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Writing Guidelines

Prewriting ■ Closely Reading the Documents

To answer a DBQ, start by closely reviewing the documents using the SQ3R strategy:

Survey the source, looking at headings, the first line of each paragraph, illustrations, and other key features.

Question the source, asking what it is about and what it is intended to do (its purpose). Turn headings into questions that you will answer when reading.

Read the source carefully, answering your questions.

Recite the main points of the text.

Review what you have learned, writing down any key details.

Analyzing the Prompt

Then closely read the document-based question. Use the PAST questions to analyze it (see page 473).