A Complete Guide for IB English Paper 2

Introduction to IB English Paper 2

The International Baccalaureate (IB) English Paper 2 is a critical component of the IB English curriculum, designed to assess students' analytical and comparative skills through literary analysis. This paper challenges students to engage deeply with texts, encouraging a sophisticated understanding of literary techniques and thematic elements. The format of IB English Paper 2 involves essay questions that prompt students to compare and contrast works of literature. Typically, students are given a choice of questions that address different themes, genres, and periods, and they must select one to respond to within the allotted time.

The exam is structured to allow students ample time, generally around two hours, to construct a well-organized and insightful essay. This time frame necessitates not only a thorough understanding of the texts but also the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and coherently under exam conditions. The objectives of IB English Paper 2 are multifaceted: it aims to evaluate students' ability to interpret and analyze literary texts, understand and apply literary terms and techniques, and develop a structured argument that is supported by textual evidence.

Understanding the significance of Paper 2 within the IB English curriculum is crucial. This paper represents an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to synthesize and critically engage with complex literary works. Performing well in Paper 2 can significantly impact a student's overall grade in the subject, making it a vital aspect of their academic journey. Moreover, the skills honed during the preparation for and execution of Paper 2 extend beyond the classroom, fostering critical thinking, analytical prowess, and eloquent expression—abilities that are invaluable in higher education and beyond.

Understanding the Types of Questions

In IB English Paper 2, the questions are designed to test students' understanding and analytical skills regarding various aspects of literature. These questions can be broadly categorized into themes, character analysis, and literary techniques, among other common patterns. Understanding the types of questions you might encounter is the first step towards crafting a well-structured and insightful essay.

Thematic Questions

Thematic questions focus on the central themes presented in the literary works. These could include themes like love, justice, conflict, identity, and transformation. When tackling thematic questions, it is essential to identify key moments in the texts that illustrate these themes and analyze how authors develop them through narrative techniques, character actions, and dialogue.

Character Analysis Questions

Character analysis questions require a detailed examination of one or more characters from the texts. These questions might ask you to explore a character's motivations, development, or relationships with other characters. To approach such questions effectively, gather evidence from various parts of the text, paying attention to how the character evolves over time and what that evolution signifies.

Literary Techniques Questions

Questions focusing on literary techniques will ask you to analyze the methods authors use to convey their messages. This can include exploring the use of imagery, symbolism, narrative structure, and stylistic elements such as tone and diction. When addressing these questions, provide specific examples from the text and explain how these techniques contribute to the overall meaning or impact of the work.

Sample Questions

To illustrate these categories, consider the following sample questions from past papers:

• "Discuss the theme of justice as portrayed in the two texts you have studied."

• "Analyze the development of the protagonist in one of the works you have read."

• "How do the authors use symbolism to enhance the themes of their respective works?"

When interpreting and approaching each type of question, it's crucial to read the question carefully, identify key terms, and plan your essay structure accordingly. Organizing your thoughts and examples before you begin writing will help you create a coherent and compelling argument.

Paper 2

Paper 2 (P2) is the second externally-marked exam paper you have to write. You write a single essay answering one of six possible unseen essay questions on at least two of the texts you studied for Part 3 of the course written. As with Paper 1, SL students get 1h30m and HL students get 2h.

Question Types

Out of your six possible question choices on P2, you will always get at least one question from each of the following question types:

Context & Audience: How a text’s intended audience and its context of production/interpretation influence its content, formal elements (e.g. stylistic/literary devices) and artistic elements (e.g. themes, characterization) and thus its effect on the reader.

• E.g. How do the writers of at least two of the works you have studied convey a sense of place to their readers and to what purpose? (May 2017)

  • Click here to see a sample mind-map breakdown of this question.

Genre, Convention, Technique & Structure: How formal elements of a text, particularly those specific to/conventional within its genre/text-type and as influenced by context, have certain effects on the reader.

• E.g. Writing is both an art and a craft, where form and content are carefully constructed and language and style artistically embellish the whole. Discuss in what ways at least two works you have studied effectively combine both art and craft. (November 2013)

  • Click here to see a sample mind-map breakdown of this question.

Theme & Characterisation: How artistic content/elements of a text relating to themes & characterization, perhaps influenced/emphasized by formal elements of a text and context, have certain effects on the reader.

• E.g. Can the ends ever be said to justify the means? Consider the ways in which this idea is explored or discussed in at least two of the works you have studied. (May 2014)

  • Click here to see a sample mind-map breakdown of this question.

It’s worth preparing notes focusing on these various areas to help you tackle questions which fall in them during the actual exam. You can a comprehensive breakdown of these categories of questions as seen in all past papers from 2013 to 2018 here.

Time Management

As with P1, time management strategies are incredibly important to writing a high-quality, detailed response to P2 in the limited time you have. Here’s how we suggest you manage your time:

5m Reading Time (Before Time Starts)

• As with P1 & all IB exams, you’ll have 5 minutes of reading time (no writing allowed) before timing starts

• Get familiar with your questions—brainstorm them mentally & think about which ones might be good for you!

Pick a Question & Break Down (not you, the question)—15-20m

• Try to pick a question as soon as possible (within 5m of starting, ideally)

• Mind-map related ideas your texts (we’ll practice this later) to figure out what you can write

Outline Your Response—5-10m

• Put all the good ideas you just thought of into a proper point-by-point, paragraph-by-paragraph outline

• Try to find at least three common ideas between all your texts, one idea per paragraph(more on this later)

Write Your Response—1h20-30m

• Write gud shit, do it quic

• Give yourself a few rest breaks (~30s) every 30m or so to rest your hand.

Structuring a Response

Whether you’re SL or HL, you have to talk about at least two texts you’ve studied in class for Part 3 (if you’re HL, you can talk about all three you’ve studied). But how do you do this? What should the structure for such an essay look like? We recommend structuring your P2

response a little bit like this:

Introductory Paragraph:

• Briefly introduce your texts; address briefly each of your texts’ TAP DANCE elements

• Clearly state your thesis statement, i.e. the main, overarching argument you’re making in your essay.

  • This should establish the content of your paragraphs and make clear the point you want to make about the similarities and differences of each text.

  • However, this shouldn’t be overly broad nor too narrow either—include relevant information summarizing your analysis and only that.

• This is actually something you can prepare for before even stepping into the exam room simply by studying your texts comprehensively.

Body Paragraphs:

• Aim for three body paragraphs, each focused on a distinct main idea.

  • Main ideas can be be context stylistic/literary devices, rhetorical appeals, or thematic ideas.

  • Trying to write more than three body paragraphs, given the limited time you have, often results in an overly broad & insufficiently detailed analysis—we don’t recommend it.

• Remember PETAL paragraphs and TAP DANCE? Put ‘em to good use here to plan the structure & content of your paragraphs

  • Elements of TAP DANCE (e.g. purpose, devices, etc.) should be embedded throughout your analysis. Do not write one body paragraph for each element of TAP DANCE!

• Answer the three LangLit questions over the course of each of your body paragraphs in relation to your text(s)

  • Compare the way your texts relate to those questions—that’ll help indicate similarities and differences between them you can talk about

Conclusion Paragraph:

• Restate your thesis & briefly summarize the arguments you’ve made.

  • Again, don’t introduce new evidence or points here. This is a final summary, not another body paragraph.

The Marking Criteria & How to Score Well On Them

P2 for HL & SL is marked on the same five criteria, though as with before the HL rubric is slightly different (stricter) than the SL rubric. Here’s what each of these criteria are and our advice on how to do well on them.

Criterion A Knowledge & Understanding

What is this?

How well you understand not just what happens in your texts but why.

How do you do this?

Make sure you understand the effect of each of your text’s TAP DANCE elements on the audience!

• You can prepare this well before the exam! Make & organize notes into the types of P2 questions detailed above, such as in this example organizer.

Provide evidence from (and related, for context) your texts that demonstrate your varied & deep understanding of them.

• This includes but isn’t limited to quotes, paraphrasing & summarizing from the text.

• Memorizing 50 irrelevant quotes won’t help; knowing 4-5 short quotes per text that together exemplify all important themes, formal features, etc. of the text will.

• Evidence should come from all parts of your text and demonstrate a wide range of devices/techniques. Don’t only pick quotes from small sections of your texts!

Criterion B Response to the Question

What is this?

How relevant and diverse/varied your response to the question is.

How do you do this?

Answer the question!

• Make sure your response is what it says on the tin—directly address all key aspects of the question as stated.

• Don’t go on some tangent—no matter what you’re discussing, whether context or formal features or anything, always link it back to the question and what it asks you to discuss.

Outline & brainstorm different perspectives!

• When preparing for the exam, start thinking of different ways you might approach your texts in relation to their themes, contexts, stylistic devices, etc.

• During the exam, take care to unpack your chosen question in detail—consider points and possible counterpoints!

• Keep asking yourself questions about the question!

  • Start with simple questions like “What does this theme mean? How is it represented in my texts?” and branch out from there until you’ve defined/brainstormed all parts of the question.

Criterion C Appreciation of Literary Conventions

What is this?

How well you demonstrate an extremely strong understanding, specifically, the formal features in your text and how they influence the text’s effect on a reader.

How do you do this?

Talk about it!

• While this may seem like stupidly simple advice, lots of students fall into the trap of only discussing plot progression & themes without appreciating formal features.

Don’t forget text-type specific conventions!

• ‘Literary conventions’ includes both general stylistic/literary devices and text-type specific conventions (like those for verse & visual texts), so don’t forget either!

• Different text types will have specific features you ought to look out for (e.g. visuals, stage directions, etc.) and discuss.

  • See Further Resources for some more resources to learn more in this regard

Criterion D Organization & Development

What is this?

How well your response is organized and how clearly it develops a strong, supported argument.

How do you do this?

You don’t always need to compare.

• Unlike Asian parents, the IB is fine with you not always comparing things.

• A degree of comparison definitely strengthens your response, but you don’t always need to comment on the two texts in constant unison.

• You can choose sometimes to simply focus on one at a time—how one text approaches a given idea, then switching to the other text, before finally tying the two together.

Criterion E Language

What is this?

How consistently strong your own English writing is throughout your response

How do you do this?

As in P1, write formally & with a wide vocabulary, but don’t throw a thesaurus at your response!

• As in P1, you should, of course, use a formal, academic style of writing with correct grammar/spelling, but scoring well on P1 is not about big words! Keep your writing consistent before making it complex.

  • If you use fancy words, make sure you understand them & use them correctly—no one likes a showoff, especially not your IB examiners!

  • This is the time to bring in any vocabulary particularly relevant to your text—specific themes (e.g. metanarration) or text-type specific conventions (e.g. proxemics) will all enhance your score if you know what they are!

Analyzing Past Paper Techniques

Effectively analyzing past papers is a crucial strategy in preparing for the IB English Paper 2. Examining past papers allows students to identify recurring themes, understand the marking criteria, and gain valuable insights from examiner reports. By familiarizing oneself with these elements, students can develop a more targeted and efficient study plan.

Firstly, identifying recurring themes in past papers can provide a clearer understanding of the topics that are frequently tested. This can guide students in focusing their revision on key areas. For example, themes such as identity, conflict, and power often appear in literature papers, providing a predictable framework for practice.

Understanding the marking criteria is equally important. The IB English Paper 2 is assessed based on specific criteria, including knowledge and understanding of the text, analysis and evaluation, and organization and language. Familiarizing oneself with these criteria helps to tailor responses to meet the examiners' expectations. This understanding can be enhanced by reviewing examiner reports, which offer insights into common pitfalls and exemplary responses from previous candidates.

Incorporating specific strategies for practice can significantly improve performance. Timed essays, for instance, simulate exam conditions and help students manage their time effectively. Peer reviews also play a vital role in preparation. By exchanging essays with classmates, students can gain diverse perspectives and constructive feedback, which can refine their analytical and writing skills.

Consider the following sample past paper analysis: A student identifies the theme of isolation in two novels. By comparing the portrayal of isolation in each text, the student examines how different narrative techniques and character developments convey this theme. The analysis is structured to address the marking criteria, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive response.

Overall, the methodical analysis of past papers, understanding marking criteria, and utilizing examiner reports, combined with targeted practice strategies, form a robust approach to preparing for the IB English Paper 2.

Structuring Your Essay: Introduction

Crafting a compelling introduction for an IB English Paper 2 essay is instrumental in setting the stage for a successful analysis. The introduction serves as the first impression, and its effectiveness can significantly influence the examiner's engagement with your writing. A well-structured introduction should articulate a strong thesis statement, skillfully introduce the texts being analyzed, and capture the examiner's attention from the outset.

To begin, a robust thesis statement is crucial. This statement should clearly convey your central argument or interpretation, providing a roadmap for the essay. A strong thesis not only outlines the main points you will discuss but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the texts and their broader contexts. For instance, if comparing two novels, your thesis might highlight a common theme or contrasting perspectives that will be explored in depth.

Next, it is essential to introduce the texts being analyzed. Briefly mention the titles, authors, and a succinct overview of the relevant aspects of each text. This introduction should seamlessly lead into your thesis statement, ensuring a smooth transition for the reader. By providing context, you enable the examiner to understand the foundation upon which your analysis will be built.

Grabbing the examiner's attention is another key component of a compelling introduction. Techniques such as starting with a provocative question, an intriguing quote, or a relevant anecdote can be effective in engaging your reader. For example, opening with a thought-provoking question related to the themes of the texts can pique curiosity and encourage further reading.

Consider the following example of an effective introductory paragraph: "In exploring the theme of identity, both George Orwell's '1984' and Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' present dystopian societies that challenge individual autonomy. While Orwell's narrative warns against oppressive regimes through a lens of surveillance and control, Huxley’s work critiques the loss of individuality in a technologically advanced world. This essay will argue that despite their differing approaches, both novels offer a profound commentary on the fragility of personal identity in the face of societal pressures."

When crafting your introduction, be mindful of common pitfalls such as being overly vague, including too much background information, or failing to clearly state your thesis. A focused, concise, and engaging introduction sets the tone for a well-structured and insightful essay, paving the way for a thorough and thoughtful analysis in the subsequent sections.

Structuring Your Essay: Body Paragraphs

When it comes to writing the body paragraphs for your IB English Paper 2 essay, there are several best practices to keep in mind. The body of your essay is where you delve deeply into your analysis, providing evidence and explanations to support your thesis. Proper structuring is crucial to ensure your arguments are clear and persuasive.

Each body paragraph should begin with a strong topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This sentence acts as a mini-thesis, guiding the reader on what to expect. For instance, if your thesis is about the theme of freedom in two literary works, a topic sentence might focus on how one character’s quest for freedom manifests in specific actions or decisions.

Following the topic sentence, the bulk of your paragraph should consist of textual evidence and analysis. Textual evidence includes direct quotes, paraphrases, or specific references to the text that support your argument. Analysis, on the other hand, is where you interpret the evidence, explaining how it supports your point and connects to your overall thesis. A well-balanced paragraph will seamlessly integrate evidence and analysis, demonstrating your deep understanding of the texts.

Maintaining coherence and flow between paragraphs is also essential. Transition sentences at the end or beginning of paragraphs can help to achieve this. These sentences should link the ideas of consecutive paragraphs, creating a smooth progression of your argument. For example, if one paragraph discusses a character’s internal conflict, the next might transition by examining how this conflict influences their interactions with others.

For reference, consider this sample body paragraph from a high-scoring essay:

"In George Orwell’s ‘1984,’ the theme of surveillance is vividly illustrated through the omnipresent figure of Big Brother. Orwell writes, ‘Big Brother is watching you,’ a phrase that encapsulates the pervasive control exercised over the citizens. This constant surveillance creates a sense of paranoia and fear, inhibiting any form of rebellion. The psychological impact of being watched is profound, as it curtails individual freedom and enforces conformity. Thus, Orwell effectively uses the motif of surveillance to highlight the oppressive nature of totalitarian regimes."

This sample showcases a clear topic sentence, followed by specific textual evidence and a thorough analysis, all while maintaining a coherent flow. By adhering to these best practices, you can craft compelling body paragraphs that strengthen your Paper 2 essay.

Structuring Your Essay: Conclusion

Writing a compelling conclusion for your IB English Paper 2 essay is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on the examiner. The conclusion serves to encapsulate your argument, tying together the various threads of your analysis while reinforcing the thesis statement. A well-crafted conclusion not only summarizes the key points discussed but also restates the thesis in a new light, reflecting the depth of your analysis.

To begin, briefly summarize the main points of your essay. This helps to reinforce the arguments you've made and ensures that the key elements of your analysis are fresh in the reader's mind. Avoid simply repeating what has already been stated; instead, synthesize the information, demonstrating how your points interconnect and collectively support your thesis.

Next, restate your thesis statement, but do so with a nuanced understanding gained from your analysis. This restatement should reflect the insights you've developed throughout the essay, showing that your argument has evolved and been substantiated by textual evidence and critical examination. It’s essential that this restatement feels natural and integrated, reinforcing the strength of your overall argument.

In addition, provide a final insight or reflection that leaves the reader with something to ponder. This could be an observation about the broader implications of your argument, a connection to a larger theme, or a thought-provoking question. This final touch adds depth to your conclusion, demonstrating your ability to engage with the text on a sophisticated level.

One common pitfall to avoid is introducing new ideas or arguments in the conclusion. This can confuse the reader and undermine the coherence of your essay. Stick to the points you've already discussed, ensuring that your conclusion feels cohesive and well-rounded.

For example, if your essay analyzed the theme of identity in two novels, your conclusion might summarize the key points of comparison, restate your thesis with a refined understanding, and provide a final reflection on how the portrayal of identity in literature can impact readers' perceptions of themselves and others.

By carefully crafting your conclusion, you ensure that your essay ends on a strong note, reinforcing the arguments made and leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your critical perspective.