IB English Literature Paper 1: Tips, Strategies, and Example Responses

Introduction to IB English Literature Paper 1

IB Literature Paper 1 requires candidates to analyse a number of unseen literary texts under timed conditions. These texts may be extracts from novels, plays, or entire poems. These questions associated with the texts require IB English Literature students to produce long form responses that thoroughly analyse the unseen text(s). Questions may focus on topics such as the relationship between characters as represented in an extract, the conflict between subjectivity and objectivity as reflected in a text, or how the author creates tension. Both Standard Level English Literature and Higher Level English Literature students are presented with two extracts on their exam papers. However, those studying at Standard Level (SL) need only reply to one question, and are given 1 hour and 15 minutes to do so. For Higher Level (HL) candidates, they must complete two responses—one for each text—and this must be done within 2 hours and 15 minutes. In both cases, Paper 1 is weighted at 35% of a student’s total grade. The IB English Literature Paper 1 is a challenging examination for even the most academically gifted students and requires considerable work to achieve a higher mark. 

What do IB Students Find Hard with English Literature Paper 1?

IB English Literature Paper 1 can be difficult for both SL and HL students for similar reasons. The most obvious challenge is the unpredictability of Paper 1. Students are given no indication whatsoever as to what kind of texts they will encounter. Consequently, it is vital that all those studying IB English Literature, regardless of their level, be familiar with a wide range of literary texts and their associated conventions. 

In addition, many IB English Literature learners fall down when it comes to their understanding of literary devices. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is that all candidates are confident in their knowledge of literary devices. These form the basis of every analytical paragraph that will be written not only for IB Paper 1 but for Paper 2, also. 

Similarly, a lack of familiarity with structural devices also regularly impacts student outcomes. These devices included, but are not limited to, anaphora, parallelism, and juxtaposition. All authors make use of structural devices and so these should not be ignored in an analysis. It is also important to be aware of the poetry-specific devices—such as enjambment—and the unique terms associated with the artform, like stanza, couplet, triplet, quatrain, and so on. 

As can be seen, there is much to study for the IB English Literature Paper 1 examination. Although it is an unseen paper, that does not mean students should forgo their revision. 

Strategies for Analysing Unseen Texts in English Literature Paper 1

For those wishing to excel in the IB English Literature Paper 1, there are a number of strategies that can be employed. To begin, it is recommended that students read the questions first before they examine the texts. By doing so, they have an awareness of what it is they will be looking for when they begin reading. Some students find it useful to highlight key words in the prompts, too, as a means to assist in their focus and help to direct them towards what they will be looking for in the extracts. 

From here, all candidates should read the texts multiple times. The first pass should be concerned with gaining a general understanding of the text; the second, and possibly third if need be, are for spotting the author's uses of literary and structural techniques and how these can be related to the paper’s questions. Keep an eye out for related words, phrases, or images, as these may speak to a theme or motif within the piece. Be sure to read with a pen or pencil in hand and underline key words or phrases, or make brief notes in the margins. Always practise active reading: pay close attention to the words used, and do not let them simply drift by. Each word in a text, particularly a poem, has been chosen for a reason. 

How to Structure an IB English Literature Paper 1 Essay

A comprehensive structure is crucial for a successful IB English Literature Paper 1 response. If a candidate does not prioritise the structure of their essay they will not only lose marks in Criterion C (Focus and Organisation), but will more than likely end up without a line of argument or direction to their response. 

A workable structure for any IB English Literature Paper 1 response is as follows:

1. Introduction: 

  • A relevant, attention-grabbing first sentence

  • Introduce the text and link it to the hook

  • Thesis statement (connecting literary techniques to theme/question)

  • A roadmap, briefly outlining what will be discussed in the coming paragraphs 

2. Body Paragraph 1

  • Topic sentence (how technique 1 relates to the theme/question)

  • Provide quotes to illustrate point/argument

  • Explanation and analysis (reinforces thesis statement)

  • Link back to question 

3. Body Paragraph 2

  • Topic sentence (how technique 2 relates to the theme/question)

  • Provide quotes to illustrate point/argument

  • Explanation and analysis (reinforces thesis statement)

  • Link back to question 

4. Body Paragraph 3

  • Topic sentence (how technique 3 relates to the theme/question)

  • Provide quotes to illustrate point/argument

  • Explanation and analysis (reinforces thesis statement)

  • Link back to question 

5. Conclusion

  • Summary of central points (return to the thesis statement)

  • Final argument(s) and observations about the text

  • Optional link back to hook (1a) offering final thoughts

Sample of a Weak IB English Literature Paper 1 Response

Below is an truncated example of a weak response to an IB English Literature Paper 1 prompt. The question required the student to comment on the presentation of the theme of duality in an extract from R.L. Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

R. L. Stevenson uses a simile in this extract. The simile used is, “like some disconsolate prisoner”. The simile shows the theme of duality in the extract because it talks about the way that people can feel trapped. The character, Dr. Jekyll is like a prisoner and is trapped inside of himself while the evil Mr. Hyde is like the prison he is trapped in. So, the simile helps to show how he is representing the theme of duality in the text. 

There are a number of issues with this response. One notable problem is failure to establish a clear topic sentence that relates to the purpose of the essay. Another issue is the repetitive nature of the writing: the student begins multiple sentences with the definite article the, and relies heavily on the phrase the simile. Moreover, the response lacks any analytical depth and fails to explore how this simile relates to the theme of duality as it is expressed in the text. 

Sample of a Strong IB English Literature Paper 1 Response

Next, there is an edited version of a more successful response to the same question, using the same quotation. 

In this extract, R. L. Stevenson employs simile as a means to explore the theme of duality. In line 15, the author describes Dr. Jekyll as “like some disconsolate prisoner”. This use of simile helps to establish the theme of the duality of human beings through an image of confinement. Here, Jekyll exists as a prisoner of his own base nature, with the image of a convict within a cell suggesting how an individual may be trapped by their more primal nature. Moreover, the use of the word “some” creates a certain ambiguity and, in turn, a sense of the universal to Jekyll's experience. While the transformation from Jekyll to Hyde is, indeed, an extreme transition, all people are capable of acts of good and evil. Ultimately, the device functions not only to highlight the theme but to point to a universality in the character’s experience while also encouraging the audience to sympathise with Jekyll, a man held at the mercy of his darker self. 

This response is significantly stronger. The response establishes the topic of the paragraph immediately. Moreover, it focuses the attention of the analysis to a particular line, while incorporating a variety of sentence starters throughout. Additionally, it analyses the quotation in far greater depth, going as far as to discuss the implication of a single word. Lastly, and importantly, it makes reference to the effect the device has on the audience. 

Revision Tips for IB English Literature Paper 1

For those aiming to compose a response of a similar quality, certain revision tips can be followed. First, it is essential that all IB English Literature students read widely. When doing so, students must engage in active reading. Candidates should pay close attention to the text and how the author employs techniques to express themselves. It can also be useful to read secondary sources after completing a literary text. Academic papers or even podcasts discussing a book can help develop a student’s insights. Peer discussion can also be useful as a means to share insights and interpretations. 

Additionally, practice with past papers is crucial. Students should aim to familiarise themselves with the format of exam papers and get comfortable with writing complete essays under exam conditions. This skill can be built up over time, of course, and will not be achievable overnight.   

Lastly, IB English Literature candidates must recognise that improving their analytical writing skills is a long term project. It will take time and much effort, but it is possible. Pacing one’s self is important, with essay-writing sessions occurring regularly from as early in the academic year as possible being far better than cramming a few days before an exam. 

Need Extra Help with IB English Literature Paper 1? Reach Out to BartyED’s IB English Tutors

At BartyED, we understand the challenges of IB English Literature. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 can be intimidating for students of all academic levels. Our experienced IB English tutors are here to help, with individualised tutoring sessions that aim to develop the skills of each and every student in a way that best serves their learning style. The expert IB tutors at BartyED have guided innumerable students through both IB English Literature Paper 1 and Paper 2, developing their confidence in writing analytically—an essential skill for undergraduate students.  

If you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance of a BartyED tutor, reach out to us today by phone (2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com). 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • IB English Literature Paper 1 consists of unseen literary texts. HL students must analyse two literary texts based off of set prompts within 2 hours and 15 minutes; SL students must analyse one text based off of a set prompt in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

  • Revise literary and structural devices thoroughly. Students should also read widely and regularly engage with past papers for revision.

  • Paper 1 includes unseen literary texts only. Paper 2, on the other hand, focuses on literary texts that have been studied in class.

  • Higher Level students have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete their paper. Standard Level students are given 1 hour and 15 minutes.

  • For both HL and SL, the paper is weighted at 35% of their overall grade.

  • As it is an unseen exam, this is difficult to answer. However, topics such as character relationships, conflict, and how authors create tension are some of the more commonly occurring prompts.

  • Due to the exam being unseen, any book could potentially be included in a Paper 1.

  • With 1 hour and 15 minutes allotted to complete one question, SL students should spend about 60 minutes writing, with 15 minutes for reading, planning and proofreading. For HL students who must answer two questions in 2 hours and 15 minutes, roughly 55 minutes should be spent writing each response, with the remaining 25 minutes given over to reading, planning, and proofreading each essay.

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English, IB DiplomaMark Malone