How to Manage Time During the IB English Exams
With strict time limits in both IB English (Paper 1 and Paper 2, or HL/SL options), effective time management is essential. From planning to proofreading, here’s how to stay on track—using strategies inspired by RevisionDojo’s expert resources.
1. Know Your Paper Structure Inside & Out
Familiarity with rubric, question types, and essay demands helps you allocate time wisely.
🔗 Dive into the differences in exam structure with RevisionDojo’s Is IB English Paper 2 Harder Than Paper 1?
2. Allocate Time per Task
Example time breakdown for all English exam formats:
- Paper 1 unseen text analysis: 1 hr (20 min reading/planning, 35 min writing, 5 min proofreading)
- Paper 2 comparative essay: 1 hr 45 min (10 min planning, 85 min writing, 10 min proofreading)
Read more about effective exam schedules in RevisionDojo’s timing strategies:
🔗 IB Paper 2 Essential Guide for Success
3. Start With a Quick Planning Phase
Spend your first few minutes outlining:
- One strong thesis
- 3–4 points tied to theme and devices
- Major evidence or quotes you plan to use
This organized start is backed by RevisionDojo’s exam success framework:
🔗 Structuring Your IB English Paper 2 Essay
4. Use Bullet Points or Mini Outlines Inside Planning Time (for Paper 1)
- Annotate tone, mood, and devices during reading phase.
- Use shorthand bullet-plans to structure your body paragraphs.
RevisionDojo explains how to quickly sketch strong text plans here:
🔗 Tips for Analyzing Unseen Texts in IB English Literature
5. Set Word or Line Targets (Optional But Effective)
For Paper 2, target roughly 180–220 words per paragraph across 3–4 body paragraphs to balance depth and pacing.
RevisionDojo endorses pacing techniques in their exam toolkit:
🔗 How to Score a 7 in IB English Paper 2
6. Practice Time Trials to Build Speed
Self-testing with past prompts under real time conditions helps with speed and pacing.
These resources provide timed drills and sample write-ups for practice:
🔗 IB English Paper 2 Sample Papers & Exemplar Responses
7. Proofread Smart, Not for Length
Always save a final 5–10 minutes to:
- Correct grammar or syntax
- Substitute richer vocabulary
- Ensure argument clarity
See why RevisionDojo stresses proofreading efficiency in their final exam advice:
🔗 Common Mistakes to Avoid During IB Revision
8. Manage Stress & Maintain Focus in the Exam
- Warm up before the exam: quick quotes quizzes or silent reading
- Use breathing or relaxation before putting pen to paper
- Keep watch on time but avoid panic if a minute slips early
RevisionDojo offers full strategies for mindfulness during IB exams:
🔗 How to Cope With IB Exam Stress and Anxiety
FAQs
Should I write a full conclusion if time is limited?
Yes—always aim for a short but strong conclusion. It ties your argument together and boosts coherence.
What if I’m running out of time during writing?
Write concise but complete body paragraphs, then wrap up swiftly—don’t leave empty space.
Is it okay to jump into writing without planning?
No—papers planned and then written take less time and score higher overall.
Conclusion
Mastering the IB English exams isn’t about speed—it’s about structured time allocation, planned writing, and stress management. A strong initial plan, timed practice routines, and smart proofreading habits equip you for performance under pressure.
🎯 Want tools like timed-practice templates, planning checklists, or stress-reduction routines tailored for English?
Explore more with RevisionDojo:
🔗 All IB English Resources on RevisionDojo or start with
🔗 How to Score a 7 in IB English Paper 2
