IB English Language and Literature (IB DP English A)
IB English A: Language and Literature studies literary and non-literary texts and is assessed through Paper 1, Paper 2 and an individual oral, with an additional essay at higher level. Our IB English A: Language and Literature course works through the three areas of exploration: readers, writers and texts; time and space; and intertextuality. You practise Paper 1 guided analysis of non-literary texts, the Paper 2 comparative essay, the individual oral and, at HL, the essay, with written feedback against the IB criteria. Lessons are live and one-to-one with a verified IB tutor, who uses IB-style questions and markbands, and can review the planning of your internal assessment within IB rules. Suitable for DP1 and DP2 students and May or November candidates.
Reviewed by S. Chakraborty, M.Sc. and B.Ed., University of Calcutta; English Language and Literature specialistLast updated
$12 – $42
per hour
Free demo class · pay only if you continue
What you will learn
Learning outcomes
- Analyse literary and non-literary texts
- Identify authorial choices and their effects
- Analyse language style
- structure and tone
- Interpret texts within cultural and historical contexts
- Evaluate audience and purpose
- Analyse visual and multimodal texts
- Develop close reading skills
- Compare texts and perspectives
- Construct coherent analytical arguments
- Use textual evidence effectively
- Develop academic essay writing skills
- Prepare effective oral analyses
- Evaluate representations of identity
- culture and society
- Apply critical thinking to unfamiliar texts
- Develop IB exam response techniques
Prerequisites
- Enrollment in or preparation for the IB Diploma Programme
- Good English reading comprehension
- Basic essay writing skills
- Ability to discuss and interpret texts
- Basic understanding of literary techniques
Tags
Course structure
Syllabus(10 modules)
- DP IB English A: Language and Literature (SL) Overview
- Areas of Exploration Key Concepts
- Learner Portfolio
- Assessment Criteria
- Key IB Terms and Commands
What is IB English A: Language and Literature?
In short: this course gives one-to-one online tutoring for IB English A: Language and Literature at SL and HL. A verified English tutor teaches guided textual analysis, the comparative essay, the individual oral and the HL essay, with feedback against the IB criteria.
IB Diploma Programme English A: Language and Literature is an IB course that studies both literary texts and non-literary texts, such as advertisements, speeches and articles, exploring how language creates meaning. It is offered at SL and HL, graded 1 to 7, and organised around three areas of exploration: readers, writers and texts; time and space; and intertextuality.
This course prepares you one to one with a verified IB English tutor for every component.
Official specification: IB Language A: Language and Literature (IB Diploma curriculum).
For wider support, see our English literature tutoring page.
How is IB English Lang and Lit assessed?
IB Language A: Language and Literature (first assessed in 2021) is assessed through two papers, an individual oral and, at HL, an essay.
| Component | SL | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Guided textual analysis of unseen non-literary text | 1 hour 15 minutes, 35% | 2 hours 15 minutes, 35% |
| Paper 2: Comparative essay on two literary works | 1 hour 45 minutes, 35% | 1 hour 45 minutes, 25% |
| Individual oral: a global issue | 30% | 20% |
| HL essay: 1,200 to 1,500 words | Not taken | 20% |
What are the IB Language and Literature assessment objectives?
The course assesses three objectives: knowing, understanding and interpreting texts; analysing and evaluating how texts create meaning; and communicating ideas clearly and effectively.
| Objective | What it means |
|---|---|
| Know, understand and interpret | Show knowledge of texts and their contexts |
| Analyse and evaluate | Explain how features shape meaning and effect |
| Communicate | Organise ideas clearly in writing and speech |
How do you write a Paper 1 guided textual analysis?
Paper 1 gives you an unseen non-literary text, such as an advert, speech or opinion article, and a guiding question.
- Identify the text type, purpose, audience and context.
- Answer the guiding question in a clear thesis.
- Analyse language, structure and visual features.
- Explain the effect of each technique on the reader.
- Keep a focused line of argument throughout.
What does a strong Paper 1 paragraph look like?
Here is an illustrative structure for a guided textual analysis paragraph on an unseen advertisement, focusing on one technique and its effect on the audience.
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Claim | The advert builds trust by presenting the product as expert-approved. |
| Evidence | A doctor-like figure in a white coat appears beside the product. |
| Analysis | The visual codes of medicine borrow authority, persuading readers the product is safe. |
| Audience and purpose | Health-conscious readers are encouraged to buy. |
| Link | This supports the guiding question about how the text persuades. |
Where do students lose marks in IB English Lang and Lit?
Students most often lose marks by summarising instead of analysing, naming techniques without effects, ignoring the guiding question, unbalanced Paper 2 comparisons and orals that drift from the global issue.
| Mark-loser | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Summarising | Analyse how the text creates meaning |
| Feature-spotting | Explain each feature's effect |
| Guiding question ignored | Use it to focus your argument |
| Unbalanced comparison | Compare both works throughout |
| Oral off the global issue | Link every point to the global issue |
How to prepare for Paper 2 and the individual oral
Paper 2 asks you to compare two literary works you have studied in response to one of four questions, without the texts. Tutors help you build flexible comparison plans and key quotations. For the individual oral, you explore a global issue through an extract from a literary work and a non-literary text; tutors help you choose a strong global issue and practise delivery and follow-up questions.
Support with the HL essay
The HL essay is a 1,200 to 1,500 word essay developing a line of inquiry on one literary or non-literary text or work. Tutors help you refine your line of inquiry and give feedback on structure and analysis within the IB's academic integrity rules; the essay you submit is your own.
How the lessons work
Lessons are live and one to one on video. Your tutor works through your texts and marks practice Paper 1 and Paper 2 responses against IB criteria. See also IB DP Core and our English Literature subject page.
IB English tutor online: who this course is for, prerequisites and study plan
An IB English tutor online gives you live 1-to-1 lessons on Language and Literature, with practice on Paper 1 analysis and Paper 2 essays and preparation for the individual oral.
This course suits Diploma Programme students at SL or HL, including those whose first language is not English.
Prerequisites: good English reading, basic essay writing and basic literary techniques.
Course length: 50 one-hour lessons across 10 modules.
| Stage | Topics | What you can do afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course overview; learner portfolio | Organise your notes and understand the assessment |
| 2 | Individual oral | Plan and deliver a focused oral |
| 3 | Paper 1; non-literary text analysis | Analyse unseen non-literary texts |
| 4 | Paper 2; literary texts | Write comparative essays on the works you studied |
Where it leads: see the essay writing course, or the IB DP Core course for TOK and the Extended Essay.
IB English Language and Literature (IB DP English A): frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IB English Lang and Lit and IB Literature?
Language and Literature studies both literary and non-literary texts; Literature studies literary works only.
What is on Paper 1?
A guided textual analysis of unseen non-literary texts: one at SL, two at HL.
What is Paper 2?
A comparative essay on two literary works you have studied, 1 hour 45 minutes.
How long is the individual oral?
It is a timed oral on a global issue, followed by questions from your teacher; it is worth 30% at SL and 20% at HL.
What is the HL essay?
A 1,200 to 1,500 word essay on one text or work, worth 20% at HL.
What are the areas of exploration?
Readers, writers and texts; time and space; and intertextuality: connecting texts.
Can a tutor write my HL essay?
No. Tutors give feedback and guidance; the essay must be your own work.
How do I get a 7 in IB English?
Build precise analysis, a clear argument and strong comparisons, and practise Paper 1 under timed conditions.
How much does an IB English tutor cost?
The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.
Can I study online from any country?
Yes. Lessons are online and scheduled around your time zone.
How is IB English Lang and Lit weighted at HL?
Paper 1 35%, Paper 2 25%, individual oral 20% and HL essay 20%.
How is it weighted at SL?
Paper 1 35%, Paper 2 35% and individual oral 30%.
Is IB English Language and Literature hard?
IB English Language and Literature is demanding but very manageable for students who read widely and practise timed analysis. The challenge is writing precise, well-organised analysis of unseen texts in Paper 1 and comparing works in Paper 2. Regular practice with feedback on structure, evidence and analysis makes the biggest difference to grades.
How long is Paper 1?
1 hour 15 minutes at SL and 2 hours 15 minutes at HL.
Where can I find IB English Language and Literature past papers?
The IB sells past papers and markschemes through its online store, and schools usually hold recent papers and subject reports. Paper 1 practice should use a range of non-literary text types. Your tutor sets timed Paper 1 and Paper 2 practice and marks it against the IB assessment criteria, explaining how to improve.
What are the assessment objectives?
Know, understand and interpret; analyse and evaluate; and communicate.
How do I compare two works in Paper 2?
Build each paragraph around a shared idea and analyse both works throughout.
Can you help with the HL essay?
Tutors explain the criteria and give feedback on your plan and drafts, while the essay stays your own.
Do you offer lessons in my time zone?
Yes. Lessons are online, so you can book times that suit your time zone.
How do I prepare for IB English Paper 1?
Practise analysing a wide range of non-literary texts, such as adverts, speeches and articles. Identify the audience and purpose, then explain how specific techniques create meaning. Plan a clear line of argument before you write. Your tutor sets timed practice and marks your analysis against the assessment criteria.
Can I get an IB English tutor online?
Yes. You can learn with a 1-to-1 IB English tutor online through live video lessons from any country. Your tutor works through your own texts, marks your Paper 1 and Paper 2 practice, and helps you plan your individual oral and HL essay while the work remains your own.
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