History / Social Studies9-12 (High School)CCSS

Document-Based Question (DBQ) Rubric

Evaluate DBQ essays on thesis development, document analysis, outside evidence, and historical argumentation.

Criteria	Exemplary	Proficient	Developing	Beginning
Thesis & Argument	Presents a sophisticated, defensible thesis that addresses all parts of the question.	States a clear thesis that addresses the question directly.	Thesis is present but does not fully address the question.	No identifiable thesis or the thesis restates the question.
Document Analysis	Analyzes all or nearly all documents with nuanced understanding of purpose, audience, and context.	Analyzes most documents with some attention to sourcing.	References some documents but analysis is superficial.	Does not reference or analyze the provided documents.
Outside Evidence	Incorporates multiple specific, relevant outside examples that strengthen the argument.	Includes at least one relevant piece of outside evidence.	Attempts outside evidence but it is vague or tangential.	No outside evidence beyond the provided documents.
Historical Reasoning	Demonstrates complex historical thinking (causation, comparison, continuity/change).	Shows adequate historical reasoning skills.	Historical reasoning is simplistic or inconsistent.	No evidence of historical reasoning or analysis.

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