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Strategies for IB English Paper 2

Mar 26, 2025

IB English Paper 2 Overview

Introduction

  • Presented by Andrew and Dave, the IB English Guys.
  • Focus of the lecture: Overview and strategies for IB English Paper 2.

Structure of Paper 2

  • Type: Comparative essay.
  • Questions: 4 general questions provided.
  • Task: Apply questions to two literary works.
  • Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes for both SL (35% of grade) and HL (25% of grade).
  • Text Restrictions: Cannot use texts already used for higher level essay or individual oral.

Why Paper 2 is Important

  • Focuses on intertextuality: exploring differences and similarities between texts.
  • Students have control over their preparation by knowing the texts well.
  • Centers around literature, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition and promoting empathy.

The Fabulous Four Strategy

  1. Answering the Question:

    • Respond in detail to the specific question asked.
    • Use the question as the backbone of the essay.

  2. Understanding Themes and Details:

    • Know the themes and details of the literary works studied.
    • Attach big global ideas to the question.

  3. Style and Language:

    • Focus on authorial choices.
    • Discuss style and language in response to the question.
    • Authorial craft should be a consistent focus.

  4. Comparative Analysis:

    • Point out similarities and differences between texts.
    • Develop a comparative thesis statement and topic sentences.
    • Integrate subtle differences and similarities in writing.

Steps for Planning Paper 2

  1. Write out the Question:

    • Focus on details of the question.
    • Keep the question at the top of your paper as a reminder.

  2. Identify Keywords:

    • Define keywords and question words to show understanding.

  3. Craft a Comparative Thesis Statement:

    • Guide your paper with a strong argument.

  4. Create an Outline:

    • Plan body paragraphs, focus, and direction.
    • Consider writing topic sentences.

  5. Review Your Plan:

    • Ensure your plan answers the question effectively.
    • Ensure clear and distinct topics in body paragraphs.
  • Note: Planning is not graded but is highly recommended for coherent responses.

Sample Question Analysis

Question 1: "How is home depicted in two of the works you have studied and what is its significance?"

  • Home:
    • Consider multiple interpretations (safety, trauma, physical space, state of mind).
  • How:
    • Focus on literary craft and authorial choices.
  • Significance:
    • Reflect on thematic knowledge and real-world meaning.

Question 2: "Authors use the portrayal of characters who are somewhat trapped as a means to criticize society. Discuss the extent to which this is true."

  • To What Extent:
    • Integrate into thesis statement the degree to which characters are trapped.
  • Trapped:
    • Define in the introduction.
  • Portrayal of Characters:
    • Focus on authorial presentation and literary craft.
  • Criticize Society:
    • Link to time and space context and societal criticism.

Conclusion

  • Upcoming video will show a sample response to the 'trapped' question.
  • Encouragement to engage with these strategies to prepare successfully for Paper 2.

Full transcript