Exercises & DBQs

Practice Document-Based Questions

Students familiar with the requirements for the advanced placement United States History course need little background on the document-based question, or DBQ. For those new to the process, DBQs are an opportunity for students to complete an essay that formulates an argument based upon knowledge of a historical period and the use of primary source documents as evidentiary support. High school students who take the AP (advanced placement) U. S. history exam must answer a DBQ as part of the exam.

The following two practice DBQs simulate this requirement using sources and topics from Headlining the Sports Page. The topics and time periods used in practice DBQs may differ from the exam question. However, the processes of critical thinking and constructing a well-reasoned essay do not change. Good luck!