DBQ - Introduction & Body

Essay Writing - Introduction

Aim: How do you put together a complete introduction by incorporating WRS?

Do Now: Answer the following questions:

• When is it appropriate to use the first person when writing an essay? ex. I am going to tell you...
• When is it appropriate to use texting language and abbreviations?

Introduction

Use the DRL format for the introduction.

Step #1:

D = Define the historical context or theme. This is usually a definition of the theme.

Step #2:

R = Re-Write the historical context or theme. You need to change most of the words in the historical theme except the actual topic.

WRS (Word Replacement Strategy}

How to re-write an introduction from the theme or historical context

1. Read the theme or historical context
2. Circle the important words.
3. Think of replacements for the most of the important words and phrases. (Multiple replacements may be necessary)
4. Paraphrase (put into your own words) the theme or historical context using the replacement words.

Step #3:

L = List the topic(s) that will be in your body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs need to thoroughly address all elements of the task by: demonstrating an understanding of the theme; incorporating relevant facts, examples, and details; and presenting everything in an organized manner.

This is where the completion of a pre-writing table really pays off! If constructed and filled in properly, this table will form the basis of organizing the body paragraphs of the DBQ essay response.

The table above formed the basis for the content included in these body paragraphs. It has allowed the writer to visualize the flow of the essay before committing to a single paragraph to paper. The facts in the table should be expanded with details designed to thoroughly address all aspects of the task.

Outside Information

Outside information is anything not in your documents in your DBQ.

The following techniques can be used to find outside information stored in your memory.

1. The 5W's of History - Answering the 5w's of History for your document.
   • Who - Is there someone that the document is not mentioning that you know took part in the event?
   • What - Does the document explain what happened in detail? If not, add some additional detail about what happened.
   • Where - Does the document explain where the event took place? If not, add some detail where the event took place.
   • When - Does the document explain when the event took place? If not, add some detail when (time period, date, or century) the event took place.
   • Why - Does the document explain why or the causes the event happened? If not, add some detail why or what were the causes of the event.
2. Result/Outcome
   • If the document does not explain the result/outcome of the event, add some detail of some of the results or outcomes.
3. Worldly Relationship
   • Relate the document to the World. Explain some similarities and differences, or compare and contrast the time period of the world in the document to the world today.
4. Geography
   • Relate the document to geography such as where a country is located (Asia, Europe, etc.), or near any features (ocean, mountains, river valleys, etc.).
5. Definitions
   • Use any definitions for words in your documents. If the document mentions 'communism', define communism as a system of government where everyone is equal politically, socially, and economically.

Remember, the more outside information the better, no matter how trivial it may seem.

Example:

DBQ Question: What physical features helped to protect China from invasion?

Answer: The physical features that helped protect China from invasions are mountains and deserts.

Possible Outside information choices:

• Emperors of China helped build a man-made wall to protect China along with the physical features. (WHO)
• Cultural diffusion also did not occur because China was isolated. (Result/Outcome)
• Trade was limited on the Silk Road because of the mountains and deserts. (Result/Outcomes)
• China's isolationism caused their population to explode. This was a direct result of the limited contact with the outside world and the chance of getting diseases. (Result/Outcome)
• China up until the 21st century was isolated and now participates in the world economy. It is now an emerging world power. (Relate to World Today)
• China's isolation allowed for communism to start and grow. (Result/Outcome)
• The Great Wall of China although a man-made structure also isolated and protected China from outside invasions.(Result/Outcome)

Classwork & Homework

Class Activity: Write your introduction using the WRS introduction strategy.

Resource: Word Replacements Reference Guide

Homework: Have a complete Introduction written for Thursday 9/27/12