Essay Sample Dbq

How To Outline a DBQ Essay

Directions: Using the Unit II: Reformation and Age of Exploration Common Assessment, complete the following outline. Act as if this is the actual test- be sure to include in the boxes everything that is required.
Some helpful resources to use might include, but are NOT limited to:

Unit II KVEQs (if you need this from me, let me know and I’ll give it back.)
Reformation Movements Chart (from the Twitter project)
The DBQ Powerpoint we went over in class- this is on my website.
Common Assessment Reflection Chart (in your WH Folder)
Ms. Fitzgerald! Ask me a question when you come up for your 1-on-1 conference with me!

The more that you do in these boxes, the more prepared you will be for your next DBQ Common Assessment.

Also, this is graded!

Introduction Paragraph
Attention Grabber (one to two sentences – should be done at the end stage of planning)

The reformation was a theological revolution that influenced history.

Background – Restate question with key-words defined. Cover who, what, when, where, how.

The reformation was when the catholic believers started straying from the church in Europe during the late 1400's and early 1500’s. People started forming and joining other religions that were close to their beliefs.

Thesis – take a position- make an ARGUMENT
This is the “leg” of the chicken foot. An example would be “Ms. Fitzgerald is the best history teacher in the world because...”

The religious beliefs and values of Europe shifted after the Reformation ...

Road Map – introduce the reasons you are taking this stance
Below is where you want to state your reasons. These make up the “foot” of the thesis statement. For example, if you were to continue the thesis statement from above it would say “... X, Y, and Z.”

Reason 1:
Martin Luther changed people’s views toward the catholic church.

Reason 2:
People should be able to follow God and their religion how they choose and by peaceful actions.

Reason 3:
The reformation resulted in the spread of new religion and

ideas

Body Paragraph 1:
Topic Sentence – Reason #1

Martin Luther influenced the european world to reevaluate their religious decisions.

Evidence from documents to back up Reason #1
(Doc 1, Martin Luther) “My conscience is is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and i will not recant anything for to go against conscience.” In other words, Luther does not follow anyone but God. He does not need to listen and obey the catholic church, priest, or even the Pope.

Outside Information to back up Reason #1
An example of Martin Luther following God and not the church is his views toward the selling of indulgences. He wrote the “Ninety Five Thesis” which explained how most sacraments were unholy, Popes were not following their vows of celibacy and more about the corruption of the church. That leads me to my second reason, corruption.

Body Paragraph 2:
Topic Sentence – Reason #2

How one follows a religion should should be up to the individual person and should not told how to worship God by the church.

Evidence from documents to back up Reason #2
“Let them enjoy their religious beliefs.”
“Religious peace shall be obtained only by christian means of aminity”

Outside Information to back up Reason #2
People left the Catholic Church because of how badly it was corrupted. Many people wanted praise God in their own way. The church restricted them by not letting them worship God how they wanted.

Body Paragraph 3:
Topic Sentence – Reason #3

The reformation caused many Catholics to convert into new religions that are favorable to their beliefs.

Evidence from documents to back up Reason #3
The map is European Religions during the 1600’s. The reformation occurred throughout the 1500’s. The map is a visual of how new religions were created and spread throughout Europe.

Outside Information to back up Reason #3
These new and improved religions stole followers from Catholicism. Every religion varied in ideas and gave a broad option for people to choose from.

Conclusion
Restate thesis.
Relate to today’s world- make a historical connection if possible.

The reformation was a theological revolution that impacted history.

the result of the reformation was the development of many new religions. In the world today people still follow lutheranism, calvinism, anabaptism and the catholic world as we know. The Catholic church as we know today would have not been as strong and religious. The catholic church would have still been corrupt .