Writing a Paper 1 can be difficult in IB English Literature, especially considering how the criteria asks for more than in an AP Literature essay. But do not worry! Here is a list of some tips that will hopefully get you towards the high score you want. You will find that some of these tips are specific while other tips are vague, however, using everything listed below appropriately with the given prompt is the path to success!
Plan, plan, plan. You should always create a plan for your essay and refer to it as you write. Additionally, in moments while writing when a new idea comes to mind, write it on your planning sheet to keep record of it.
Start your introduction paragraph with an open-ended grabber that is both relevant to the prompt and that provides an opportunity for a good full-circle conclusion.
Since you will be handwriting Paper 1, always underline book titles. It is also a good idea to mention the book title in your introduction paragraph.
When writing a thesis, use literary terminology in your reasoning.
In your body paragraphs, use transition words in the beginning of a paragraph and throughout the paragraph to tie ideas together nicely.
A good rule of thumb is to have a 1:2 ratio of evidence/explanation to analysis in your body paragraphs.
Add more artistry and style to your analysis using stylistic sentence structure and effective vocabulary.
Combine literary devices that make sense put together to provide an analysis that is both organized and high-level.
Dig for the depth of certain authorial choices.
Do not merely translate/summarize the text and remember that the speaker of a text is separate from the author.
Use an active voice throughout your essay.
It is better to integrate your quotes in your explanation rather than to write something such as, “In paragraph…”
Use brackets to alter the tense of certain words in a quote (if need be) in order to embed your evidence.
As aforementioned, always strive to have a full-circle conclusion that gives closure to your grabber.
Good luck writing!