Why Quotation Mastery Matters in IB English A
In IB English A: Language & Literature, your ability to integrate evidence effectively separates a good essay from a great one. Whether in Paper 1, Paper 2, the Higher Level Essay (HLE), or Individual Oral (IO), you must support your arguments with well-chosen examples — either as direct quotations or paraphrased analysis.
IB examiners consistently note that students who use quotations precisely and interpretively achieve higher marks under Criterion B (Analysis and Evaluation) and Criterion D (Language).
Understanding the Difference Between Quoting and Paraphrasing
Direct Quotation
A direct quote uses the author’s exact words to illustrate a point or highlight a stylistic technique.
- Use quotation marks to indicate the author’s wording.
- Keep quotes short — ideally fewer than 8–10 words.
- Integrate them smoothly into your sentence.
Example:
The repetition of “I remember” conveys nostalgia and regret, as the speaker reconstructs the past through fragmented memory.
IB Tip: Avoid block quotations — they disrupt flow and waste time. Instead, embed quotes naturally into your analysis.
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means rephrasing the author’s ideas in your own words while retaining the original meaning.
- Use when you want to summarize or clarify a longer passage.
- Helps maintain fluency and demonstrate understanding.
Example:
Rather than quoting every line, explain how the poet contrasts images of nature and decay to explore mortality.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Quotes and Paraphrasing Effectively
Step 1: Choose Evidence Purposefully
Select lines that best illustrate your thesis or technique. Don’t quote just to fill space — every quotation must serve your argument.
Ask:
- Does this quote show the author’s style, tone, or theme?
- Can I explain its effect in detail?
Step 2: Blend Quotes into Your Own Sentences
Avoid dropping quotations without context. Introduce them with analytical phrasing.
Weak:
“The author says, ‘The night was cold.’”
Strong:
“The author’s use of ‘cold’ reflects emotional detachment and foreshadows the character’s isolation.”
Step 3: Analyze the Quote Immediately
Every quotation must be followed by interpretation. Never leave a quote unexplained — examiners call this “quote dumping.”
Example Analytical Sentence:
“The alliteration of ‘bitter breeze’ intensifies the harshness of the setting, mirroring the speaker’s inner turmoil.”
Step 4: Balance Quotation and Paraphrase
Use a combination of both to keep your writing engaging and efficient.
- Quote for precision — when wording or style matters.
- Paraphrase for clarity — when summarizing long or repetitive sections.
Example:
Direct quote: “‘Freedom is slavery’ captures the paradox of totalitarian control.”
Paraphrase: Orwell explores how manipulated language reshapes truth itself.
Step 5: Maintain Academic Consistency
Ensure consistent punctuation, quotation marks, and verb tense when embedding evidence.
- Punctuation goes inside quotation marks in most cases.
- Use present tense when analyzing literature: Shakespeare portrays, Atwood suggests, Angelou reflects.
How to Use Quotations in Different IB Assessments
Paper 1 (Unseen Commentary)
- Quote short, vivid phrases to analyze tone, structure, or imagery.
- Avoid over-quoting since time is limited.
Example:
“The repetition of ‘still’ emphasizes emotional paralysis, capturing the poem’s melancholic tone.”
Paper 2 (Comparative Essay)
- Use one or two concise quotes per text per paragraph.
- Focus on comparative analysis rather than memorization.
Example:
“While Ibsen’s repetition of ‘duty’ reinforces social control, Atwood’s irony in ‘Blessed be the fruit’ exposes linguistic indoctrination.”
Higher Level Essay (HLE)
- Blend quotation and paraphrase to show control over long-form argument.
- Include precise evidence without overwhelming your own voice.
Individual Oral (IO)
- Paraphrase more often than quoting directly.
- Use short phrases if quoting — long memorized passages sound unnatural.
Common Mistakes When Using Quotes and Paraphrasing
- Overusing quotations — flooding your essay with text instead of analysis.
- Dropping quotes — inserting them without commentary.
- Ignoring context — failing to explain when and why the quote appears.
- Misquoting — altering or truncating lines in ways that distort meaning.
- Losing your own voice — relying too heavily on the author’s words.
IB Tip: For every 10 words of quotation, write at least 30 words of analysis.
Why Mastering Evidence Use Leads to Higher IB Grades
Skillful use of quotations and paraphrasing shows examiners that you:
- Understand the text deeply.
- Can connect stylistic detail to purpose and effect.
- Write analytically with fluency and sophistication.
Through RevisionDojo’s IB English Language & Literature course, students can access sample essays, quote integration templates, and commentary practice tasks that demonstrate how to balance evidence and analysis for top marks.
FAQs
How many quotes should I use in an IB essay?
Usually 2–3 short quotations per paragraph — enough to support each point without losing your voice.
Should I paraphrase or quote more in Paper 1?
Paraphrase more; quote only when language choice or style is essential to your point.
How do I analyze a quote effectively?
Break it down — focus on diction, imagery, tone, or syntax, and explain how it supports your thesis.
