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The Best IB English Study tips: Score a Level 7 in both the Language and Literature exams

Updated: May 24, 2023


Study session between student and teacher for IB English Language and Literature exams.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) English exam is an assessment that tests a student’s language and literature skills. The exam is divided into two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each focusing on different aspects of English. In this blog post, we’ll go over the key tips and strategies for acing the IB English exam.


Paper 1: Language Analysis Paper 1 focuses on analyzing an unseen piece of text and looking at elements such as style, structure, purpose, and audience. To prepare for this part of the exam, it’s essential to practice analyzing a variety of texts. You can use resources such as SparkNotes to save time and avoid misinterpretation of the text, which is a common mistake.


Paper 2: Literature In Paper 2, students are asked to answer a question based on two literary works studied in school. To prepare for this part of the exam, it’s important to understand the questions rather than the texts. Use resources such as SparkNotes to gain a basic understanding of the plot and social context of the novels. It’s also recommended to write full essays for at least five or six past exam questions and have them checked by your teacher to ensure you’re working at your target level.


Understand Historical and Cultural Contexts To score top marks in Paper 2, it’s crucial to show that you understand the historical and cultural contexts of the novels you’ve studied. Be familiar with the societal norms of the time the book was published and how the characters in the book defy these norms. This will help you answer questions that ask about the protest elements of the works.


Use Literary Devices and Structural Techniques Using literary devices such as symbols, genres, and stylistic features can support your answers and demonstrate your understanding of the texts. It’s also essential to structure your ideas in a clear, logical manner and stick closely to the question. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that directly refers to the question and don’t try to cram too much information into one paragraph.


In conclusion, the IB English exam is an important assessment that tests your language and literature skills. To excel, it’s crucial to practice looking a variety of texts, understand the questions, and show your understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the novels studied. Use literary devices, structure your ideas in a clear, logical manner, and stick closely to the question. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to acing the IB English exam.


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