Okay I have no idea how to group the documents without summarizing them individually in my DBQ essay. My essay prompt is that I have analyze the responses to the spread of Buddhism in China and add an additional document. Plus I need help with my thesis: During the Warring states, Buddhism appealed to many by offering a release from suffering, showing them a path to Enlightenment.

Okay I switched up my thesis: In the time during the Warring States in China, Buddhism was viewed in two different ways. The commoners viewed Buddhism as a release from the suffering in life, and thought a path was paved for them to go onto Enlightenment. The high officials disregarded Buddhism as a fad.


I just need my topic sentence... I'm going to write about the positive view of Buddhism but I don't know how to start?

To effectively group the documents without summarizing them individually in your DBQ essay, you should use a method called "historical reasoning," which involves identifying common themes or ideas across the documents and organizing them into logical categories. Here's a step-by-step approach to help you with this process:

1. Read and annotate the documents: Carefully read through all the documents provided and make notes or annotations on each one. Pay attention to the main ideas, arguments, or evidence presented in each document.

2. Identify common themes or ideas: Look for recurring themes, arguments, or perspectives across the documents. These themes could be related to the spread of Buddhism in China, the responses of different groups or individuals, or the impact of Buddhism on Chinese society.

3. Create categories: Based on the common themes you identified, create categories to group the documents. Each category should reflect a distinct aspect or perspective related to the spread of Buddhism in China. For example, you could have categories like "Positive Responses," "Negative Responses," "Impact on Chinese Society," etc.

4. Assign each document to a category: Analyze each document and place it into the category that best represents its main ideas or arguments. Make sure that each document is placed in only one category and that the categories capture the diversity of responses to the spread of Buddhism in China.

5. Look for connections and comparisons: Once the documents are assigned to categories, look for connections, patterns, or comparisons within and between the categories. Identify similarities and differences in the responses to the spread of Buddhism in China and consider how these different perspectives contribute to your overall understanding of the topic.

Regarding your thesis statement, it seems to capture the main idea of your essay. However, you can make it stronger by providing a preview of the categories or arguments you will use to support your thesis. Here's a revised version:

"During the Warring States, Buddhism appealed to many in China by offering a release from suffering and showing them a path to Enlightenment. Through examining the diverse responses documented in historical sources, such as positive receptions, negative critiques, and its impact on Chinese society, this essay explores how Buddhism influenced and shaped the cultural and religious landscape of China during this period."

Remember, your thesis statement should clearly state your main argument and provide a roadmap for the structure and content of your essay.