Document-Based Question

Read primary source documents, then write your essay. AI grades all 7 rubric categories with specific, actionable feedback.

Choose a Prompt

7 Points Total
DBQ Rubric (7 pts): Thesis (1) · Contextualization (1) · Document Evidence (0–2) · Beyond Docs (1) · Sourcing (1) · Historical Reasoning (1) · Complexity (1). You have 60 minutes on the real exam (15 min reading + 45 min writing).

DBQ Rubric at a Glance

1 pt
Thesis — Historically defensible claim with a line of reasoning. Not a restatement.
1 pt
Contextualization — Broader historical context connected to your argument. More than a phrase.
0–2 pt
Document Evidence — 1 pt: accurately use 3+ docs. 2 pts: use 6+ docs to support your argument.
1 pt
Beyond the Documents — At least 1 piece of specific outside evidence not in the documents.
1 pt
Sourcing — For 3+ docs, explain how HAPP (Historical situation, Audience, Purpose, Point of view) is relevant to your argument.
1 pt
Historical Reasoning — Use comparison, causation, or CCOT to frame your argument about the documents.
1 pt
Complexity — Corroborate across categories, explain both sides, qualify your argument, connect to another period.