A Document-Based Question (DBQ) is an inquiry-based writing task that asks students to analyze a set of historical documents to answer a central question. Students examine primary and secondary sources—such as maps, letters, charts, and images- to gather evidence, identify points of view, and draw conclusions. The goal of a DBQ is to develop a clear, evidence-based argument supported by reasoning. This process builds critical thinking, reading, and writing skills while helping students think like historians, analyzing sources, forming claims, and constructing well-organized essays.
