What Is a Commentary in IB English?
An IB English commentary (Paper 1) asks you to analyze an unseen text—exploring how stylistic, structural, and linguistic features create meaning. It's not an essay response but a focused commentary on how the text achieves its communicative purpose. (revisiondojo.com)
Understanding the Paper 1 Assessment Criteria
Paper 1 is assessed using four criteria (A–D), including knowledge, analysis, organization, and language clarity. Top-band responses feature precise term usage, detailed evidence, and clear organization reflecting deep textual understanding. (revisiondojo.com)
How to Analyze an Unseen Text Effectively
- Start with Genre, Audience, Purpose (GAP)—identify the text type, tone, and target audience.
- Focus on stylistic and structural features like imagery, syntax, repetition, and rhetorical devices.
- Explore how tone and mood evolve to develop themes and engage readers.
RevisionDojo provides guides that help you spot and interpret features efficiently under time constraints. (revisiondojo.com)
Structuring Your Commentary for Maximum Clarity
- Introduction: Present text context briefly and your thesis—what you believe the text achieves and how.
- Body Paragraphs: Focus each on a key feature or passage. Begin with a claim, follow with analysis and evidence, and explain its effect.
- Conclusion: Tie together your themes and summarize how the author achieves purpose through language and structure.
RevisionDojo’s annotated planning templates help you outline clear paragraphs and transitions. (revisiondojo.com)
Common Language and Literary Devices to Mention
Look out for and analyze:
- Figurative devices (e.g. metaphor, simile, personification)
- Syntax and diction choices (e.g. sentence length, formal vs. informal tone)
- Narrative perspective, shifts in voice, or form features (like dialogue, stanza structure)
RevisionDojo’s feature spotting toolkit provides lists and examples geared toward IB descriptors. (revisiondojo.com)
Time Management During the Exam
- Planning (5–7 minutes) before writing: make quick annotations and sketch an outline.
- Avoid over-highlighting—focus only on features you plan to analyze.
- Final checks: proofread for cohesive transitions and clarity.
RevisionDojo’s timed writing strategies help streamline planning and pace focus. (revisiondojo.com)
Tools from RevisionDojo That Improve Your Commentary
- Paper 1 Planning Templates: Organize GAP, thesis, analytical focuses, and evidence efficiently.
- Annotated Sample Commentaries: See how context and devices were used effectively in real IB-level responses.
- Feature Spotting Guides: Build your recognition of rhetorical, syntactical, and lexical features under time pressure.
All available via RevisionDojo’s IB English study toolkit. (revisiondojo.com)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many devices should I analyze in one commentary?
📝 Aim for 3–5 well-analyzed features across different text sections to show range without sacrificing depth.
Q2: Should I write in first person (“I”) when referring to effects?
✍️ No—use objective phrasing like “This suggests…” or “The reader is led to feel…”.
Q3: Is including context allowed for an unseen text?
✅ Only if firmly implied—mention general genre expectations or tone briefly in the introduction.
Q4: How formal should the language be?
🎯 Formal and analytical—avoid contraction and casual phrasing while maintaining clarity.
Conclusion: Commentary Is About Depth, Not Just Description
Strong commentaries don’t just describe—they interpret. By selecting key features, connecting them to text purpose, and organizing insights clearly, you move beyond summary to insightful analysis. Use RevisionDojo tools to master structure, pacing, and depth.
Call to Action
🎯 Want help refining your commentary skills?
- ✅ Download RevisionDojo’s Paper 1 Commentary Checklists and Planning Templates
- ✅ Practice on unseen extracts with annotated models
- ✅ Subscribe for guided commentary workshops, device spotter drills, and examiner insights
👉 Visit RevisionDojo to build precision and confidence in your IB English commentary responses.
