Breaking down IB English Paper 2: How to achieve a perfect score

What is IB English Paper 2?

The Paper 2 is a critical essay where you compare and contrast two literary works from your course syllabus. You are given four unseen prompts in your exam and must answer one in 1 hour and 45 minutes. The format is the same for both SL and HL students. However, for SL students it contributes to 35% of the final grade whilst only 25% for HL students.

Key Characteristics of Paper 2

1. Comparative Nature: Your analysis must address both similarities and differences between the two works you select.
2. Chosen Texts: You will spend your 2 years in the IBDP analysing text. Ensure you are familiar with at least 3 texts.
3. Restrictions on Texts: You cannot use works you’ve already analysed for other components of the course, such as your Individual Oral or Written Assignment.

To prepare effectively, it’s a good idea to narrow down your focus to three works from your syllabus. By doing so, you can study these texts thoroughly, revisit their key themes, and memorize impactful quotes that may come in handy during the exam.

Understanding the Marking Criteria

The essay is marked out of 30 points, with the criteria split across four areas:

• Criterion A: Knowledge and Understanding (10 points)
• Criterion B: Analysis and Evaluation (10 points)
• Criterion C: Focus and Organisation (5 points)
• Criterion D: Language (5 points)

Let’s break down each criterion:

Criterion A: Knowledge and Understanding (10 points)

This criterion assesses your comprehension of the texts and how well you address the chosen question. A high score requires:

• A deep understanding of the themes, characters, and narrative techniques in both works.
• Clear identification of similarities and differences between the texts.
• A focus on interpreting why the authors made their literary choices and how these choices shape the texts’ meanings.

Criterion B: Analysis and Evaluation (10 points)

Criterion B evaluates your ability to dissect the authors’ language choices, stylistic techniques, and literary devices. For this, you must:

• Examine specific words, phrases, and narrative structures in detail.
• Compare how each author’s choices create meaning or evoke emotions.
• Incorporate more nuanced techniques like irony, symbolism, or paradox into your analysis.

Criterion C: Focus and Organisation (5 points)

Your essay must have a clear and logical structure. A well-organized essay typically includes:

• A compelling introduction.
• Body paragraphs that follow a cohesive progression of ideas.
• A concise and effective conclusion that reinforces your main points.

Criterion D: Language (5 points)

Language assessment focuses on how effectively you communicate your ideas. A strong essay demonstrates:

• An academic tone with appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures.
• Precise use of subject-specific terminology.
• Persuasive and clear argumentation.

How to Prepare for IB English Paper 2

1. Pre-Exam Text Analysis

The key to excelling in Paper 2 lies in your ability to analyse and compare texts. Focus on:

• Thematic Connections: Identify overlapping themes such as love, war, identity, or societal issues. Even texts that seem unrelated may share surprising thematic parallels.
• Narrative Techniques: Look at the narrative voice, tense, and perspective (e.g., first-person vs. third person).
• Stylistic Devices: Pay attention to literary techniques like symbolism, metaphor, irony, and tone.

2. Memorize Key Quotes and Details

Since you won’t have the texts during the exam, commit a few memorable quotes to memory. Choose quotes that:

• Illustrate key themes or ideas.
• Contain striking language or imagery.
• Showcase the author’s narrative style or tone.

3. Use Structured Analytical Methods

Methods like PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link) or SPECSLIMS can help you structure your analysis:

• Point: Introduce the specific element you’ll analyse.
• Evidence: Use textual evidence from both works to support your analysis.
• Explain: Interpret how the evidence reflects the authors’ choices and their significance. Compare the choices, highlight the similarities and differences, and the ultimate effect on the reader.
• Link: Tie your analysis back to the essay question.

4. Craft a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis is the cornerstone of your essay. A strong thesis:

• Directly answers the question.
• Reflects your argument or perspective.
• Incorporates specific details from both texts.

For example:

• Weak Thesis: “Both works explore the theme of war.”
• Strong Thesis: “While Golding’s Lord of the Flies portrays war as a catalyst for savagery, Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale presents it as a tool for societal control, highlighting contrasting impacts on humanity.”

5. Outline Your Essay

Spend 10–15 minutes outlining your essay. A clear outline will:

• Help you stay focused on your argument.
• Ensure your essay has a logical flow.
• Save time during writing.

Writing Your Essay

1. Introduction

Start with a captivating hook, such as a thought-provoking question or a relevant observation. Mention the titles and authors of the works, along with any key historical or cultural context. End with your thesis statement.

2. Body Paragraphs

Organize your paragraphs around specific points of comparison. For each paragraph:

• Introduce your point.
• Provide evidence from both works.
• Explain how the evidence supports your argument.
• Link back to the essay question.

3. Conclusion

Summarize your main points, rephrase your thesis, and leave the reader with a final thought or observation that ties the themes of the works to broader societal or cultural issues. 

Additional Tips

Stay On-Topic

Make sure every argument and example directly supports your thesis. Avoid tangential discussions or overgeneralizations.

Proofread for Mistakes

Before submitting your essay, check for grammatical errors, typos, and clarity issues. Even minor mistakes can detract from an otherwise strong essay.

Practice Under Timed Conditions

Simulate exam conditions by practising with past Paper 2 prompts. This will help you refine your time management skills and build confidence.

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

Anything is possible if you put the effort in. English requires dedication and a lot of practice. Even though English is a lot of students’ least favourite subject, it is as important to your final IB score as any other subject. 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.