Fall of Rome DBQ: Body Paragraph # 1 (modified copy)

In this assignment, you will develop the first body paragraph for your DBQ essay on the Fall of Rome. You will break down each component of the paragraph into specific parts. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure each part of your paragraph is well-structured and clearly supports your thesis statement.

DBQ Multi-Paragraph Essay - Body Paragraph # 1

(Each paragraph should focus on a main point from the thesis; this paragraph should reference your first point from your thesis statement, which should be your 2nd strongest point.)

Topic Sentence:

• Introduce the main idea of the paragraph that supports your thesis.

Evidence #1:

• Context: Provide background information about the document or the event or issue tied to the evidence.

• Lead-in: Explain the source of the evidence (author, date, type of document).

• Evidence: Include a direct quote or paraphrase from the DBQ document.

Commentary Set #1:

• Explain what the evidence means and how it supports your argument.

• Connect it to your thesis.

Evidence #2:

• Transition (can be a word, phrase or sentence): A strong transition between your first and second pieces of evidence should connect the two ideas logically and reinforce your argument. It should show how the second piece of evidence builds upon or contrasts with the first.
  • Strategies for a Smooth Transition:

    1. Expand on the Idea – Show how the second piece of evidence adds more depth to your argument.

    2. Highlight Cause and Effect – Explain how the first piece of evidence leads to or influences the second.

    3. Use a Linking Phrase – Phrases like furthermore, in addition, another example of this is, and similarly help create a seamless transition.

• Context: Provide background information about the document or the event or issue tied to the evidence.
• Lead-in: Explain the source of the evidence (author, date, type of document).
• Evidence: Introduce and cite another document to further support the claim.

Commentary Set #2:

• Explain the significance of the second piece of evidence.

• Discuss the impact of this evidence on the historical period or event.

Concluding Sentence / Transition:

• Wrap up the paragraph and transition smoothly to the next one.

Begin by copying and pasting your thesis statement from your introductory paragraph assignment. Then, proceed with the following questions to build your first body paragraph.

This body paragraph should focus on your first reasoning from your thesis above.

Topic Sentence:

• Introduce the main idea of the paragraph that supports your thesis.

Write the topic sentence for your first body paragraph. This sentence should introduce the main idea that supports your thesis statement.

One reason Rome fell was because of its ______________.

Evidence #1:

• Context: Provide background information about the document or the event or issue tied to the evidence.

• Lead-in: Explain the source of the evidence (author, date, type of document).

• Evidence: Include a direct quote or paraphrase from the DBQ document.

Provide the first piece of evidence that supports your topic sentence. Include context and a lead-in to introduce this evidence.

While the military had been strong, they conquered parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. However, because they gained control of all the other empires, they grew  __ (selfish, lazy, unfair, etc.). For example, when practicing the soldiers __ (Find a piece of evidence from the document that shows what did the soldiers stop doing?)

Commentary Set #1:

• Explain what the evidence means and how it supports your argument.

• Connect it to your thesis.

Write the commentary for your first piece of evidence. Explain what this evidence means and how it connects to your claim or inference about the Fall of Rome.

This was a problem because ___________________. This made things worse because ______________________________  (explain what the effect of a weak military would be).

Concluding Sentence / Transition:

• Wrap up the paragraph and transition smoothly to the next one.

Conclude your paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main points and reinforces the connection to your thesis statement.

Rome's _________________________ (category you've been discussing) was one of the reasons for its decline as it paved the way for __________________ (next category).

Now put everything in Group 2 together! Topic sentence through concluding sentence.

Copy and paste all the pieces for your introduction below.