How to Prepare and Write a DBQ The DBQ is probably the most
dreaded task required in an AP History and/or Humanities course.
Honors students' older friends are harbingers of doom, bringing
word of the almost unspeakable terror that is a Document-Based
Question. I have seen many friends panic during their first
experience with this "grade destroyer." Unfortunately, to burst
everyone's bubble I must say: DON'T PANIC. DBQs are easily
mastered by the new AP student, all it takes is some practice
and a dose of common sense. Preparing for the DBQ (note: Chances
are, you will have to write DBQs throughout your AP career, not
just on the AP test that ends the course. This advice is mainly
for DBQs on normal tests, though it's easy to modify it to fit
the AP test: just allot yourself more time and realize that you
won't have the topic beforehand.) The night before the DBQ,
review the material being tested. It's a good idea to have a
"history-buddy" in your class with whom you can prepare the
essay with. If the topic i