What is the English Language and Literature Paper 1?
The IB English Paper 1 contributes to 35% of your final grade. To succeed, you must prepare for it both carefully and strategically.
Paper 1 involves the analysis of an unseen text. You will be given two extracts, ranging from 1-2 pages each. SL students choose to analyse and write on one extract, whilst HL must work on both. Regardless of SL and HL, the criteria are the same for both levels. To get a high mark, you must have a strong understanding of literary devices, choices and the author’s purpose – but more importantly, you must be able to demonstrate this.
SL students have 75 minutes whilst HL have 135 minutes, hence HL students must write at a faster rate.
At least of one of the texts will include a visual element, such as a cartoon or an image. You will have to analyse the relationship between texts and the visual. Hence having a strong understanding of both texts and images and their devices is key to success.
Marking Criteria
The maximum mark is 20, with each criterion being worth 5 marks each. These criteria assess both your comprehension of the text and how effectively you communicate your insights.
Understanding the mark scheme is key to success.
Criterion A: Understanding and Interpretation (5 marks)
Criterion A evaluates your ability to grasp the text’s main ideas and themes. To excel, identify key ideas, provide in-depth analysis (such as the author’s purpose, target audience, and literary devices), and substantiate your points with evidence from the text.
Criterion B: Analysis and Evaluation (5 marks)
This criterion assesses your skill in evaluating the text’s impact – particularly how well you analyse the author’s language use (both vocabulary and structure) and the intended effect on the reader.
Criterion C: Focus and Organization (5 marks)
To score 5 marks here, ensure your essay is well-structured and flows smoothly. Each paragraph should present a clear point and connect logically to the rest of your essay.
Criterion D: Language (5 marks)
This criterion examines your command of English. Write with clarity, precision, and fluency, showcasing a strong vocabulary, accurate word choice, and sound grammar, while maintaining an appropriate tone throughout.
Choosing the Right Essay Structure for IB English Paper 1
Writing the perfect IB English Paper 1 essay starts with nailing down a structure. Once you’ve crafted a strong thesis, it’s time to dive into the body paragraphs. This part trips up a lot of students, not because they’re short on ideas but because they have so many they’re not sure where to start. To help keep you focused, try the PEEL structure. It’s a great way to organize your thoughts and make sure each point is backed up by clear analysis.
Let’s say you’re analysing an unseen text about a character stranded in a desert. Here’s how PEEL can help you tackle it.
P: Point Each paragraph should make a clear argument about one aspect of the text, almost like mini-thesis statements that all link back to your main argument. For instance, if you’re analysing the author’s techniques for showing the character’s mood, you might start with, “The author uses vivid imagery to create a sense of isolation, deepening our understanding of the protagonist’s emotions.”
For IB exams, three main points are ideal. You can aim for four if you’re confident in managing time, especially at HL, but don’t go beyond that. Can you succeed with just two? It’s possible, but remember that examiners like to see depth and breadth in your analysis, so more points are generally safer.
E: Evidence This is where you bring in direct support from the text—quotes, stylistic techniques, or key details. For example, you might use a line like “The protagonist’s surroundings are described as a ‘vast, empty desert,’” to show the author’s use of metaphor.
E: Explain Here’s where you unpack your evidence, explaining what the author aims to achieve with each technique and how it impacts the reader. In this case, you could discuss how the desert metaphor amplifies the character’s isolation and how it’s a reflection of their inner state.
L: Link Wrap it up by connecting your point and evidence back to the text’s overall message or purpose. For instance, the protagonist’s isolation might be part of the story’s broader exploration of human connection.
Remember, PEEL is just a guideline. Feel free to adjust it to fit your essay, but keep that clear link between analysis and the text’s purpose.
Writing a Clear, Polished Essay
In IB English, writing matters just as much as the ideas themselves. While you might get away with a few errors in other subjects, English has a higher standard. Criterion D focuses on your language skills, so aim for:
- Grammar Accuracy – Not every tiny error will cost you, but frequent mistakes distract from your ideas. Your goal is high grammatical accuracy.
- Sentence Variety – Mix up your sentence structures to keep the writing engaging and show your range.
- Strong Vocabulary – Precise, vivid language boosts your chances for high marks.
- Creative Techniques – Using figurative language (like similes and metaphors) can deepen your analysis. Mirroring the author’s techniques also demonstrates your grasp of their style.
Structuring Your Essay
For the body of your essay, organize each point into its own paragraph. Think of each paragraph as a new argument or aspect, like a theme or literary device in the text. If you’re covering three main points, break them into three clear paragraphs for a clean, cohesive look.
And don’t forget transitions! Smooth linking sentences between points can make a big difference. Avoid phrases like “Another aspect is…” Instead, try to vary your transitions for a natural flow. A well-structured essay stands out, especially when examiners have to sift through so many.
Using Quotations Effectively
Every argument you make needs solid textual support. Choose quotes that directly support each body paragraph’s point. You don’t need a lot—just pick quotes that best highlight your ideas. And remember:
- Reference specific lines or page numbers.
- Opt for short quotes or key phrases instead of long excerpts.
- Focus on specific details in each quote to build your argument.
- Integrate quotes smoothly within your paragraph for a nice flow.
Writing a Strong Conclusion
The conclusion wraps up your argument and leaves a lasting impression. If you’ve found any subtle meanings in the text, bring them into the conclusion. It’s a chance to expand on your thesis or highlight a new insight. Aim for a quick recap of your main points, but avoid lengthy summaries—that’s what the body paragraphs are for.
To add strength, try ending with one of these persuasive appeals:
- Logic (Logos): Finish with a logical statement that reinforces your argument.
- Emotion (Pathos): If the text fits, leave a question or emotional takeaway.
- Ethics (Ethos): Reference a literary scholar or theory, or even mention the text’s cultural impact.
Keeping a Consistent Tone
Your tone should match the text. If it’s a formal speech, stick to a formal style. If it’s more casual, loosen up a bit. The key is consistency—don’t shift tones between paragraphs, as that can disrupt the flow and impact Criterion D (Language) marks.
With these tips in mind, your IB English Paper 1 essay will be organized, polished, and focused—just what you need for a top score!
Resources for studies
By far the best resource for English that any IB graduate will refer you to is IB English Guys!
Click here to find out more
Final Words
Remember a 7 is possible if you put in the effort. IB English is many students' least favourite subject, however, getting a 7 isn’t too difficult. Good luck with your studies!
Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for IB and QCE, Sameer Baad. Sameer is currently studying for a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at the University of Queensland. You can view Sameer’s profile here and request him as a tutor.
