Document-Based Questions at Grade 7
Purpose: The DBQ at grade 7 is intended to build on the skills introduced in 6
th
grade. Students entering
seventh grade will have experience writing short answer/paragraph responses to DBQs. During seventh grade
students should be given the opportunity to continue to work with multiple sources in preparation for writing an
essay. During the year, students in 7
th
grade should receive instruction on the development of the DBQ essay.
Suggested number of documents to be used: 6 (half of which should be visuals)
Part A – Scaffolding Questions: Each document should have 1-2 scaffolding questions, which involve
interpreting the main idea or point of view expressed in the document.
Part B – Essay: This essay should be in response to a question that has a specific focus. The question should
clearly identify the specific information that is to be included in each body paragraph. Students should be
expected to move beyond simply quoting the documents. The student response should involve using
documents as evidence in support of a thesis. This essay should include:
○ Planning/Organizing (i.e. categorize, block, mind map/webbing, outline, pre-writing) – including
specific references to the documents to be used in the essay
○ Introduction and conclusion
○ Body paragraphs that cite specific evidence from the documents (short quotes or paraphrases)
and incorporate outside knowledge
○ Introduction to referencing documents
Goal: All students should be expected to complete three DBQ essays in 7
th
grade.
Document-Based Questions at Grade 8
Purpose: The DBQ in eighth grade is intended to build on the skills introduced in grade 7. During the year,
students should continue to receive instruction on the development of the DBQ essay.
Suggested Number of Documents to be used: 6-8 (half of which should be visuals)
Part A – Scaffolding Questions: Each document should have 1-2 scaffolding questions, which involve
interpreting the main idea or point of view expressed in the document.
Part B – Essay: This essay should be in response to a question that has a specific focus. The question should
clearly identify the specific information that is to be included in each body paragraph. Students should be
expected to move beyond simply quoting the documents. The student response should involve using
documents as evidence in support of a thesis. The essay should include:
○ Planning/Organizing (i.e. categorize, block, mind map/webbing, outline, pre-writing) – including
specific references to the documents to be used in the essay
○ Introduction and conclusion
○ Body paragraphs that cite specific evidence from the documents (short quotes or paraphrases)
and incorporate outside knowledge
○ Documentation should be introduced in a variety of ways including parenthetical citation
Goal: Students in eighth grade should complete several DBQs during the year that result in an essay.