Essay Structure - Wappingers Central School District



Social Studies essays

What is the difference between a THEMATIC and a DBQ?

A Thematic Essay is similar to many other types of essays required in school. However, it also has specific requirements. First of all, it is called Thematic because it identifies a theme from Social Studies (for example- ‘Change’). It also presents some kind of general statement about that theme (for example- ‘The contributions and achievements of ancient civilizations have helped to influence and change the world.’) Then it requires you to complete a specific task in your essay response.

DBQ Essays are composed of two sections. In the first part, documents are provided for you to read, analyze, and then answer questions about each one. In the second part, you are provided with a specific task which must be addressed in an essay response. The essay MUST use evidence from the documents to complete the task.

Essay Format

Whether you are writing a Thematic or a DBQ essay in Social Studies, you will always follow the same essay format. Your essay will always include: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

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ALWAYS

▪ Answer the question that is being asked in the task

▪ Use specific details, examples, dates, names, and/or places whenever possible

▪ Cite documents you use in your DBQs and answer your document questions in complete sentences

▪ Remember the audience you are writing to (someone who knows nothing about the topic you are writing about)

▪ Write as neatly as possible

▪ Proof-read your essay before handing it in.

▪

Never

▪ Use: I, my, I am, or any form of “This essay is going to be about…”

▪ Abbreviate or use contractions in your writing

▪ Use “etc”

▪ Plagiarize (which means NEVER using the historical context word for word as part of your essay) or cheat

▪ Use historically incorrect or inaccurate information

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