S30
A document-based question
(DBQ) requires you to analyze
and interpret a variety of
documents. These documents
often are accompanied by
short-answer questions. You
use these answers and
information from the
documents to write an essay
on a specified subject.
Read the “Historical
Context” section to get a
sense of the issue
addressed in the question.
Read the “Task” section
and note the action words.
This will help you
understand exactly what
the essay question requires.
Study and analyze each
document. Consider what
connection the documents
have to the essay question.
Take notes on your ideas.
Read and answer the
document-specific
questions. Think about
how these questions
connect to the essay topic.
Introduction
Historical Context:For hundreds of years, Mongol nomads lived in
separate tribes, sometimes fighting among themselves. In the early
1200s, a new leader—Genghis Khan—united these tribes and turned
the Mongols into a powerful fighting force.
Task:Discuss how the Mongols achieved their conquest of Central
and East Asia and what impact their rule had on Europeans.Part 1:Short Answer
Study each document carefully and answer the questions that follow.Document 1: Mongol Warrior
What were the characteristics of Mongol warriors?
The Mongol soldiers were excellent horsemen who could travel great
distances without rest. They attacked swiftly and without mercy, they
used clever psychological warfare to strike fear into their enemies, and
they adopted new weapons and technology.
S30 Painting: Victoria & Albert Museum, London/Art Resource, New York.
Document-Based Questions
STRATEGIES