Guide for Achieving a 7 in IB English Paper 2
Achieving a 7 in IB English Paper 2 requires a deep understanding of literature and effective analysis and comparison of texts. To excel in this paper, here are some key strategies to follow.
Comprehensive Preparation
Understand the Paper Structure
Familiarise yourself with the structure of Paper 2, which requires a comparative essay on at least two literary works, typically around themes like identity, power, or culture.
Select Strong Texts and Themes
Choose texts you know deeply and themes that allow rich, analytical comparison. Develop a debatable and focused thesis or line of inquiry that connects the texts to a global issue or significant literary concerns.
Plan Thoroughly
Use bullet-point or mini outlines during timed planning to allocate your argument logically, with an introduction, 3-4 analytical body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Underline or note key quotations and literary devices to support your points.
Practice Under Time Constraints
Regularly write practice essays using past IB prompts to improve speed and analytical precision. Time trials train you to efficiently manage essay pacing and structure within the exam duration.
Writing the Essay
Introduction
Clearly introduce your comparative thesis, contextualise briefly, and outline your argument’s trajectory.
Body Paragraphs
Each should explore a specific point of comparison or contrast, supporting it with close textual analysis—quotes, literary techniques, tone, narrative voice, imagery—with explanations on how these shape meaning and relate to the prompt.
Use Precise Literary Terminology
Incorporate terms like diction, metaphor, symbolism, narrative perspective, etc., to demonstrate literary understanding and sophistication.
Maintain Academic Tone and Coherence
Keep your style formal, avoid colloquialisms, and ensure smooth transitions that reinforce the connection between paragraphs and your thesis.
Conclusion
Summarise your comparative insights and reaffirm the essay’s significance, avoiding mere repetition.
Finalising and Scoring High
Proofread Efficiently
Dedicate the last 5–10 minutes to refine grammar, vocabulary, and clarity. Replace weaker words with stronger synonyms and clarify ambiguous or repetitive statements without reducing content length significantly.
Align Arguments with IB Criteria
Make sure your essay addresses the question directly, demonstrates critical thinking, presents balanced comparative analysis, and uses appropriate references and technique discussion. Use examiner commentaries or exemplar essays to benchmark your writing for scoring 7.
Self-assess and Get Feedback
Regularly review your essays against IB rubrics and seek feedback from experienced IB English tutors or resources specialized in HL essay skills to polish your approach and address weaknesses.
Study Strategy
Regularly review your notes, practice writing comparative essays, and seek feedback from teachers or peers to improve your analysis skills. Comparative charts and practice essays can help students get comfortable with the format and timing of the exam and improve their comparative analysis skills.
Advice for Achieving a 7
To achieve a 7 in IB English Paper 2, it's crucial to understand the texts deeply, write clearly and concisely, and use comparative language effectively.
Question for Reflection
How do these dystopian visions reflect the potential consequences of unchecked authority and manipulation of truth in our own societies?
Deep Reading and Understanding
Deep reading and understanding of the texts, including themes, characters, and literary techniques, is crucial for success. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of comparison, such as themes, characters, settings, or literary techniques.
Text 1 Evidence
The Party's slogan in 1984, "War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength," is a prime example of the manipulation of truth.
Preparation Strategy
To excel in IB English Paper 2, it's essential to read extensively, develop a strong understanding of literary techniques, and practice comparative analysis.
Introduction
The introduction of the essay should start with an engaging sentence related to the question, briefly introduce the texts being compared, and clearly state the argument and how the texts will be compared.
Scoring a 7
To score a 7, essays need to excel in areas such as knowledge and understanding, response to the question, comparative analysis, literary appreciation, organization and development, and language.
Text 2 Evidence
The use of Soma in Brave New World serves to suppress dissent and maintain social order by keeping citizens content and compliant.
Comparative Evidence
In Brave New World, there is no concept of rebellion or resistance as the citizens are conditioned to accept their roles and the status quo, while in 1984, there is a clear struggle against the oppressive regime.
Additional Comparative Analysis
In both novels, the manipulation of truth is used to maintain power and control over the populace.
Exam Strategy
Use your planning time effectively to outline your essay, allocate time for each paragraph, and ensure your writing is clear, structured, and well-supported with evidence.
Text 1 Comparative Evidence
The telescreens in 1984 constantly monitor and control the citizens' thoughts and actions, while in Brave New World, the use of conditioning and hypnopaedics subtly manipulate citizens' perceptions of reality.
Historical, Cultural, and Social Context
Learning about the historical, cultural, and social context in which the texts were written can provide deeper insights and help in comparative analysis.
Learning and education-and-self-development are crucial for excelling in IB English Paper 2. Achieving a deep understanding of literature, themes, characters, and literary techniques requires persistent learning and comparative analysis. To develop this understanding, one should read extensively, study literary techniques, practice comparative analysis, and get feedback from teachers or peers. Incorporating historical, cultural, and social context will enrich one's comparative analysis skills and provide deeper insights into the texts.
