How many techniques should I analyze per paragraph in IB English?

In IB English, it is usually better to analyze fewer techniques with more depth than to list many quickly. Aim for around 2-4 meaningful choices per paragraph, but treat that number as flexible rather than a rule. The key is whether each technique connects to your thesis and to a clear effect on the audience. If you name a technique, you must explain the “so what”: how it shapes meaning, tone, or persuasion. Examiners reward controlled interpretation, not inventory. A good test is this: if you remove the technique label but keep your explanation, does the analysis still make sense?

How many timed practices do I need before the exam?

For IB English Paper 1, quality beats sheer quantity, but you still need enough reps for timing to feel normal. A sensible minimum is 5 full timed practices spread across a few weeks, plus smaller drills in between (thesis-only, paragraph-only, or 20-minute plans). The drills matter because they isolate weak links without exhausting you. If you can, alternate text types so you do not become “good at one kind of passage.” Use the Sample Essay Questions for IB English Literature Paper 1 to keep your practice varied. Then use RevisionDojo’s Grading tools to make each practice produce specific next steps.

Should I use the same structure every time?

Yes, at least in your training phase. IB English is demanding because the text changes, so your process should stay stable. TAPAC helps you write an intro that covers essentials without rambling, and PEEL helps you keep paragraphs analytical rather than summary-heavy. Once the structure is automatic, you gain freedom: you can choose smarter evidence, notice subtler shifts, and write with a calmer voice. The risk of changing structure every time is that you spend mental energy on format instead of insight. Keep one reliable template, then improve the thinking inside it. RevisionDojo’s Study Notes and Flashcards are especially useful here because they let you standardize your process while expanding your technique vocabulary.