How to Analyze Non‑Literary Texts in IB English Language & Literature
Non‑literary texts—from adverts and speeches to news articles and infographics—are central to IB English Language & Literature, particularly in Paper 1 and the Individual Oral (IO). Here’s how to tackle them systematically, using RevisionDojo’s trusted methods.
1. Understand What Counts as a Non‑Literary Text
Non‑literary texts are functional: they inform, persuade, instruct, or entertain rather than aim for aesthetic or artistic impact.
Common types include:
- Advertisements, news articles, editorials, speeches
- Instruction manuals, personal correspondence, websites, blogs
- Infographics, posters, social media and visual formats
Learn more about definitions and examples in RevisionDojo’s What Does IB Consider a Non‑Literary Text? 📝
👉 What Are Non‑Literary Texts in IB English A?
2. Step-by-Step Analysis Framework
RevisionDojo’s guide outlines a clear six-step approach to analyzing these texts effectively:
👉 How to Analyze Non‑Literary Texts
Analysis steps include:
- Purpose & Audience – Why was it written? Who’s it aimed at?
- Context – Cultural, historical, or social background matters.
- Structure – Organization: headers, layout, sequence.
- Language & Style – Tone, register, rhetorical devices.
- Visual Features – Images, fonts, layout and their effects.
- Effectiveness – Does it persuade, inform, instruct? How effective is it?
3. Focus on Rhetorical and Visual Elements
When analyzing, highlight these key areas:
- Tone & register: Is the text formal, urgent, neutral, enthusiastic?
- Diction and choice of words: emotive, technical, simple, complex?
- Devices: logos, ethos, pathos, rhetorical questions, repetition.
- Visual cues: color choice, typography, image placement, white space.
These tools are explained clearly in RevisionDojo’s analysis guide, helping you connect form to effect.
👉 How to Analyze Non‑Literary Texts
4. Structure Your IB Paper 1 Response
Use a clear essay outline when writing your Paper 1 response:
- Introduction: identify text type, purpose, audience, and thesis.
- 3–5 body paragraphs: each one focuses on one device or feature, its effect, and link to purpose/audience.
- Conclusion: answer the guiding question with an overall evaluation of effectiveness.
RevisionDojo’s framework helps you craft this structure efficiently.
👉 How to Analyze Non‑Literary Texts
5. Link to the Individual Oral (IO)
In the IO for English Lang Lit, one of your texts is non‑literary. You must analyze it alongside a literary work under a shared global issue.
- Identify tone, rhetorical strategies, and audience appeal in the non‑literary piece.
- Compare and contrast with the literary text in relation to your global issue.
RevisionDojo offers a comprehensive guide to preparing the IO.
👉 Comprehensive Guide to the IB Individual Oral (IO)
6. Sharpen Skills With Practice and Templates
Practice using real non‑literary examples—ads, editorials, speeches—and apply this framework to them under timed conditions.
RevisionDojo provides effective study methods and mock exercises tailored to Language & Literature:
👉 Effective Study Techniques for IB English A: Language & Literature
FAQs
What’s the difference between non‑literary and literary analysis?
Non‑literary focuses on function, context, audience, and persuasive or informative language rather than aesthetic or symbolic meaning.
How many non‑literary texts appear in Paper 1?
SL students analyze one; HL students analyze two texts—usually across different genres—within one exam session.
Can images be analyzed equally with words?
Yes—visual features are important. Analyze how layout, images, typography support meaning and impact the audience.
Conclusion
Analyzing non‑literary texts in IB English Language & Literature becomes manageable when you:
- Understand text type and function
- Work through purpose, audience, and context
- Analyze structure, language, and visual features methodically
- Evaluate effectiveness and make comparisons where relevant
Use RevisionDojo’s linked guides for templates, practice exercises, and detailed frameworks to support your IB Paper 1 and IO preparations.
🎓 Hop over to RevisionDojo’s Language & Literature resources to build your confidence with guided examples, flashcards, and mock practice.
