The challenges of Literature Paper 2

IB Literature, like all IB subjects, is rigorous and academically demanding. This is no more true than with the IB Literature Paper 2. IB Literature Paper 2 consists of a number of prompts, from which students chose one to answer. The focus of this activity is a sustained analytical essay that compares two works students have studied during their Literature course. Higher Level Literature students have two hours to complete the work, while those at Standard Level are given one hour and forty-five minutes.

What proves to be the most challenging aspect of this task is the comparative element. By the time the IB exams roll around, Literature students at both HL and SL are well versed in essay writing, but a common trouble spot remains formulating a response that compares and contrasts two texts effectively. What happens more often than not is that students eschew this aspect of the task and end up writing two mini-essays on two texts, with these mini-essays roughly sewn together. Such an act would bode poorly for a student aiming for the higher reaches of the IB Literature mark band.

Paper 2-style questions

The questions students encounter on the IB Literature Paper 2 are suitable broad. This is to allow candidates the opportunity to respond with any of the texts they have studied throughout the two years of the IB Literature course. An example of such questions would be as follows:

What questions about power has your study of two works of literature raised?
In what ways does the concept “freedom of choice” inform your reading in any two works you have studied?
Explore the ways in which “chance” or “coincidence” is used in any two works of literature you have studied.
In what ways have writers shown that things are not always what they seem? Illustrate your answers with reference to any two works of literature you have studied.

How to structure a response

As previously noted, the IB Literature Paper 2 is a comparative analysis of two texts. Consequently, students’ essays must be structured accordingly. While this seems straightforward and easy to grasp, it turns out to be the most common sticking point for IB Literature students at both Higher Level and Standard Level. Following an extended PEEL paragraph structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) is the most effective approach to structure an IB Literature Paper 2 essay, while making sure to use transitions words and phrases such as “similarly” or “in contrast” to link the analysis of text one with the analysis of text two.

A model IB Literature Paper 2 response

To see this structure in practice, take a look at this model Literature Paper 2 body paragraph. This paragraph contains the Point, Evidence, and Explanation portions of a PEEL paragraph and is responding to the question, “In what ways do at least two of the works you have studied (in form and/or content) question or subvert norms, conventions or traditions?”

Both Ibsen and O’Brien use characterisation, or the process of delineating complex protagonists and ancillary roles, to undermine cultural norms concerning gender. Hedda’s acquisition of the pistols reflects her character’s desire for activity and her possession of power. Hedda’s ownership of the pistols, an item that connotes death, undermines gendered expectations of women as maternal. This role rejection is also reflected in her constant dismissal of remarks regarding her “filling out”, which functions as a veiled reference to Hedda’s suspected pregnancy. Hedda’s gender transgressions are eventually punished by death “She’s shot herself! Shot herself in the head!”. The object of her liberation becomes the object of her demise. Similarly, the character of Ted Lavender in The Things They Carried is punished for his failure to conform to the masculine archetype. The name “Lavender” has floral, and thus feminine, connotations. In addition, he is described as “soft”, an antithesis to traditional masculinity. O’Brien subverts the traditional expectations of masculinity that are encapsulated within the masculine archetype of a soldier in Lavender’s creation. Lavender's eventual punishment is emphasised by the constant retelling of Lavender’s death throughout the book.

Extra help for IB Literature Paper 2

The IB Literature course is a challenge for all students, even those considered most studious. Much is expected from IB Literature students, meaning that individualised support from expert tutors can be a great boon for students and the key to edging ever closer to the much coveted 7 in IB Literature.

BartyED offers high quality, holistic tuition that puts the student’s unique learning profile first. This approach has resulted in more than a few students achieving a 45 in their IB, meaning 7s across all subjects, including IB Literature. If you feel that you could benefit from individualised Paper 2 support, or IB tutoring in general, get in touch by phone on (852) 2799 6438 or via email at enquiries@bartyed.com.