouns? Did you spell it correctly? Do you have 5 paragraphs total?

conclusion paragraph

the last paragraph in an essay. It sums up ideas and reflects on what is discussed in the essay in words different from those in the thesis.

analytical question

the question that is being asked in the DBQ.

argument

where you explain in your own words how the evidence is connected to your mini thesis.

stating the question with key terms defined

you need to re-state the document based question in your own words. Specifically explain any terms or unfamiliar words.

baby thesis

your mini thesis for each body paragraph. This is the first sentence of your body paragraph where you explain what reason this paragraph is about.