paper 2 essay ib

Structuring Your IB English Paper 2 Essay

The blueprint for a perfect essay.

IB English Paper 2 is your chance to shine by demonstrating your ability to compare and analyze literary works effectively. A well-structured essay is crucial for conveying your ideas clearly and scoring high marks. Let’s break down the ideal structure for your Paper 2 essay to ensure you hit all the key points and impress the examiners.

Understanding the Basics

Exam overview.

• Duration : 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Format : Comparative essay based on one question chosen from a set of six.
• Texts : Compare at least two works from the prescribed reading list.

Key Elements of the Essay

• Thesis Statement : Your central argument or perspective on the chosen question.
• Comparative Analysis : Balanced examination of similarities and differences between the texts.
• Textual Evidence : Quotations and references to support your analysis.
• Coherent Structure : Logical flow of ideas with clear paragraphs.

Detailed Essay Structure

Introduction (1 paragraph).

• Example: "In the realms of literature, the portrayal of human struggle often reveals profound truths about society and the individual."
• Example: "Both George Orwell's  1984  and Aldous Huxley's  Brave New World  explore dystopian futures, yet their approaches highlight different aspects of societal control."
• Example: "While Orwell's  1984  focuses on the overt oppression of a totalitarian regime, Huxley's  Brave New World  depicts a subtler form of control through pleasure and conditioning, revealing the multifaceted nature of human subjugation."

Body Paragraphs (4-6 Paragraphs)

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of comparison, such as themes, characters, settings, or literary techniques. Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph.

• Example: "One of the central themes in both novels is the manipulation of truth."
• Example: "In  1984 , Orwell illustrates this through the Ministry of Truth, where historical records are continuously altered to fit the Party's current narrative. A prime example is the character Winston Smith, who works to falsify documents, creating a reality where the Party is always right."
• Example: "Conversely, in  Brave New World , Huxley presents a society where truth is manipulated through the use of hypnopaedic conditioning. The constant repetition of slogans like 'Ending is better than mending' ensures that citizens accept the engineered reality without question."
• Example: "Both authors reveal how the manipulation of truth serves to maintain control, albeit through different mechanisms."

Repeat this structure for each aspect you are comparing, ensuring that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.

Conclusion (1 Paragraph)

• Example: "In conclusion, Orwell and Huxley offer compelling insights into the nature of societal control, with  1984  emphasizing overt oppression and  Brave New World  highlighting the insidious power of pleasure and conditioning."
• Example: "While both novels address the manipulation of truth and the subjugation of individuals, their differing approaches underscore the complexity of totalitarianism."
• Example: "As we navigate our own rapidly evolving societies, these dystopian visions prompt us to reflect on the subtle ways in which our perceptions of truth and freedom may be shaped."

Tips for Writing a Strong Paper 2 Essay

Plan your essay.

Spend the first 5-10 minutes planning your essay. Outline your main points, textual evidence, and how you will structure your analysis. A clear plan will help you stay focused and organized.

Use Comparative Language

Throughout your essay, use comparative language to highlight similarities and differences. Phrases like "similarly," "in contrast," "both," and "whereas" can help create a coherent comparative analysis.

Stay Relevant

Ensure that every point you make is directly related to the question and your thesis. Avoid tangents or overly broad statements that do not contribute to your argument.

Be Concise and Clear

Clarity is key. Express your ideas succinctly and avoid unnecessary jargon. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall argument.

If time permits, proofread your essay for any grammatical or spelling errors. Ensure that your arguments are clearly articulated and that your essay flows smoothly.

Mastering IB English Paper 2

A well-structured essay is crucial for success in IB English Paper 2. By following the outlined structure and incorporating the tips provided, you can write a coherent, insightful, and persuasive comparative essay that impresses the examiners.

Ready to master IB English Paper 2? Join RevisionDojo today and access personalized study tools, curriculum-specific question banks, and resources enhanced by Jojo AI. Let us help you navigate your reading list, practice your comparative analysis, and achieve your academic goals with ease.

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Practice paper 2 questions.

What do Paper 2 exams look like? The document below shows several Paper 2-style questions. Feel free to 'make a copy' of these Google Docs and edit them for your own purposes. These questions were inspired by colleagues and past papers. They are not 'official' in any way and are intended for in-school practice and guidance. There are no marking notes or suggested answers. 

Study the questions in the Practice Paper 2s. What kinds of trends and patterns do you notice? If you were to make a prediction about the kinds of questions that will appear on this year's exam, what would you predict?

Compare the questions from the Practice Paper 2s to the Areas of Exploration. How are they similar or different? Check out the page on the 7 concepts from this course. How do these questions encourage you to explore these concepts ?

The Practice Paper 2s consist of four questions. Actual IB Paper 2 may not be organised this way, but these practiced questions are designed to help you prepare for the following types of questions: 

The first question is about a stylistic or structural feature. These types of questions lend themselves well to Criterion B: analysis and evaluation. If the feature is about 'narrative perspective', for example, you may want to write body paragraphs on related features, such as flashbacks, dialogue and characterisation. As always, connect form to meaning, while answering the question. 

The second question is intentionally difficult. The IB has been known to include questions that require deeper understanding of literature and contexts. Questions about how the meaning of a work has evolved over time or how the author 's life has influenced the work are difficult (if not impossible) to answer. If you do not feel confident exploring answering these types of questions, avoid them! 

The third question is often about some kind of conflict or struggle. These struggles may be between competing concepts , such as 'new' and 'old', or juxtaposed settings, like 'rural' and 'urban', or characters, such as 'men' and 'women'. As you prepare your works, consider conflict, paradox and juxtaposition. You may be able to do something with these ideas or your Paper 2 response. 

The fourth question in these Practice Paper 2 questions relates to an abstract concept, such as justice, faith, home, wealth or identity. These may or may not be related to one of the 7 concepts from the course: identity, communication, creativity, representation, transformation, perspective or culture. Discussing literary works in relation to these concepts is good preparation for Paper 2. 

Even though you will not know the essay questions before the exam, you can still prepare for the exam. You can practice connecting works, by making diagrams like the diagram on this page . You can practice unpacking P2 questions , using activities like the one on this page . You'll notice on both pages that novels, plays and graphic novels tend to work well for Paper 2 responses, as question often ask about setting, events, characters, conflicts and other literary features of these literary forms. 

Related pages

• Paper 2 instructions
• Guide and outline: Concepts
• Paper 2 example: The Great Gatsby and The Reluctant Fundamentalist

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IB English Paper 2 Writing Guide

Table of contents.

I’ve had many experiences helping IB students, so preparing for IB English Paper 2 can be challenging and fun. This test isn’t just about knowing about literature; it’s also about showing that you can analyze something complex quickly. In this post, I will give some essential tips and ideas to help you do well on Paper 2 English IB.

What Is IB English Paper 2?

IB English Paper 2 is a part of the English A test for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. This test is mostly about literature and compares two or more works to see how well students can think critically and understand what they are reading. I’ve been teaching kids about the IB program for years and have seen how Paper 2 pushes them to use what they’ve learned in profound and complex ways.

Paper 1 is an unseen textual analysis assignment. Paper 2 asks students to write articles that compare and contrast at least two literary works they have read in the course. This test assesses how well you understand the texts, how deeply you can analyze them, and how critically you can think about different types of writing.

These are some crucial parts of IB English Paper 2:

• Duration and format . The test is two hours long and has essay questions about the types of writing you’ve studied, like drama, poems, or prose.
• Comparative study . Students must show they can look at themes, characters, and literary methods to find similarities and differences between works.
• References in the text . The best papers are supported by precise textual references illustrating the points made.

I think doing well on IB English Paper 2 requires careful studying and a flexible approach to the test. According to IB standards, students should not only show that they understand the works but also that they can think deeply about how they relate to each other. From my experience, the best way to prepare for an exam is to read a lot, write compared essays repeatedly, and participate in conversations that help you better understand literary subtleties. Students can do well on Paper 2 and enjoy the art of writing if they master these skills.

What Is the Format of the IB English Paper 2 Exam?

Differences exist between SL and HL English students. SL students have 1.5 hours for the exam, whereas HL students receive 2 hours. At this time, you are tasked with composing a comparative essay. You must thoroughly understand the expectations and strive to meet them effectively.

Structure of the Exam and Time Allotment

The structure of the exam is designed to challenge your analytical and interpretative skills. I’ve seen that students who manage their time usually do well. To use a planned method, you should plan your essays for about 30 minutes and then write them for the other 90 minutes. Using this method, you can carefully arrange your ideas and craft your reasons, ensuring that each point is well-thought-out and given clearly.

Types of Questions Students Asked

The questions in IB English Paper 2 mainly involve comparing two or more literary works . These questions aren’t just about finding patterns and differences; they also ask how and why they are essential in writing. I think it’s crucial to make complicated links between ideas, people, and places. You must care about the works and know much about using literary techniques.

I highly suggest you practice with different questions to gain confidence and speed when answering them. It will help you think more critically when time is short and apply what you know to various situations. When students answer many practice questions and think about their answers, I’ve seen them build a more profound knowledge of the literature, which is essential for getting a good score on Paper 2.

You can also learn how to confidently tackle your IB Oral Assessment by reading our comprehensive guide.

How to Answer IB English Paper 2 Questions?

To correctly answer IB English Paper 2 questions, you need a plan that integrates information, research, and writing skills. As an experienced IB teacher, I know that a well-prepared student can do well on this challenging part of the IB English test by following a set of steps.

Firstly, you must understand the question entirely. Break the question into several parts to ensure you know what it wants you to do. I’ve seen that misinterpreting the question is a frequent mistake that can significantly lower your score.

Once you grasp the question, plan your response. Here’s a simple checklist to guide your planning:

• Find the central ideas or parts of the writings that the question brings out.
• Figure out what the writings have in common or what makes them different.
• Outline your case and make sure it directly answers the question.
• Pick the information from the books that most support your point of view.

When you write your essay , the thesis statement and list of things you will discuss should be apparent initially. This part is a strong base for your case. IB standards say you need a clear case that connects directly to the texts and the question.

Develop your points in a planned way in the body of your essay. As far as I know, each paragraph should be about a different part of your comparison or analysis and should connect back to your thesis. Use quotes from the texts to back up your points, and then examine these quotes to show that you have a better knowledge of the texts.

In the last part of your essay, you should restate your key points and explain how they answer the question again. This ending is critical because it strengthens your case and affects the last reviewer.

From my experience, using these techniques can make you feel more confident and help you do well on Paper 2 questions. Remember that every writing is a chance to show how well you understand and can analyze literature.

How to Prepare for IB English Paper 2?

Preparing for IB English Paper 2 is a big part of doing well in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. As an experienced IB writer who has taught students for years, I’ve seen firsthand how proper planning can improve success. In this guide, I’ll give you some of my best tips on how to get the best marks.

Fully Understand the Syllabus

From what I’ve seen, it’s vital to understand the course material. Make sure you know every piece of literature that is part of your training. This knowledge will help you connect between books, a big part of Paper 2.

Learn how to Do Comparative Analysis

Paper 2 is built around comparative analysis . Find multiple works’ themes, ideas, and artistic elements and see how they relate or vary. I suggest making thorough charts that compare these things next to each other. It will help you see the links and differences more clearly.

Make Your Thesis Strong

A strong thesis statement tells your essay what it will be about. It shouldn’t just answer the question but also add something new. IB standards say writing with a precise, logical topic tends to get better grades. You should spend a lot of time working on your thesis until it clearly states your main point.

Get Help With Your Paper

Work on managing your time.

Managing your time well can make or break how well you do on a test. From what I’ve seen, practice while timed is very helpful. Stick to the time limits for planning, writing, and reading your writings, and try to make the test set as similar to the real thing as possible.

Ask for Feedback

Feedback is a great way to improve. I know that getting comments on your writing from teachers or peers daily can help you see things differently and where you need to improve. To improve at writing, make it a habit to use this feedback during your practice sessions.

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Pitfalls in IB English Paper 2 and How to Avoid Them

One big mistake is not having a clear point or case . IB rules say that an essay needs to have a focused point directly related to the question to get a good grade. I’ve seen that writings that stray too far from the main idea get lower grades. You should always start your essay with a strong, clear thesis statement to avoid this. Make sure that each piece directly supports this argument.

Another common problem is that there isn’t enough written proof . A good IB English essay uses exact quotes and thorough literary references to support its points. Some students make the mistake of making broad claims about the text without providing proof. To avoid this, always use quotes in your research and show how they help your points.

Keeping track of time is another big problem during the test. Many students have trouble finishing their essays in time , which can cause points to fall short or conclusions to be drawn too quickly. I believe it is very important to practice while timed. Regular practice sessions should be timed to look like the actual test.

Lastly, another common mistake is forgetting that the paper needs to be finished . A good ending not only restates the key points but also shows how the thesis is related to the question. You should take a few minutes at the end of your writing process to develop a thoughtful ending that will stick with the reviewer.

As we wrap up this guide, remember that you will do well on IB English Paper 2 if you prepare well and follow a plan. Have faith in your skills and feel good about taking the test. Good luck! Also, we can help you if you remain confused and need help with English Paper 2 or any other IB Student Help .

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.

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Paper 2 is back!  That’s right, we all have tackle this beast in May 2023, so it’s time to master the basics about comparative literary analysis.  Remember that this task demands attention to authorial choices and how they shape meaning.  So, when reading your literary works, pay attention to the moves the writer makes to communicate important ideas.

Part of our  IBDP English A Student Toolkit , The Complete Study Guide for Paper 1 and Paper 2 includes:

• 250+ pages of updated review material!
• The best of our website videos and documents 
• NEW content not available on our website
• 20 highlighted papers with examiner notes 
• Discussion videos justifying marks on sample papers
• Full assortment of graphic organizers
• Sentence stems and guidance for analysis

Paper 2 Exam Review Video Course

Looking for more detailed instruction?  Our Paper 2 Exam Review course leverages two short stories and guides you step-by-step through the writing process in 10 videos.  In the end, you will have written a strong sample response for your selected texts.  This course is for dedicated students looking to do the hard work necessary to improve their Paper 2 skills.

Part of our  IBDP English A Student Toolkit , this resource includes:

• Step-by-step approach to building the Paper 2 response
• 10 asynchronous lessons and 2 hours of NEW video
• Two short stories with completed graphic organizers to model the entire Paper 2 writing process
• Blank graphic organizers to use with your Paper 2 texts
• Guidance on using generative AI for Paper 2 revision

May 2024 Exam Prep

We know students are gearing up for exams, and we’re eager to help.  Check out our latest videos before exam day.  Also, be sure to head over to Revision Village for solutions to past papers.  Lots of help available!

Paper 2 From Start to Finish

In this 9-video series, we’ll show you the entire process from start to finish.  We’ll use two short stories as our model and follow the “we go, you go” protocol.  We’ll show you the steps with our sample stories, and then encourage you to do the same steps with your chosen Paper 2 texts.  In the end, you will have written an entire sample paper under our guidance.  So, be sure to download and complete all the graphic organizers.  Stay with us.  Follow the models.  Do like we do.  Paper 2 success is within reach!

Unpacking the Paper 2 Task

• Document: Nuts and Bolts
• READING: Two Short Stories

Breaking Down Text 1

Document: 1-Text Organizer   – TEXT 1

Breaking Down Text 2

Document: 1-Text Organizer   – TEXT 2

Comparing Texts 1 and 2

Document: Comparative Organizer

Writing the Outline and Thesis

Document: Getting ready to write

Writing the Introduction:

Document: Writing the Intro

Writing Body Paragraphs.

Document: Body Paragraphs

Writing the Conclusion

Document: Paper 2 Conclusions

Scoring the Sample Paper 2

Document: Examiner Scoring

Paper 2 - Breaking Down the Skills

Sure, we understand that you want to see sample papers and examiner comments.  Those are coming.  However, none of those support materials matter unless you know the basics of Paper 2.  Watching the videos and reading the accompanying documents will put you in an excellent position to showcase your best comparative writing on assessment day.  Once you have mastered, these skills, then it’s time to move on to practice papers.

Meet the assessment and understand how to achieve success on Paper Two.

Paper 2 Details and Tips

Learn how to break down the question and get stay focused.

Document: Breaking Down the Question

Don’t forget to brainstorm and mind map!

Document: Brainstorming and mindmapping

The thesis is important…watch this video!

Document: Writing the Thesis

Block style or alternating style?  Watch this video to find out.

Document: Structuring the Response

How can I get off to a strong start in this paper?  We’ve got the answer.

It’s critical to write strong comparative body paragraphs.  Watch this!

Mr. Giles always says to “end strong.”  Watch this video and find out how!

Document: Writing Conclusions

Paper 2 - Refining Our Skills

Now that you’ve seen the entire process from beginning to end, let’s combine some of these ideas and refine our understanding of the key skills needed to master this assessment.  

How can we quickly understand the question, brainstorm ideas, and get to the thesis?

Document: From Question to Thesis

Still stuck with that introduction?  Here is some more support.  Watch and nail this important step!

Document: Introduction 2.0

The more body paragraphs we read, the better we get at this difficult task.  Watch the video!

Document: Comparative Body Paragraphs

Once you have all the skills in place, it’s time to make sure you understand all the key tips and details of this important assessment.  Looking at student and teacher models is also helpful, and we will continue to populate this section as the year progresses.

In this video, notice how the student approaches the work, maintains focus, and shows complete command of references, features, and the language of the question. 

Document: Paper Two - Student Sample

This video presents 10 important tips students should remember when getting ready to write Paper 2.

Document: Paper Two - Top Ten Tips

This video shows students how to formulate their own sample questions. Give it a try!

Document: Spitballing Paper 2

Watch this video right before exams. Don't miss this checklist!

Document: Paper 2 Checklist

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Exemplar Paper 2 Essay

This exemplar comparative essay scored an IB7 or 26/30

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• Comparison & Contrast
• Comparison & Contrast (also Conclusion)
• Knowledge & Understanding
• Analysis & Evaluation
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