how to write a thesis statement ib english paper 1

IB English Paper 1

By Amber Robertson

September 12, 2023

Table of Contents

IB English Paper 1 can be an anxiety-inducing experience that everyone must face. It can be especially intimidating because you have no idea what topic you’ll be writing about for your final exam, and your grades depend on it!

To prepare yourself, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the exam structure and strategies for approaching a Paper 1 in general. If you want to fully grasp the IB English Paper 1 guided analysis, then this blog post is perfect for you.

In 2014, Jackson Huang, an IB 45 graduate, achieved a perfect 20/20 score on his final Paper 1. In this guide, he will share his secrets on how to conquer the IB English Paper 1, so you can achieve the same success! 💪

Topics included

• What is a Paper 1?
• Choosing an analytical topic
• The correct approach to analysis
• The importance of the thesis
• Developing an effective commentary structure
• Structuring your body paragraphs
• The benefits of planning ahead

What is a Paper 1 exam?

In a Paper 1 exam, you are given two unidentified texts, both ranging from 1 to 2 pages in length.

For IB English Literature SL and HL:

• You’ll be presented with two different literary text types, which may include poems, short extracts from fiction and non-fiction prose (regular writing from novels and short stories), and extracts from plays (including stage directions and dialogue).

For IB English Language and Literature SL & HL:

• The texts can come from a variety of categories, including magazines, editorials, speeches, interview scripts, instruction manuals, cartoon strips, and much more. Be prepared to be surprised! 😂

So, you’re given two unseen texts. What’s your next step?

For SL students, you’re in luck: You have to write a commentary guided analysis on just one of the two texts within 1 hour and 15 minutes. The exam is out of 20 marks.

For HL students, your task is a bit more challenging: You have to write a guided analysis on each of the texts within 2 hours and 15 minutes. Good luck and have fun!

Wait, what’s a “guided analysis”?

At the end of each text, the IB English exam includes a short, open-ended question about the text. Here’s an example:

“How does the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus impact the narrative?”

I suggest most students use this guiding question as the “entry point” for their essay. However, you are also allowed to discuss anything else because the IB states on the cover page of the Paper 1 exam:

“Use the guiding question or propose an alternative technical or formal aspect of the text to focus your analysis.”

But why make your life harder? Just go with the guiding question unless you’re truly confused by it and feel confident in an alternative focus for the current text.

What do I have to write about in a guided analysis?

Imagine someone asked you to talk about a novel you recently read during your commute to school (obviously a joke, who reads novels on the bus?). What would you discuss?

Immediately, a few crucial aspects should come to mind:

• Characters are usually the core of any story. They should definitely be analyzed.
• Stories often revolve around central ideas, or themes. For example, if you’re discussing Harry Potter and don’t mention anything about wizardry, you’re neglecting a vital part of the book!
• Lastly, you need to consider the events that take place in the text, also known as the plot.

By addressing characterisation, themes, and plot, you provide a holistic commentary on the text, which is exactly what we want.

But that’s only half of the story.

In IB English, your guided analysis must dive deeper than just describing characters, themes, and plot, which represent the ‘surface meaning’ of a text.

By the way, we’re using a literary text as an example to keep things simple. Of course, characters and plot aren’t crucial in non-literary texts like advertisements, infographics, and articles. However, the same principles still apply!

The IB wants you to delve into the text and answer two key questions:

• HOW did the writer create these characters, themes, and plot?
• WHY did the writer choose to create them in this specific way? For example, “JK Rowling could have made Draco a kinder person, but she didn’t. Why?”

These questions are at the heart and soul of analysis. In this blog post, we’ll focus on the broader aspects of Paper 1 as a whole.

Your ONE mission in Paper 1

Let’s quickly review what you need to accomplish in a Paper 1.

• Discuss the characters, themes, and plot of a chosen literary text, or the visual and stylistic elements (diagrams, headings, titles, images) for a non-literary text.
• Explain how and why these aspects were achieved by the writer or artist.

These two points serve as a foundation for understanding, but they won’t help you put concrete words onto the exam page. What we need now is a practical guide to writing an actual commentary.

A Practical Guide to Writing a Paper 1 Commentary

An IB English Paper 1 commentary consists of three main parts:

• An introduction paragraph: It includes a thesis and an outline of your points.
• A body (usually 3 paragraphs): Each paragraph focuses on one of your points.
• A conclusion: It wraps up the essay.

Choosing a thesis

The thesis or subject statement is a single sentence in the introduction of your guided analysis that explains how the writer achieves their overall purpose.

This thesis is also the main argument you need to prove in your essay, and it’s typically related to the guiding question. The examiner can gauge the strength of your analytical skills based on your subject statement alone, so it must be well-written!

Here’s an example to distinguish between a good and bad thesis:

Bad thesis: “In the poem, the poet depicts a crying man in the city centre, which highlights society’s aversion towards emotion and demonstrates the overly masculine nature of society.”

Good thesis: “In the poem, the poet uses hyperbole to criticize masculinity as a restrictive social norm that inhibits the natural expression of emotion.”

Can you identify which subject statement is better? If so, do you understand why? It’s important to be able to articulate your reasoning.

Choosing the right commentary structure for IB English Paper 1

Every text works best with a specific paragraph structure. Finding this match isn’t always easy, but it’s essential to select the most appropriate structure for your commentary in your Paper 1 guided analysis.

You can organize your essay by:

• Ideas or themes
• Sections (e.g., stanza by stanza for poems)
• The ‘Big 5’
• And other acronyms that English teachers love to invent.

Criterion C for IB English Paper 1 is Organization, which accounts for 5 out of 20 marks. So, it’s in your best interest to choose a suitable structure for your commentary.

I suggest staying away from the Big 5 because analysis involves examining the causal interplay between techniques, stylistic choices, audience, tone, and themes. The Big 5 and SPECSLIMS artificially compartmentalize these components. Trust my advice or face the consequences! (Notice that rhyme?)

In my opinion, there are only two types of structures that are most conducive to achieving a 7: Ideas/themes and Sections. Embrace this advice. If your teacher insists on other structures, make sure you understand why it’s recommended.

Writing body paragraphs: Why and How

Once you’ve chosen the best structure for your commentary and determined your thesis as the central argument, the rest of your essay should focus on proving this argument.

How do you accomplish this? By examining individual points. These smaller points support specific aspects of the overall thesis.

Each body paragraph aims to prove a separate, smaller aspect of the bigger thesis. It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You need to piece together smaller, manageable pieces to build the larger argument (i.e., the thesis).

In essence, this means writing 2, 3, or 4 points, each of which fits into its own paragraph or multiple paragraphs (depending on the complexity of the point).

In each point, you must include:

• Quotes, references to images, titles, headings, or visual elements. This serves as evidence.
• Analysis of language and literary techniques. Use specific quotes from the text to explain how and why the writer employed them to convey their message.

Of course, this is just a brief overview of how to write a high-quality body paragraph. For a more comprehensive understanding, check out the Free Full lesson inside LitLearn. You’ll need to create a Free account to access the lesson.

Planning ahead

Ironically, the most vital part of IB English Paper 1 is not the analysis itself (well, it is, but not entirely). The part you need to get right from the start is the plan. Many students struggle with effective planning, get flustered during the exam and skip planning altogether, or don’t even bother because they think they’re above it. HUGE MISTAKE!

Before you begin writing, you should meticulously plan out your commentary. Without a clear roadmap for every part of your analysis, you’ll lose track of time, thought, and sanity.

Learn how to efficiently annotate and plan using the flowchart method inside Analysis Simplified. It will empower you to walk out of your Paper 1 practice, mock, and final exams feeling like a powerful Spartan, triumphing over IB English (and its daunting challenges)!

For the complete article, including images, please visit Quill And Fox .

Frozen Wrapping Paper

River valley paper.

• [email protected]
• Get 21% OFF . Use the code: FIRST21

IB Paper 1 Writing Guide

Table of contents.

As a teacher for the IB for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how excited and nervous people are about IB Paper 1. This essential test checks not only how well you can understand but also how well you can study and write on different texts you haven’t seen before.

What Is IB English Paper 1?

As an experienced IB teacher, I can say that IB English Paper 1 is often seen as one of the most challenging and exciting parts of the Diploma Programme. It requires students to think critically and deeply about texts to examine and understand literary and non-literary works they have not seen before.

When you sit for this exam, you are presented with one or more texts, often varying by level — Standard Level (SL) students typically analyze one text, while Higher Level (HL) students may be given two. The texts could be short stories, poems, scenes from plays, or even things that aren’t literary, like ads or opinions. It’s not enough to just understand these texts; you must also break them down quickly to find deeper meanings and theme details. Here is a list of what to expect:

• Different texts . You can expect to hear a lot of different types of genres and styles. This variety tests how flexible you are and how well you can use your logical skills in various kinds of writing.
• Focus on analysis . You must consider how the text’s language, organization, and style affect its general meaning for the test.
• Critical engagement . You must think critically about the text, explain possible readings , and discuss how literary methods work.

To do well with these parts, you need to know a lot about literature analysis and be able to organize your thoughts quickly.

What Is the IB English Paper 1 Format?

IB English Paper 1 is an analysis assignment based on a book or texts you have not seen. All Higher Level students usually have to look at two unknown texts, one of which could be a prose passage and the other a poem or another type of writing. Standard Level students only have to look at one unseen prose passage or poem. HL students can show their critical skills in various text types by choosing from them. Here is a summary of how the test will be set up:

• HL students have two hours, while SL students only have one hour and thirty minutes. You should read, think about, and write comments during this time.
• Students should write a literary essay that analyzes one or more texts in depth. The answer should be well-organized, make sense, and be based on the book’s ideas, language, and structure.
• The test aims to assess your ability to understand and read the text, examine its formal parts, such as organization and style, and discuss the effectiveness of literary elements.

From what I’ve seen, the secret is quickly organizing your thoughts and replying to the text to show how well you understand and can analyze it. You can get much better at this challenging but satisfying part of the IB program by doing time management drills and reading different kinds of books regularly.

For detailed strategies for tackling your upcoming exam, check out our comprehensive IB English Paper 2 guide.

Get Help With Your Paper

How to write ib english paper 1.

Writing IB English Paper 1 might seem challenging, but planning and taking the proper method can be a very mentally satisfying experience. As an experienced IB writer, I’ve helped many students with this paper, and I can say that knowing the text and how to explain your reasoning is critical to success. I will show you the steps that I think are most important for writing an interesting remark.

Pick Your Text Carefully (If It Fits)

The first and most important thing for HL students who must choose between two or more books is picking the right one. You should select the text you are most sure you can understand and analyze. From what I’ve seen, choosing a book you can relate to or find interesting is usually better because it leads to a more profound analysis.

Read the Text and Make Notes on It

Pay close attention to what you’re reading. Making notes right on the test papers can be very helpful from the general IB standards. Look for literary techniques, structure features, and comments about the main idea. Note anything that stands out, like repeats, images, differences, or words that don’t seem to go together.

Plan What You’ll Say

You must plan before you do anything else. Sort your ideas into groups and choose how you want your comments to be structured. A clear opening, a few body lines about different parts of the analysis, and a short end are usually all needed. For the most part, IB rules say that your comments should make sense and connect each point to the main idea or goal of the text.

Write the Beginning

The beginning of your study should set the scene. Outline the main points of the book and state your argument. This thesis should clarify what you think are the most critical parts of the text and why. It will guide the rest of your comments.

Work on Your Body Paragraphs

Each body piece should discuss a different part of the writing, like the idea, the organization, or the language. Start with a topic sentence that tells the reader about the paragraph. From what I’ve seen, it’s crucial to back up each point with literary evidence and explain how that evidence adds to the general effect or meaning of the text.

Finish Your Commentary

In the end, repeat your thesis in light of your analysis. Here is a short recap of the key points that were talked about. If you can, connect them to the text’s more significant meanings. A great ending can improve your comments by showing how much you understand.

Look Over and Fix

If you have time, you should go over your work again. Check for spelling and grammar problems, make sure the comments make sense, and ensure each part supports your argument well. Making changes during this step can make your research more precise and powerful.

You Might Also Like:

• How to Write an Executive Summary for an Essay
• Argumentative Essay Introduction
• How to Write a Good Hook for an Argumentative Essay
• Strong Transition Words for Essays
• How to Write a Reaction Paper About an Article
• How to Ask Questions in an Essay
• How to Create Essay Title

How to Develop Your Writing Skills for IB Paper 1?

You must know what the examiners are looking for a clear understanding, well-thought-out reasons, and an analysis that makes sense. IB standards say that a well-written answer should combine quotes and textual proof with critical comments in a way that doesn’t look awkward. Here are some specific ways to make your writing better:

• Practice regularly . It is essential to practice writing often. It helps you get better at organizing your thoughts quickly and effectively.
• Read activately . You must read a lot of different kinds of books. Look at how other writers make their points and use words, and when it makes sense, try to copy these styles.
• Ask for feedback . Getting feedback from teachers or friends regularly is very helpful. It shows you what to work on and helps you improve your writing .

Focusing on words and sentence form is another good way to do things, in my view. Adding new words to your language and trying out different types of sentences can make your writing much more sophisticated. Also, make sure that every paragraph moves into the next one in a way that makes sense so that the point stays consistent throughout the essay.

Last but not least, always go back and fix your work. From my experience, rewriting is the best way to strengthen and clarify your points. If you make mistakes with language or phrasing, it can hurt the quality of your study as a whole.

Tips for Choosing Texts for IB English Paper 1

Always start by quickly reading through the texts to understand what they’re about and how hard they are to understand. After reading this first summary, you can get a sense of which text you are more likely to understand and interpret correctly.

From what I’ve seen, the next step is to examine the writing’s richness. Look for works that demonstrate literary techniques , different sentence patterns, and unique writing styles. These parts make it easy to write specific comments, which is very important for getting good grades on Paper 1.

Also, when you choose your text, think about the following:

• Complexity vs. comfort . Choose a book that is a good mix of difficult and easy-to-understand. A complicated book might give you more to think about, but be careful — it shouldn’t be so hard to understand the main ideas in the time allotted for the test.
• Interested and involved . I think it’s always easier to write about something you’re interested in. If you’re interested in a text, you’ll probably be able to write a convincing study because your interest will quickly help you understand it better.
• Different kinds of material . If you can, pick a book with many other ideas and points of view. This variety will give you more ways to look at your analysis, which can help show that you have a more profound knowledge of the text.

Another tip is to quickly write down possible thesis statements or points of analysis for each choice. This method can help you determine which text has more critical things to say, which will help you make a better choice.

Last but not least, trust your gut. Through the years, I’ve seen that students do better when they pick a book that has a special connection to them. Being able to think about a text right away and already having views and thoughts about it is a good sign that it’s the right choice for your comments.

IB English Paper 1 is more than just a test; it’s a chance to show how well you can think critically and analyze things. Remember that the best ways to do well on a test are to study regularly and understand how it is set up and the standards. Keep your feelings up and be sure of yourself as you start the paper. Also, remember that you can always get expert assistance at IBStudentHelp.com .

Best Effective Time Management Strategies in IB Diploma

For the IB Diploma, where homework, projects, and tests can quickly pile up, learning how to handle your time well is essential. I believe that coming up with good ways to handle your time is not only helpful, it’s necessary.

How to Develop a Research Question for IB IA?

The most important thing for a good IB Internal Assessment (IA) is coming up with a good research question. As a former IB writer, I can promise you that a well-written research question will not only help you with your research, but it will also help you keep your analysis on track and make sense.

IB English Paper 2 Writing Guide

To do well on IB English Paper 2, you need to know not only the texts, but also how to compare and contrast them in a test-like setting. I use my many years of experience as an IB teacher to give you important tips and techniques in this complete guide.

As an experienced IB writer, I’ve compiled this complete guide to help you feel strong as you take on this critical part of the IB Diploma Programme. This article details the methods and skills you need to ace Paper 1, from understanding how the test is set up and choosing the right texts.

IB Economics IA Article Suggestions 2024/2025

When IB students start their Economics Internal Assessment (IA), it’s important for them to pick an interesting topic. For the school years 2024/2025, we will consider many different areas of economics, ranging from the rise of inflation to the changing nature of global trade.

What Are the Easiest and Hardest Extended Essay Subjects?

In this article, we discuss the easiest and hardest extended essay subjects, providing insights to help you make an informed decision. From the creative freedom found in the Arts to the demanding nature of the Experimental Sciences, we break down into what makes a subject approachable or daunting.

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

© 2024  I Bstudenthelp.com. This website is owned and operated by Udeepi OU Harju maakond, Tallinn, Lasnamäe linnaosa, Sepapaja tn 6, 15551. Disclaimer : Services we provide are only to assist the buyer like a guideline to complete any kind of writing assignment. Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy Revision Policy Refund Policy

IB English A: Literature and IB English A: Language and Literature

Who loves textual analysis and Paper One?  Andrew and Dave do!  Whether you are taking IB English A: Literature or IB English A: Language and Literature, we all have to write Paper One.  This means we need to read critically, explore authorial choices, and consider their implications and how they shape meaning.  Confused?  No worries. 

This page is organized as follows:

• Quick tips for all students can be found at the top.
• Language and Literature text types with sample responses come next.
• This is followed by some critical visual analysis skills for Lang/Lit.
• Literature videos for all forms come after that.

Paper One – Quick Tips and Tricks For All Students

We get it.  sometimes you don't have the time to watch lots of videos and sort through lots of documents.  if that describes you, then andrew and dave highly recommend checking out the videos below.  they are short, sweet, and have loads of critical tips and tricks to help you succeed on paper one..

Need 10 ideas on things to include in your Paper One?  Watch this video and learn what’s essential.

Document: Ten Tips for Paper One

Need 10 ideas on things to AVOID in your Paper One?  Watch this video and learn what must be left out on exam day..

Document: Ten Pitfalls to Avoid for Paper One

How many times have you heard your teacher tell you to use more voice when you write?  What does that even mean?  Watch this video to find out.

Document: Adding Voice to Academic Writing

Having trouble with your introductions and conclusions?  Watch this video to learn how to start and finish strong.

Document: Sample Intro and Conclusion

It’s not enough to just identify features.  We need to consider how authors make choices to shape meaning.  Check out this video on Criteria B.

Document: Discussing Reader Effect

You understand how to discuss reader effect, but what about evaluation?  This is an important part of Criteria B.  Watch this video and master Paper 1!

Document: Adding Evaluation

Language and Literature - Countdown to Paper One!

Do you have a summative assessment or mock exam coming up?  Are you busy cramming content at the last minute for either the November or May examination sessions?  If you are a Language and Literature student and this describes you, then you have come to the right place!  Each of the following TEN text types has CLOSE READING and SAMPLE RESPONSES WITH EXAMINER COMMENTS.  There are also documents with text type conventions and various other resources you need to achieve academic success.  Watch the videos.  Master the content.  Crush Paper One!

TEXT TYPE 1: WEBSITE

Document: Conventions

Document: Stimulus Text

Document : Student Response

TEXT TYPE 2: SPEECH

Document: More Conventions

Document: Student Response

TEXT TYPE 3: LETTER

TEXT TYPE 4: PRODUCT REVIEW

TEXT TYPE 5: COMIC

LINK: BoW Grant Snider

TEXT TYPE 6: FILM REVIEW

TEXT TYPE 7: BROCHURE

TEXT TYPE 8: PSA

TEXT TYPE 9: TRAVEL WRITING

TEXT TYPE 10: TABLOID COVER

More Nonliterary Text Types:

Wow, that was quite a playlist!  But…there’s more to learn.  Don’t worry!  Dave and Andrew LOVE nonliterary text types.  Political cartoons?  Check.  Film, photos, and documentaries?  Yes, please.  Opinion articles and advertisements?  You betcha.  If those sounds interesting, that’s because they are.  Check out the nonliterary text types below and rest assured that your Paper One exam performance will be one that you can celebrate.

Political Cartoons

Andrew and Dave LOVE political cartoons.  They are self-contained commentaries on an important current event or key aspect of society, and they’re humorous.  Look out for colors, symbols, and other hidden ideas lurking in the subtext.  Remember: just like literary authors, cartoonists make a series of choices in their work intended to shape meaning.  Look carefully.  Pay attention and learn their moves.  Ace Paper One.

Let’s learn the basics.  Learn these terms so you can apply them to any political cartoon you encounter!

Document: Cartoon Terms

Document: Cartoon of Cartoon Terms

We’re just warming up!  Now that you’ve learned some basic terms, let’s apply them to more cartoons.

Nice!  You’re getting the hang of this cartoon stuff.  Time to put your ideas to writing.  Check it out!

Document: Cartoon and Sample Writing

Document: Sentence Stems for Analysis

Time to put it all together.  Watch the video, examiner the cartoon, read the student response, and listen to the examiner scoring.  Crucial information here!

Document: Full Student Response

Advertising

They’re everywhere.  On our phones, on billboards around the city, on our computer screens every time we visit a new site.  Advertisers work to cut through the clutter, grab our attention, and subtly influence us to make a choices to buy, buy, and buy some more.  Accordingly, Dave and Andrew believe it’s essential to show students the tips and tricks companies use to manipulate our attention and persuade us to act.  So, check out these videos.  Not only will you improve your Paper One performance, but you will also be a more skilled and savvy consumer who is attuned to the features our favorite brands employ in their ads.

You’ve got to start somewhere.  Learn the key terms and what to look for in advertisements.  Oh, there’s a cool mnemonic to help you remember this stuff as well.  Watch this first!

Document: Features of Advertising

Document: Mnemonic for Deconstructing Ads

So these tips and tricks work for public service announcements as well?  Nice!  Check out this piece from UNHCR, apply the skills, and watch your Paper One confidence soar.

Document: 15 Techniques of Advertising

Document: More Tools of Persuasion

OK, we’ve explored some ads and other persuasive texts.  Time to put it all together in writing and see if we can build some academic paragraphs.  Notice how the student links references, features, and ideas in writing.

Document: The Model Paragraph

Opinion Articles

There’s a lot going on in our world, and people generally have some strong reactions to current events.  Whether they agree with public policy and sentiment or not, writer’s of opinion columns implement a series of choices in their work to maximize their persuasive effect.  A close cousin of speeches, these short and complete texts pack a punch.  Look carefully at how they’re structured, how they use rhetoric, and how they end with a bang.  Learn this stuff.  It’s Paper One gold.

OK, so you’re starting to see a trend, right?  Yes, that’s right – each text type has a set of terminology needed to discuss specific elements in an academic way.  Learn the terms.  Improve your Paper One.

Document: Persuasive Elements in Opinion Articles

Now that you’ve got some basic skills and some terms under your belt, let’s apply them to three different opinion articles and see what we can do.

Time to put it all together and produce a piece of writing.  Notice how the student combines terms, ideas, and precise references to the text as they crush this Paper One.  Study their moves.  Notice their approach.  Watch.  Learn.  Master.

Document: Paper One Student Sample (clean)

Document: Paper One Student Sample (highlighted)

Photography

The ability to read images is crucial for Language and Literature success.  As you know, may of the texts we explore are multimodal, meaning they have both text and image.  So, we need to be savvy and understand how to read photographs, analyze them, and make meaning.  Like other text types, there are some basic terms and approaches to close reading that will open up some important analytical doors for you.  Watch these videos and improve your visual analysis!

Who likes Andrew and Dave’s silly mnemonics for analysis?  Yes, they’re cheesy.  Yes, they help.  Check out this video and learn the basics of deconstructing photographs.

Document: Analyzing Photographs

Nice, you learned the acronym for deconstructing images!  Now let’s apply this strategy to multiple photos and determine the attributes of this great Body of Work from Philip Jones Griffiths.

Website: Body of Work – Philip Jones Griffiths

Films, Documentaries, and Series

Who doesn’t love a good film or Netflix series?  Quick confession: Andrew and Dave have a media problem.  Sure, we have vibrant reading lives, but we love to watch filmmakers and camera crews work their magic.  There’s so much to talk about!  Whether you are looking a camera angle, camera distance, audio tracks, visual tracks, or graphics tracks, Andrew and Dave have you covered.  

Yep, you guess it.  Next text type, new set of terms.  Check out the documents below and match some of the ideas to the iconic series Squid Game.  Don’t worry – we didn’t pick the gory shots for analysis.

Document: Key Terms for Analyzing Film

Sure, the thumbnail says “Individual Oral” but it just as easily could have said “Paper One.”  Remember: these assessments are close cousins!  Watch this video to learn what to look for in documentaries.

I’m sorry…you’ve got to listen to this recording!  Listen to our student destroy these screenshots from Breaking Boundaries on Netflix.  If you haven’t seen David Attenborough talk us through this documentary about climate change, check it out!  It’s must watch stuff.

Document: Student Recording

Document: Recording Transcript

Document: Student Notes and Planning

Literary Text Types

Regardless of the course you are enrolled in, we’re all studying literature.  How is prose fiction different than prose nonfiction, and how should you approach these texts?  What about drama and poetry?  Are there any special skills and tips to learn?  We’ve got the answers to these questions and more down below.  Watch the videos.  Read the documents.  Become a better critical reader and writer.  

Prose Fiction

What’s prose fiction?  Think novels.  Think short stories.  Think “imaginative” writing.  It’s one of the cornerstones of the course for a reason, and Andrew and Dave just love the power of story.  It’s complex, it teaches us about the human condition, and it fosters empathy.  Learn how to be a close reader of prose fiction and let your knowledge shine when you write your Paper One.

Not sure what to look for in prose fiction?  No worries.  This video explore the key aspects to look for and shows you how to find them.  Use the document and watch the video!

Document: SCASNI acronym for annotating fiction

OK, you know the terms and what to look for in a short prose fiction passage.  Now lets close-read an assessment passage, outline our thinking, and consider how authors make choices to shape meaning.

Document: SCASNI applied to a Paper One Text

You’ve read closely, you’ve annotated, and you’ve got your thesis and rudimentary outline ready. Let’s check out this sample paper and examiner comments and see what we can learn.

Document: Paper One – Full Student Response

Prose Non-Fiction

Sure, we all love pure story, but this course requires that students read and analyze prose nonfiction texts as well.  So what exactly is this stuff anyway?  Think memoirs.  Think travelogues.  Think philosophy and other insightful texts that present factual information in an entertaining and literary way.  Andrew and Dave love this stuff, and so do our students.  Check out these three great 2-video sets – they’ll show you how to read carefully and write powerfully.

How do writers combine the scientific and the literary to convey information?  Check out this video and watch Andrew and Dave break it down.

Document:  Assessment Text (clean)

Document:  Assessment Text (annotated)

Learn about the human heart, its beauty, and how modern doctors can still learn from traditional methods in this cool text that is a former Paper One Assessment.

Let’s read this excerpt from a great memoir and see what we can learn.

Now that the reading portion is out of the way, let’s take a look at this student response and listen to Andrew and Dave discuss the strengths and weaknesses.  Lots to learn here.

Document: Student Response (clean)

Document: Student Response (highlighted)

Nice work with that close reading.  Let’s look a piece of student writing, discuss strengths and weaknesses, and use this as an opportunity to make your writing better.

 Let’s see how Dave and Andrew’s student took the ideas from the reading and demonstrated their understanding and analysis under timed Paper One conditions.

Document: Student Response (clean and highlighted)

Document: Three Different Styles of Introductions

Wipe that dirty look off your face and have some confidence – poetry can be fun!  Sure, Dave and Andrew understand that it’s abstract, it’s full of deep thinking, and it’s complex, but that’s what makes it so interesting!  Maybe you’ll learn to love it if you have the tools?  That’s where IB English Guys come into play.  Check out the videos and document below.  You’ll find poetic terminology, close reading strategies, and sentence stems to guide your writing.  Watch.  Learn.  Master.  You’ve got this!  

Don’t be fooled by the “Individual Oral” thumbnail.  As you’ve probably noticed, the IO and Paper One skill sets are close cousins.  Check out this video and learn the basics of breaking down poetry.

Document: Poetic Terms

Document: Sample Poem with Annotations

Yes, poetry has a lot of moving parts.  Is there an acronym or some other trick to remember how to analyze these things?  Yep.  Dave and Andrew have you covered.  Check out the video and check out the docs.  Some good stuff here.

Document: How to Read a Poem

Document: Acronym for Analyzing Poetry

Document: Words to Describe Mood and Tone

Document: Maya Angelou Poem For Analysis

Great!  You’re getting the hang of this poetry stuff.  Let’s dig a bit deeper and do some close reading and thinking.  Time to learn how to put it all together and arrive at the thesis.

Document: Mary Oliver Poem for Analysis

Document: Mary Oliver Poem (fully annotated)

Check out this former IB Exam where we break down a great poem.

Document: Poem – “Tyre Shop” by Bob Orr

Check out the full student response and compare your work.

Document: “Tyre Shop” – Full Student Response

Andrew and Dave love drama.  But, you’ve got to remember to pay attention to the stage directions. What can you see and hear on stage?  What props do you notice?  How are costume and staging used for effect?  So many things to explore!  It’s important to learn the basics for now, but stay tuned for more content in the future.  Our students love drama, and so will you.  Immerse yourself in this text type and enjoy!

Seriously?  More terms to learn for another genre?  Yes, but don’t despair!  Drama provides some great opportunities to flex your brain muscles and show your teacher – and the examiner – that you can think and analyze with the best.

Document: Dramatic Terms

Document: Annotated Passage

Coming Soon!

Use the "31FREE" code at checkout to get 4 resources for the price of 3! Dismiss

IB English Guys

Newsletter signup.

IB Language and Literature SL - how do I structure the Paper 1?

This is a demonstration of how to write the IB Language and Literature Standard Level Paper 1, the new curriculum cohort starting 2021.

1 Expert Answer

Birgitte J. answered • 10/02/20

Writing (IB, IGCSE, ToK, research writing, college essay)

Paper 1: IB English Language and Literature Standard Level Preparation

First Examination Session: May 2021, Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to write the commentary in 12 steps

1) Decide on which text you want to analyze and determine the text type. (You should aim to practice identifying the features of different text types prior to the exam). Pick the text with the most substance you feel you can comment on in an intelligent manner. Spend a maximum of 5 minutes making this decision.

2) Give an initial reading of your chosen passage and try to identify its overall message. Helpful questions you can ask yourself at this stage are: What is the purpose of the text? What meaning is the author trying to convey? What is the central emotional resonance? It may be helpful to use the SOAPSTONE acronym to remember the important parts in the text or the OPTIC method for visual analysis. Also, at the bottom of the text notice a prompt or question that hints at what to look for in the text. 

3) Spend some time thinking about this, and then formulate a thesis statement : a single sentence that states very clearly your exact impression of the text.

4) Go over the text, this time asking yourself the question: how is the author accomplishing this aim? This should not be an attempt to spot features randomly, but considering how language has been used to convey the message or meaning of the text. Annotate thoroughly, scouring the text for as many different linguistic devices that serve your thesis statement.

5) After about five minutes of close reading, you should hopefully have found three or four major linguistic ways in which the author is conveying the meaning or message. Select at least two quotations from each of these ways and organize them under headings, for example: natural imagery, religious symbolism, irony, a war motif, use of rhythm, punctuation and more. 

6) Now you are ready to begin your plan. Write your full thesis statement. The thesis statement should combine your overall impression of the passage with a precise indication of the three main linguistic areas you are going to focus on. For example: In “The Masque of the Red Death,” Edgar Allan Poe uses the symbolism of the stranger, the clock, and the seventh room to develop the theme of death. 

7) Now plan each of your three paragraphs. Select at least two quotations, one from the beginning and another from the middle or end of your text, demonstrating an appreciation for the literary feature across the passage and noting any developments such as for example; a change in perspective or tone. For each quotation, write a few words in your plan that will help you analyze the language of the quotation.  

8) Once you have completed this for all your paragraphs, you are ready to start writing! You should spend around 30 minutes on your plan: this may seem like a lot of time but when you come to writing the commentary you will save time because you know exactly what you are writing about in each of your paragraphs. 

9) Begin the commentary with some brief context about the passage, 1-3 sentences. (Identify the text type, use SOAPSTONE to help you understand what is important about the context for the passage). The next sentence should be your thesis statement , which should be stated in a precise and clear manner. Then outline the three main text features you will be focusing on. Avoid vague descriptions like ‘structure, form, tone’ but instead add more descriptive adjectives that show you have a more subtle appreciation of these devices, for example: ‘chiastic structure, war motif, sombre tone.’

11) Next, go into your first paragraph. Think of each paragraph as being a self-contained mini-essay. Make a Point, Illustrate with a quotation, Explain (analyze) ( P.I.E Method for structuring paragraphs ). Each of your quotations should merely be illustrations of the point you make in your opening sentence. Make sure you analyze the specific language of each quotation, remembering each time to connect those thoughts to the message of your thesis statement. As you progress through the commentary, remember to quote frequently from the text. Keep the quotations short so you can go into lots of details about the techniques being used.

12) Your conclusion , much like your introduction, should be short. Summarize your main points and how these points build towards your thesis statement. Hopefully the process of writing the commentary has prompted you to think more deeply about the purpose or meaning of the text and you may want to add a thought about that here. End the conclusion with a reference to your thesis statement. 

The most important thing is to demonstrate that you understand what the text is about, how the writer has conveyed the message through language features, and that you structure your essay clearly and in a coherent and connected fashion. If you would like individual help with your Paper 1 commentaries, please reach out to me. I can work with you on analyzing text examples of the new Paper 1, review and grade student responses, review examiner comments on those responses, and I can help you structure your own practice essay. Assuming you get these samples from your teacher, I can help you with any Paper 1 text you want to share with me. 

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Get a free answer to a quick problem. Most questions answered within 4 hours.

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.

RELATED TOPICS

Related questions, how can i write a letter.

Answers · 10

I need a scary sentence story starter! I'm stuck on this for hours! Fast, I need Help!

Answers · 18

How do you write a newspaper Article?

Answers · 12

How do write an epilogue for an autobiography?

Answers · 7

what specific resources willyou use to make sure this area is well presented and covered

Answers · 11

RECOMMENDED TUTORS

find an online tutor

• Writing tutors
• Creative Writing tutors
• SAT Writing tutors
• Dissertation Writing tutors
• Reading tutors
• Legal Writing tutors
• Research Paper Writing tutors
• SAT Reading tutors

related lessons

• ESL Writing Project – Student Surveys
• ESL Activity: Writing a Letter in English
• ESL Activities: Creative Writing
• GRE Analytical Writing Test Format and Strategies
• SAT Writing Test Format and Strategies
• ACT Writing Test Format and Strategies
• Writing Two-Column Geometric Proofs
• Writing Help Resources

IB English Lang Lit Paper 1: Secrets to 7 with TAPAC and PEEL Approach

The International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language and Literature paper 1 requires students to demonstrate a deep understanding of literary techniques and the ability to analyze texts effectively. To start your Paper 1 with a strong introduction, it’s important to consider the TAPAC format. TAPAC stands for “Text type, author, purpose, audience, context.” By addressing these five elements in your introduction, you set the stage for a clear and effective analysis of the text.

In the body of your essay, it’s crucial to use the PEEL format to organize your thoughts and support your arguments. PEEL stands for “Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link.” This means making a clear point about the text, using specific evidence from the text to support your point, explaining how the evidence supports your point, and linking your point back to the larger context of the text or the exam question. By following the PEEL format, you will be able to write organized and well-supported body paragraphs that demonstrate your analytical skills.

In this blog post, we will delve into the secrets to getting a level 7 in IB English Language and Literature, with a focus on using the TAPAC format for a strong introduction and the PEEL format for effective analysis.

Writing a Strong Introduction with the TAPAC Structure

The TAPAC structure is a useful tool for writing strong introductions in IB English Lang Lit paper 1 exam. The acronym stands for “Text type, Author, Purpose, Audience, Context.” Let’s examine each element in turn:

Text Type: Start your introduction by introducing the text type of the text you are analyzing. For example, “The poem [poem title] is a [type of poem, such as sonnet, haiku, etc.] that explores [topic of poem].”

Author: Next, write about the author of the text. For example, “The poem was written by [author’s name], who was known for their [brief description of author’s style or reputation].”

Purpose: The next step is to write about the purpose of the text. For example, “The poem was written in a [adjective] tone, to [persuade/inform/educate] its readers about [topic].”

Audience: After that, you can talk about the intended audience of the text. For example, “The poem was written with [target audience, such as young adults, elderly, etc.] in mind, addressing [topic of poem] in a way that is accessible and relevant to them.”

Context: Finally, you can provide any background information you have about the text to provide context. For example, “The poem was written in the 1940s, around the time of WWII, which enhances its [purpose of text], as the author was able to bring their experiences from the war into their writing.”

By following the TAPAC structure, you can craft an introduction that effectively sets the stage for your analysis of the text.

Tips to Strong Body Paragraphs with the PEEL Structure for your IB English Paper 1

Writing good body paragraphs is an important aspect of scoring well on your IB English Lang Lit Paper 1 exam. By using the PEEL structure, you can ensure that your body paragraphs are well-organized, clear, and effectively demonstrate your understanding of the text.

When writing each body paragraph, start by making a clear point (P). This is where you state your point about the text, for example: “The author utilizes [literary device] to create a [adjective] tone, which contributes to the text’s purpose of [text purpose].” This point sets the foundation for your body paragraph and serves as your thesis statement.

Next, provide specific evidence from the text (E) to support your point. For example: “The [literary device] is seen on line {line number}.” This evidence helps to strengthen your argument and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

The third step is to explain the significance of the evidence (E). Use the “How, Why, To what effect” structure to explain how the author uses the literary device to achieve the text’s purpose, why they chose to do so, and what impact this has on the target audience. This is where you can show your deep understanding of the text and the author’s techniques.

Finally, link the body paragraph back to the text’s purpose (L). This helps to tie everything together and highlights the relevance of the literary device to the larger context of the text. By linking back to the text’s purpose, you demonstrate how your analysis fits into the larger picture and helps to contribute to your overall argument.

By following the PEEL structure in each body paragraph, you will be able to write clear, well-organized, and well-supported analysis that will help you achieve a high score on the International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language and Literature exam.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, by following the TAPAC format for writing a strong introduction and the PEEL format for effective body paragraphs, you will be able to write clear, well-organized, and well-supported analysis that will help you achieve a high score on the International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language and Literature exam. If you are still struggling with your Paper 1s, reach out to us and we will be more than happy to help!

Related Posts

IB Math AASL May 2024 Past Statistics Exam Predictions

In the world of International Baccalaureate (IB) Math, the AASL Math exams hold immense significance, constituting a substantial 80% of…

Step by Step Guide to Writing Level 7 IB Biology IA

I. Introduction A. Brief Overview of IB Biology IA The IB Biology Internal Assessment (IA) is a crucial component of…

IB Economics IA: A Step-By-Step Guide

In the realm of IB Economics, the Internal Assessment (IA) stands as a pivotal challenge for students. Beyond the constraints…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

IBDP English A: Language & Literature

InThinking Revision Sites for students

Website by Neil Allen

Updated 2 February 2023

Free Access Weekend!

P1 - examination questions, p2 - examination questions, individual oral, the learner portfolio, extended essay, essential knowledge.

• DP Chemistry
• DP English A: Language & Literature
• DP Maths: Analysis & Approaches
• DP Maths: Applications & Interpretations SL
• DP Spanish B

   Paper 1 Home Free Access Weekend! P1 - Examination Questions P2 - Examination Questions Start Here Paper 2 Individual Oral HL Essay The Learner Portfolio Extended Essay Essential Knowledge Resources  

• Paper 1 - Frequently Asked Questions
• Paper 1 - Structuring a Guided Textual Analysis
• Paper 1 - Video Guide to Textual Analysis
• Paper 1 - Writing Guiding Questions
• Paper 1 - Student Examples: Comic Strip
• Paper 1 - More Samples
• Paper 1 - Dealing with Infographics
• Paper 1 - Examination Strategy
• Paper 1 - Sample texts and student work

This page gives examples of the types of non-literary texts you might receive for text-heavy and image-heavy analyses in Paper 1. Take a look and consider how you would perhaps respond to them - use the structure guide in this site to help you. Try assessing the student examples, too, and improve your understanding of what is expected.

Taken from https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/tiger

• How does the organisation use layout, form and content to appeal to the reader to participate and take action?

There is always hope.

Banksy (2002). Girl With Balloon. London.

• How does the artwork use image and medium to portray a message about society?

Student Responses - Text B:

This wall art is from Banksy, and was made in 2002 in London. The same way a piece of writing can have hidden meanings beyond only what words mean, this visual art also has a deeper meaning. This is not achieved through words, but through image and the medium in which the artwork is shown. In this essay I will show how with the use of contrast, shapes, and spray paint, banksy is portraying a message about several flaws in society.

On the picture there is a young girl in a dress who is painted in black and white. The only other element of the picture is the red heart shaped balloon, which seems to have been let go by the little girl and is being carried away by the wind. In the scene of the picture there is wind that can be observed by looking at the girl’s hair and dress which flow in the same direction. This is then confirmed by the balloon flowing in that same direction, that being to the left.

Through the use of contrast in colors, Banksy is showing how the loss of color in one's life is sad. The little girl is only a grey scale person with no color. Color here could represent any emotion in one’s life, but red usually signifies a positive emotion such as excitement, or love which is reinforced by the fact that the balloon is a heart. Without this color, the girl is rendered to a grey and emotionless being. The message relating to society could be that as children lose their sense of wonder, they become regular dull humans.

Just like color, Banksy is using shape to represent emotions, and how they are easily lost by society. The shape of the balloon floating away for the girl is a heart, which can signify a whole range of positive emotions, the most common one being love. The fact that Banksy is using a little girl plays on the prejudice that girls are more emotional than men, which would make the loss of this balloon more impactful to the one seeing the painting.

Lastly, through the use of graffiti, Banksy is denouncing the fact that society doesn't appreciate ethos type of art to make his own more impactful. Society doesn’t like graffiti, this way of making art is frowned upon and is seen as vandalism. Banksy uses this view of his art type to make it more striking since it breaks the people's expectation of museum art being presented in the form of street art. 

In conclusion, through the use of contrasting colors and shapes representing emotions, in addition to a uncommon medium for this type of art, Banksy is making an impactful art piece by utilising and denouncing common social dogmas. Color and shape are used to show the loss of emotions in people, and the way the art is presented as graffiti uses the fact that people think its vandalism to break expectations and portray another type of art.

  Student #2

The non-literary text at hand is a graffiti, sprayed on the bare urban wall in London, UK by the artists under the alias Banksy. The spray-painted graffiti depicting a heart-shaped red balloon escaping the grasp of a little girl appeared in the streets of London in 2002. The caption of the piece: “There is always hope” reveals that the primary message of the image is to give people a sense of hope. However, upon closer analysis, the secondary purpose is to convey an ambiguous message on society, mental health, and love to passersby’s. In order to understand the content, context, and hidden messages of the artwork, the artist’s choice to use an intricate blend of image and medium to effectively communicate these ideas, all the while leaving room for personal interpretation while being discussed in this essay. 

The artwork depicts a young girl in a skirt reaching out with one arm to either catch a balloon or let go of it. The bright red, heart-shaped balloon is being carried away by a gust of wind, which blows towards the girl’s back, gently blowing her short hair in front of her face and her skirt forwards. The artwork was spray-painted on a bleak wall with multiple shades of chipped white paint. Behind the girl, an electricity box with multiple cables runs along the surface, indicating that the graffiti is located in an urban environment, perhaps even on the side of an industrial establishment.  

The image of the text and the extensive use of symbolism is vital in understanding the secondary message of the artwork. One interpretation of the artwork is that it is the visual representation of the age-old saying: “if you love someone, let it go”. This is supported by the shape and color of the balloon, as the heart shape is a classical symbol of love. However, the interpretation doesn’t just stop at romantic love, but also familial love, platonic love, and even love for a set of ideas and values. Furthermore, the authors chose to employ the symbol of a girl as effective as it radiates innocence, implying that the person “letting go” of a relationship is pure at heart. The girl’s outstretched arm represents the longing of  The second interpretation of the artwork’s purpose is that it is trying to give hope to people that are suffering from mental health issues such as depression, and offers encouragement, reminding them that ‘there is always hope’ as a way to aid them in their struggle. The girl, a symbol of innocence, loses the ultimate symbol for hope and love, the heart-shaped balloon. The caption reminds people that even when it feels like hope is lost, represented by the girl’s outstretched arm, it still exists and will return. In this interpretation, the girl symbolizes uncertainty and even desperation, as a child is often associated with helplessness. Next, the wind, which is blowing the balloon away from the girl, represents society. The society around the girl fails to help her, instead of working against her, highlighting the struggle and isolation that people with mental health issues experience.  Page successfully saved!

The medium is extremely important to decipher the hidden messages of the artwork. The fact that the image was placed in a presumably public space supports the interpretation that the artwork relates to depression as it is meant to be seen by random passerby’s and brighten their day. The fact that the artwork itself is graffiti emphasizes the anti-authority, rebellious tone of the image. Graffitis are, by nature, caricatures, and scribbles on surfaces within public view without explicit permission. Hence, the message feels like it is being whispered in secret, further highlighting how little support people with mental illnesses receive. Graffitis can be provocative and can also carry a deep message such as this one. The bright red balloon visually contrasts against the grey and white shades of the wall, insinuating that the balloon, the symbol for hope and love, is the center of attention of the piece. 

In conclusion, the author effectively employs symbolism such as the girl to symbolize purity and innocence, the heart to represent love and hope, and the wind to portray the counterproductive and damaging effects of society to highlight the message. The beauty of the artwork is that several interpretations can be extracted. For example, the earpiece can be seen as a statement on the difficulty and pain of the abstract concept of love, as well as a critique on how society treats people suffering from mental health problems. As the graffiti exists in a public space, it is hidden in plain sight, to be discovered by anyone whose eye it catches. Graffitis such as these casually and subtly promote internal discourse. 

Marchant, N. (20.1.21). World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/01/climate-change-link-infectious-diseases-covid-19-study/ Extracted 8.3.21

How does the author's tone aid in conveying an important message about the issue at hand?

Cover of TIME magazine (July 2020). New York: TIME inc.

How are textual elements used to create impact and create a call to action?

In this magazine cover of the TIME magazine published in July 2020, the author attempts to inform the reader of the severity of global warming, while also providing a glimpse of hope to the reader. This is done via the usage of a headline as well as a plethora of different trend graphs depicting the general trends regarding different things about climate change.

At the top of the cover, stands a headline - ”One Last Chance” - of one of the articles within the magazine. Below this headline there is the name of the magazine, which gets partly cut off by the trend graph of “CO 2 emissions” (In the middle left of the text) over the “last two centuries” (In the middle left of the text). The TIME logo being cut off here and seemingly being consumed by the CO 2 graph is a metaphor about the dangers of climate change, and creates the message in the future, our CO 2 emissions might ‘consume’ the planet.  Below there are a bunch of graphs showing the trends of different things having to do with climate change. These graphs are filled with the thing they are representing, for example the “SEA LEVEL” (Bottom right of the text) graph looks like water, the “LAND ICE” (Bottom right of the text) looks like ice and the “RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION” (Middle left of the text) is filled in with trees. This creates a contrast between the different graphs, and immediately gives an idea of what the different graphs are supposed to depict without even having to read the captions. This makes these graphs very easy to read and understand for the reader. Furthermore these graphs also don’t have a scale or specific numbers, which clearly caters to a non-scientific audience. Instead the graphs only show a general trend over the last two centuries, which is the only thing the reader really has to know. This way the author doesn’t give the reader unnecessarily specific information. 

The graphs mostly depict causes and effects of climate change. They show that “CO 2 EMISSIONS” are going up, and in turn so is the “AVERAGE GLOBAL TEMPERATURE” as well as the “SEA LEVEL”, while “LAND ICE” is decreasing. These things are all commonly talked about when it comes to climate change and inform the reader about the negative effects of climate change and how they’re developing. Additionally however, there are two key details about these graphs. First of all, the CO 2 graph shows a “PROJECTED 7% DROP IN 2020” (Top right of the text), and the graph of “RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION” (Middle right of the text) is going upwards. These two things show that actually, there is a chance to combat climate change. The message that these graphs create is that, while climate change is a threat to us and our environment, there is still hope for humanity in the form of renewable energy sources.

The headline shown at the top of the text - “ONE LAST CHANCE” - and the subheading below it - “THE DEFINING YEAR FOR THE PLANET” - expand on this message of a glimpse of hope in a dire situation. The headline means that humanity has one last chance of combating climate change, and informs the reader that we need to act now or it will be too late. Specifically, the thing that is made out to be our one last chance is the year of 2020. Looking back at the graphs, specifically the text saying “PROJECTED 7% DROP IN 2020”, together with the publishing date of July 2020 (Which was well into the covid pandemic) as well as the subheading calling 2020 the “DEFINING” year for the planet, it shows how the author tries to portray the year 2020 and the Covid pandemic as a positive thing for the planet, since it decreased our CO 2 emissions by 7%. This implicitly informs the reader that, to cut down on climate change, everybody needs to cut back on their CO 2 emissions much like they did during the pandemic.

In conclusion, the author utilizes simplified graphs to inform a non-scientific audience about the trends of the causes and negative effects of climate change. Additionally they use a headline and small annotations on the graph to create their overall message, that climate change is a dire issue, and that our one last chance to fight it is now. This chance refers to the growing renewable energy usage, as well as the dropping CO 2 emissions caused by the Covid pandemic.

The TIME magazine (incorporated - inc.) has released a new double edition with the title “ONE LAST CHANCE”, released on the 20th of July 2020. Barely any text and mostly visuals attempt in informing the reader about the drastic changes to resources associated with climate change through the use of colors, image/clip arts, and special textual features. However, the clip art does not only make the cover appealing, it also informs the reader about this history of the environmental factors and the beginning of climate change. 

The magazine cover is a normal A4 sized cover with a red border. The cover is mostly a graph with some statistics such as “7%” for carbon emissions. The header occupies roughly one seventh of the entire cover. The infographic consisting of clip art features takes care of the remaining space. Different environmental factors have been listed including “carbon emissions”, “Average global temperatures”, “land ice”, “renewable energy consumption”, and “sea level”. Each section is represented by the literal meaning of the factors; the sea levels are represented by a water clip art feature, land ice represented by ice crystals, renewable energy by trees, temperature by yellow contour lines, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through greyish tones. Not are the factors colored through their literal meaning, but also where these are located in the infographic. Sea and ice are at the bottom, followed by trees and temperature at the top, with GHGs at the very top and the title doing the rest. This is why the cover of the magazine looks similar to a mountain landscape with the water at the bottom, followed by trees and forest, with bare rocks at the top of the mountain. The colors eventually decrease in shade and increase in brightness in terms of lighting. Also each factor displayed by dotted line graphs does not necessarily start from the very left side. But looking at the infographic, one essential piece is missing; the numerical values. This emphasizes the fact that some data may be very unreliable if not even fake, as the designer may have over exaggerated certain values. All factors except for renewable energy start from the very left side of the infographic, assuming the very left side is the y-axis showing the absolute percentage of increase from 0 to 100. Assuming the x-axis would be the bottom border line representing time (same as the TIME magazine), then the ice caps would be gone half way through time, where renewable energy would begin at half time. This indicates that the clip art shows that the ice caps will have melted away even if we were to start consuming renewable resources. One does need to know how to read such infographics to avoid misinterpretation of the data presented by the factors. The area under the curve until the next line is met is the amount in percentage i.e. any factor starting at 20% going to 22% does not mean that 22% of that factor is being respected, but only 2%. Sea level shows a very slow exponential rise, or one could even see it as being linear rise. Land ice eventually decreases inversely exponentially after decreasing slowly in a linear manner. The water levels at the point of the graph meeting the ice caps show little icebergs floating in the water, showing how and where the ice will land in the end. The year 2020 has survived a global pandemic involving lockdowns and travel restrictions, which explains why there would be a projected drop in GHG emissions. The GHG emissions is the only factor that appears to be in a decline for the year 2020 based on the infographic. Every other factor has either not made it to 2020 or is in a steady state at which it is increasing. The paradoxical presentation of the infographic shows a GHG emission, temperature and sea level increase, while renewable energy also increases. According to geographical sciences, as renewable energy increases, the other factors should decrease due to the less enhanced greenhouse effect (aka global warming). The enhanced greenhouse effect as used in physics describes the warming of the earth. The infographics showing such a dramatic increase in temperature is therefore clearly exaggerated, since the one GHG responsible for most of the temperature increase is water vapour, which is why carbon and nitrogen emissions are only responsible for a maximum of 1.5°C increase, compared to water vapour accounting for the other 30°C since water vapour is also more abundant that other GHGs. 

The magazine is a TIME magazine, enhanced by the fact that the word “TIME” is written largely on the upper half of the magazine using the Times New Roman font, which also has the word “time” in it. The header is clear of color and visuals, but fully packed with words, statements, and the names of known people. The title “TIME” is displayed largely across the cover, and the carbon dioxide emission graph intersects with the title, with the letter “E” to be specific. People who do not know what magazine this is would think that this is a “TIMF” magazine with an “F” instead of the “E”. This means that the actions against the enhanced greenhouse effect should be taken seriously, as we are seemingly running out of time, hence the letter “E” being covered by the emission graph. The running out of time can be seen in many ways; either the 2015 Paris agreement of 1.5°C cannot be halted if emissions continue to rise this year (2020), and/or climate change will be irreversible after a certain period of time with a certain amount of GHG emissions if nothing is done to reduce GHG emissions. One weird thing however is that reports have come out early June 2020 claiming that carbon levels world wide dropped by 7%, which is more than ever before, and exactly one month later the TIME magazine releases this Magazine stating that it is our last chance to handle the situation. ANother way of looking at it would be that one year is not going to be enough, the reductions should take place every year, and a reduction of 7% would not have caused major changes in the reduction of greenhouse gases. The title expresses very clearly that it is “one last chance” with the subtitle “the defining year for the planet” as if 2021 would be everything similar to what happened in the movie 2012 (2009 - the world going down according to the Mayan Calendar). But looking at the title from another perspective, 2020 seems like the year where either GHGs are not reduced and the Paris Agreement is not executable, or that reductions will buy us more time in achieving the 1.5°C annual temperature change goal. This is what could be meant under “the defining year”. The “one last chance” part could be understood as if humans have attempted to reduce GHG emissions in the previous years however failed, and 2020 would be the absolute deadline. Yet the title seems to be over exaggerated, especially when it is know that time progresses and that 2021 will not result in the world going down and that it is not our last chance of anything, especially if the overall temperature rise is only 1.5°C. Since this magazine happens to be a double edition, which is stated very faintly at the top left corner inside the red border, the magazine also contains an addition of “The Dalai Lama, Greta Thunberg, Vanessa Nakate, Oliver Jeffers, Stacey Abrams, Angelina Jolie & more”. This is writing very small under the subtitle. This shows that the magazine attempts to reach a larger audience that may not be interested in the topic of climate change. However as these people are being targeted, their main focus (to spread awareness on climate change) also gets spread even further. These people are either famous due to governmental actions like the Dalai Lama, protests and activism such as Greta Thunberg, or entertainment such as A. Jolie. Everyone reading this magazine might not know who these people are and what they did, which is why these people are probably the ones for more GHG restrictions, but displayed in such a way as if these people belong to the additional stuff from the magazine in the second half of the double issue. 

Overall the author has successfully attempted to raise awareness about the time we are running out of slowing down the enhanced greenhouse effect (climate change cannot be halted as it is a natural phenomenon which was present since the creation of earth). This was achieved through the well laid out graphical analysis of certain issues impacting the climate and the hyperbolic title of our last chance of doing something to slow down the enhanced greenhouse effect. Many statistics are obviously over exaggerated and the graphics are not to scale, since the human population has already started consuming renewable resources before all ice has melted away, which is stated otherwise in the graphics. These large details however can mostly only be detected through a handful of pre-knowledge of the reader who studied the topics of science and atmospheric physics. Most people do not know these research results and hence fully believe and hysterically spread the news around about the last chance and the topic of climate change by referring to the graph on the cover page, which is what the TIME magazine hopes to achieve in my option. Especially if they are not only to inform the reader, but to also get as many viewers as possible to get more money through subscriptions. Yet the magazine is well designed.  

Things to Consider

What would an examiner take into account when reading these responses?

Is the response a response to the Guiding Question? Is it explicit? If not, and the student has rejected the guiding question, have they established their own question or line of inquiry?

I think the answer to this is mixed. One or two of the responses do take the guiding question into account and frame the response around it. Whether it is explicit enough, though, is questionable. One or two others would be perfectly good commentaries on the full text, but don't really establish themselves as guided textual analyses responding to the question.

It is worth noting that in both examination sessions to date (December 2021, at time of writing), the visual has been an infographic rather than a magazine cover as above.

How would you grade these four examples? Perhaps, instead of marking them /20, consider ranking them in order of quality, to see if you can identify what good things can be taken from each.

How much of Paper 1 - Sample texts and student work have you understood?

Which of the following best describes your feedback?

IB English A: Language and Literature Paper 1 Commentary Advice

Many students, both HL and SL, come to Elite IB for assistance with Paper 1, the unseen aspect of the IB Language and Literature course. This blog aims to address some of the most common concerns and to provide students with a highly useful method to write the ideal commentary.

Standard Level

The biggest difference between SL and HL is that you only have to write a commentary on a single piece at Standard Level. The IB selects a diverse range of sources for Paper 1 extracts so the key here is flexibility. This adaptability is something you can acquire by doing lots of practice on different types of text, going above and beyond the mocks you do with your teacher.

It is very important to appreciate the IB’s assessment criteria when thinking about how to structure your commentary. These are broken down below.

Criterion A – Understanding and Interpretation

The IB is looking for an excellent overall appreciation of the text: its main message, the central purpose of the author, as well as an understanding of its basic features. You should aim to show this at the very beginning of your commentary, and this should be the first thing you are trying to understand about the text when you read it for the first time.

Criterion B – Appreciation of the Writer’s Choices

Throughout your commentary, you should bear this criterion in mind. Try not to stray too far into the broad themes of the passage because the examiners are always looking for a focus on the linguistic features of the text , and the exact techniques by which the author is conveying their overall meaning.

Criterion C – Organization and Development

You should avoid a line-by-line approach to your commentary: instead, organise your paragraphs around specific themes and features of the text.

Criterion D – Language

Write in a formal fashion, using as much precise vocabulary as possible. Avoid slang and make sure you quote frequently from the passage – around three times each paragraph.

How to write a commentary in 14 steps

• When you open the paper, look at each of the extracts and decide which text you will focus on. You should aim to practice various different types (articles, adverts, travel writing etc.) so you are comfortable with them, but it is natural for students to have a preference. Pick the text with the most substance you feel you can comment on in an intelligent manner. Spend a maximum of 5 minutes making this decision.
• Give an initial reading of your chosen passage and try to identify its overall message. Helpful questions you can ask yourself at this stage are: What is the essence of the text? What meaning is the author trying to convey? What is the central emotional resonance? What can you infer about the context?
• Spend some time thinking about this, and then formulate a thesis statement : a single sentence that states very clearly your exact impression of the text. Think of this as the what section of your commentary.
• Go over the text, this time asking yourself the question: how is the author accomplishing this aim? This should not be an attempt to spot features randomly but considering how language has been used to fulfil the essential meaning of the text . Annotate thoroughly, scouring the text for as many different linguistic devices that serve your thesis statement as you can.
• After about five minutes of close reading, you should hopefully have found three or four major linguistic areas. Select three quotations from each of these areas and organise them under headings, trying to add adjectives before them to make your points more specific: e.g. sensationalist language, use of juxtaposing quotations and erratic structure.
• Now you are ready to begin your plan. Write your full thesis statement . For example: ‘throughout the article, the author performs a subtle piece of satire that ridicules the current US President comprehensively, and this is achieved through the use of dark humour, effective linguistic motifs and a simple structure.’ The thesis statement should combine your overall impression of the passage with a precise indication of the three main linguistic areas you are going to focus on .
• Now plan each of your three paragraphs. Ideally, you will select three quotations, one from the beginning, middle and end of your text, demonstrating an appreciation for the device across the passage and noting any differences or developments. For each quotation, write a few words in your plan that will prompt you to analyse the language of the quotation directly . Overall this will mean around nine quotations, each of which you will analyse in turn throughout your commentary.
• Try and find good linking sentences between these paragraphs as you plan them, rather than beginning each paragraph with ‘Another aspect of the text is…;’ Using good conjoining sentences will make your commentary seem more than the sum of its parts and help you fulfil Criterion C.
• Once you have completed this for all your paragraphs, you are ready to start writing! You should spend around 30 minutes on your plan : this may seem like a lot but it will mean that when you come to writing the commentary you will be able to do so much more fluently and will save yourself time.
• Begin the commentary with some brief context about the passage, no more than a few sentences. After that should be your thesis statement, which should be stated in a precise and clear manner. Then outline the three main areas you will be focusing on, indicating the approach you will take, remembering to include precise adjectives.
• Next, go into your first paragraph. Think of each paragraph as being a mini-essay. Just as the introduction serves as the basis from which the rest of your essay is expanded, each paragraph should unfold neatly from its opening sentence. Therefore each of your quotations should merely be illustrations of the point you make in your opening sentence. Make sure you analyse the specific language of each quotation, remembering each time to connect those thoughts to the message of your thesis statement.
• In between each paragraph, try to use as many connecting sentences as possible. If, for example, the sarcastic tone of an article is conveyed through its structure, use this as the bridge between those two paragraphs.
• As you progress through the commentary, remember to quote frequently from the text. Keep the quotations short so you can go into lots of details about the techniques being used.
• Your conclusion, much like your introduction, should not be very long. Hopefully, the process of writing the commentary has prompted you to think of something in addition to your original thesis statement. Perhaps there is greater subtlety you wish to add at this stage. Make one additional comment on the text overall and then recap the main areas you have written about. End with a direct reference to your original thesis statement.

The more you practice, the more you will feel able to write four or five paragraphs in your commentary. This is absolutely fine, and the same method suggested here can also be used.

Higher Level

This is a great chance to display your skills in comparison and contrast, something you will be familiar with from other parts of the IB.

Assessment Criteria

The main difference with the HL criteria is Criterion A: Understanding and comparison of the texts

Level 5 – ‘There is an excellent understanding of the texts, their context and purpose, and the similarities and differences between them; comments are fully supported by well-chosen references to the texts.’

A lot of the method for planning and structuring the commentary at HL is similar to the SL method, so what follows is some useful advice on how to Compare and Contrast.

• Always organise your paragraphs around particular themes and features of the text.
• Focus on the points of similarity in these themes within each paragraph, and then move on to discussing the differences. You should avoid writing a commentary that deals entirely with one passage and then another since the IB is looking for a coherent structure that can synthesise both passages into a single effective commentary.
• In your paragraphs, remember always to directly analyse any language that you quote. This should involve some comment on the way in which the author’s language is shaping their meaning, and also the effects on the reader .
• You should always use the guiding questions that the IB gives as part of the Paper 1 question, but be sure to be more precise than this when you are structuring your essay. In your introduction, it can be tempting to follow the guiding questions broadly and write something like, ‘and this is achieved through the use of tone’ but this is actually rather imprecise and not what the examiners are looking for. It is absolutely fine to use these prompts in your commentary, but always be sure to specify the way in which this feature has been used rather than just a generic reference. Therefore, rephrase it in your introduction by saying, for example, that you will discuss the use of ‘sardonic tone’.
• Try to infer as much about the context as possible: the date of the publication, the information in the passage, your own knowledge about what is being discussed. Use this to inform your ideas about who the readership of the text might be, and therefore the effects that certain techniques might have on these readers.
• Finally, remember to keep quoting directly from both texts. Avoid going off into broad comparisons between ideas in both texts, and remember to keep your commentary grounded in the language that is being used, and the relationship that has to the overall meaning of the text.

Share article links

Related Articles

• Most Popular
• Retaking IB Exams

International Baccalaureate (IB) Retakes FAQs 2024

Click here for a free consultation on retaking your exams If you are reading this, you’ve probably just taken your International Baccalaureate (IB) exams and feel unsure about your final IB exam marks. Maybe the anxiety of retaking one or more subjects to pass the (IB) Diploma Programme got you here. Whatever led you to […]

International Baccalaureate (IB) Remark FAQs

Click here for a free consultation on retaking your exams The following article was written in advance of the May 2023 exam session. If you are more interested in retakes, rather than remarks, click here. How do I make a re-mark request after my exam sessions? Which IB subjects and externally assessed components can I […]

• Uncategorized

History: Internal Assessment Tips

Choosing a question The History Internal Assessment is an investigation into a topic of your choice – this means it’s important that you choose something you find personally interesting, making it much easier to write and perfect your coursework. Take your time deciding on and refining your IA question, as this will change how your […]

Exam guide, practice papers, past paper solutions.

IB English Paper 1

Access the paper 1 exam guide, ib-style practice papers and ib past paper solutions., study the essentials, ib english paper 1 explained.

Planning & Writing

Full Exam Study Guide

Practice paper 1s with detailed solutions.

After completing our fundamental Learn Analysis lessons, use this collection of practice papers to hone your practical Paper 1 analysis and essay organization skills.

IB English Lang Lit Practice Paper 1s

Each Practice Paper is accompanied by detailed written and/or video solutions by LitLearn's IB45 instructors.

'Pine Hikes' - Lang Lit

Speech script

'Obama' - Lang Lit

Opinion article

'Arrogance' - Lang Lit

Infographic

'Skateboarding' - Lang Lit

'Go Green' - Lang Lit

IB English Literature Practice Paper 1s

'Eveline' - Literature

'The Black Cat' - Literature

'Departure' - Literature

'War' - Literature

Dramatic play

'Pygmalion' - Literature

IB Past Paper Solutions - Lang Lit

Detailed plans and full guided analysis essay response by IB7 graduates. Currently we only offer IB English Lang Lit Past Paper solutions.

Radio Script

Nov 2017 SL - Lang Lit

Comic Strip

May 2019 SL - Lang Lit

Nov 2019 SL - Lang Lit

Journal Entry

Nov 2021 SL - Lang Lit

May 2021 HL - Lang Lit

How can LitLearn help me?

Our resources have helped struggling IB English students jump grade boundaries in weeks, days, and even overnight...

Detailed step-by-step guide that breaks down the Paper 1 guided analysis into two clear stages: Planning and Writing.

We share practical advice on how to write a bullet-proof thesis and how to choose the right essay structure.

Simplify and accelerate your IB English Paper 1 preparation with our curated collection of IB-style Practice Paper 1 exams, complete with detailed video solutions or written markschemes.

Perfect preparation for your final Paper 1 exams. Learn from our exemplar solution (thesis, plan & full essay) for six IB English Language & Literature Past Paper 1 exams. More solutions will be added for Literature in future.

From Struggling to Succeeding in IB English

How IB English students like you have improved their grades with LitLearn Pro... Read the reviews.

IB4 to IB6 in 12 days " LitLearn helped me understand exactly what I was doing wrong and how to improve upon those mistakes. " Read the full review

IB6 to IB7 in 1 week " I ended with a 7 in English Literature HL and I am so happy about that. Thank you Jackson. " Read the full review

IB5 to Perfect 20/20 in 1 week " I managed to be the only person in my IB cohort of 120 students to get a perfect score of 20/20 " Read the full review

IB4 to IB6 in 2 weeks " The lessons are really effective in grabbing my attention and making English more fun to learn. "

IB4 to IB6 in 1 day " With just day 1 of the course, I improved immediately and overnight when I did a practice essay and improved by 4 marks from my previous grades " Read the full review

IB5 to IB7 " I got 5s since my first year of DP and now my final grade is 7! I can't thank you enough 🙂 LitLearn is truly a lifesaver. "

IBDP Language and Literature - Essay Structure (Paper 1)

How to organise your essay.

You can easily choose a question you are familiar with and write an essay. What counts, however, is how you organise your essay. It is better to have a well-structured essay with mediocre content than an unstructured essay with great content.

The introduction, body, and conclusion of a well-structured essay should all be solid. Let's look at how to write a good essay using some effective steps.

Introduction Introduction is deemed to be the most important aspect of your answer, impress the examiner by an opening with a concise and factual statement. This plays a significant role in deciding the grade for the rest of your essay. As a result, start with a strong thesis or statement concerning the topic/theme/idea of your essay. Then present your text using GAPS: G - Genre A - Audience P - Purpose S - Style This is an effective way to begin your essay. Bear in mind that you must be precise in this situation. Here, you introduce the text by describing the genre it belongs to, the type of audience it was written for, the text's meaning, and finally, the text's style, which includes diction, narrative, and writing style, among other things.

Body The body consists of the main points you wish to explore in your essay. PEALRAW is a tool for integrating all of the points into your essay in a clear and cohesive way.

P - Point E - Evidence A - Analysis L - Link to the guidance question R - Reader’s response A - Alternative interpretations W - Writer’s intention/choice

Select a point that you desire to emphasize and discuss, substantiate that point via evidence, deeply analyse the point, link this to the guidance question. After you've completed the first section, put yourself in the shoes of a reader and consider what they'll think when they read this text. Next, consider some alternate interpretations of the text, and finally, write about the writer's purpose and how they successfully (or ineffectively) expressed it in their choice of words. You'll have a well-defined body once this is completed. Now is the time to concentrate on your conclusion, which is the next aspect of your essay after the introduction.

• Conclusion In most cases, students wrap up their essays by reiterating the points made earlier. This is widely regarded as the most inefficient way to end an essay. Your conclusion should be just as strong as your opening paragraph. As a consequence, you'll have to write this through the prism of persuasion. The three persuasive appeals that should be used are as follows:
• Ethos (sometimes called an appeal to ethics), then, is used as a means of convincing an audience via the authority or credibility of the persuader, be it a notable or experienced figure in the field or even a popular celebrity.
• Pathos (appeal to emotion) is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response to an impassioned plea or a convincing story.
• Logos (appeal to logic) is a way of persuading an audience with reason, using facts and figures. Using these in your conclusion lends legitimacy to your work and will leave a lasting impact on the examiner.

Examiners will usually skim through your essay. As a consequence, ensuring that your introduction and conclusion are strong will give you more marks. As previously mentioned, a well-structured essay with poor content is preferable to an unstructured essay with excellent content.

Having trouble understanding these concepts? Do you want assistance from a subject matter expert? Here, at Vidyalai we help your child achieve the grade they aspire for. Our SMEs are trained and experienced tutors who will provide you with each and every help when required. We are just a click away. Request your first lesson now. . We guarantee 100% satisfaction on your first session, if you are not satisfied,the session will be absolutely free.

• Support Sites

English A: Language and Literature Support Site

Unpacking guiding questions.

Each Paper 1 stimulus text is accompanied by a 'guiding question'. Your Paper 1 response must answer this question. It can serve as your 'point of entry' into your analysis of the text. According to the IB's video Preparing students for Paper 1 , students may choose their own 'point of entry'. However, the recommendation from many examiners and workshop leaders is to focus on the guiding question on the exam. What do guiding questions look like? See examples below and some tips on how to unpack them.  

Example guiding questions

• Comment on how text and image work together to appeal to multiple audiences.
• Explore how various features are used on this webpage to create an impression of Indian culture. 
• Comment on how the writer develops an argument about the seriousness of climate change. 
• Examine how the narrative voice is used to create a sense of immediacy whilst also attempting to involve the reader.
• 'Comment', 'examine', and 'explore' actually ask you to ANALYSE by articulating a relationship between form and meaning and EVALUATE by stating how successful the text is at achieving its purpose (Criterion B)
• Each question has both a specific and a general part, pertaining to either style or purpose. "Various features" = vague/general style. "To create an impression of Indian culture" = specific purpose.

Tips for unpacking guiding questions

• Circle/underline the 'how' (style/form) part of the question and the 'what' and 'why' (purpose) parts of the question.  
• Build a mind map around the guiding question. Branching out from the 'how' part with examples of 2-4 major stylistic features.
• Branch out from the from the 'why' part of the question with key points about the meanings, messages and purposes of the text.
• What is the most specific word in the guiding question? What is the most general word? Most likely, either the form or the purpose part of the question will be specific. Write a thesis statement that includes this word. 
• Include words from the guiding question in your thesis statement (because it should answer the question)
• Include words and phrases from the guiding question throughout your response, especially in the final sentences of each paragraph. 

Take a previous exam stimulus text. Do not look at the IB's guiding question. Now try writing your own question to go with it. Reveal the IB's question and see how similar or different your question is in relation to the IB's question? Is yours too narrow or too broad? Or is it just write?

Find a stimulus text that you think might be appropriate for a Paper 1 exam. It shouldn't be too long, too trite, too dense, too convoluted or too political (admittedly, Philpot Education breaks this last rule). See past papers for suggestions. Try writing a guiding question to accompany your text. Give it to a teacher or student to ask for feedback. Rewrite your question if necessary. Write your own response to your own Paper 1 stimulus text and guiding question. Ask a friend to write one too. Compare your responses. How are the 'points of entry' (responses to the guiding question) similar or different?

Read a model response like this one  and highlight all sentences and phrases that clearly address the guiding question. 

Related pages

• P1 assessment criteria
• P1 Example: November 2021 (Humor at Work)
• P1 Skills: CAMPS

Get the Reddit app

This is the unofficial subreddit for all things concerning the International Baccalaureate, an academic credential accorded to secondary students from around the world after two vigorous years of study, culminating in challenging exams. This subreddit encourages questions, constructive feedback, and the sharing of knowledge and resources among IB students, alumni, and teachers. Note that the subreddit is not run by the International Baccalaureate.

English Lang lit paper 1 structure tips

Hi does anybody have any tips for English lang lit paper1, I am really struggling to come up with topic sentences and what to write about in each paragraph. For the mock exam I got 12/20 and my teacher said it’s is largely due to my my essay not having a focus on the guiding question. Thanks!

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue