What Is Paper 2 in IB English A?
In IB English A: Language & Literature, Paper 2 is a comparative essay based on two literary works you’ve studied in class. The exam tests your ability to analyze how writers explore similar or contrasting ideas, and to discuss theme, form, and content with insight and organization.
You will choose one question from a set of general prompts (often about identity, power, relationships, or cultural values) and write a comparative essay showing critical engagement and stylistic precision.
Paper 2 Assessment Overview
- Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Texts: Two literary works studied in class
- Focus: Comparative analysis of theme, style, and context
- Weight: 25% of your final grade (for HL and SL)
IB Tip: You are not being tested on memorization — you’re being tested on connection, analysis, and insight.
The IB Paper 2 Marking Criteria
Paper 2 essays are marked under four main criteria:
- Criterion A: Knowledge, Understanding, and Interpretation
- How well you understand both texts.
- Depth of insight into theme and authorial purpose.
- Criterion B: Analysis and Evaluation
- Quality of textual evidence.
- Awareness of literary devices, tone, and structure.
- Criterion C: Focus, Organization, and Development
- Logical structure and coherence of argument.
- Clear comparative framework.
- Criterion D: Language
- Precision, control, and academic tone.
IB Tip: You can’t get a high score if you only summarize the books — analysis and comparative insight matter most.
Step-by-Step: How to Structure a Paper 2 Essay
Step 1: Read and Analyze the Question (10 minutes)
Each Paper 2 question asks about a broad theme — such as love, conflict, or the individual versus society.
Highlight key terms, e.g.:
- “In what ways do the writers explore the idea of isolation?”
- “How do the authors use setting to develop meaning?”
Ask:
- What kind of comparison is the question asking for?
- What is the scope — theme, form, or character focus?
Step 2: Plan a Comparative Thesis
Your thesis statement should link both texts through a shared theme while highlighting their differences in treatment or perspective.
Example:
“While both Atwood and Ibsen expose women’s subjugation through patriarchal systems, Atwood envisions rebellion as collective resistance, whereas Ibsen portrays it as personal awakening.”
This creates a clear line of argument that you can develop across paragraphs.
Step 3: Organize by Theme or Text
You can structure your essay in one of two main ways:
- Thematic Comparison:
Discuss one theme or concept at a time, analyzing how each author explores it. - Text-by-Text Comparison:
Discuss Text A in full, then Text B, emphasizing connections and contrasts throughout.
IB Tip: Thematic structure usually reads more fluently and demonstrates stronger synthesis.
Step 4: Develop Comparative Body Paragraphs (PEEL Method)
Each paragraph should address a single comparative idea.
- Point: Main analytical claim.
- Evidence: Short quotations from both texts.
- Explanation: Interpret effect, tone, and technique.
- Link: Connect to question and thesis.
Example Analytical Comparison:
“Both writers use confined domestic spaces to symbolize social imprisonment. In A Doll’s House, the home reflects patriarchal control, while in The Handmaid’s Tale, the Commander's house becomes a dystopian echo of the same confinement, exaggerated by religious law.”
Step 5: Integrate Context and Perspective
Context deepens analysis by showing why authors approached the same issue differently.
Example:
“Ibsen’s 19th-century realism critiques legal inequality, while Atwood’s late-20th-century feminism transforms this domestic rebellion into global political allegory.”
This demonstrates both textual understanding and cultural awareness.
Step 6: Write a Reflective Conclusion
Revisit your thesis and summarize what the comparison reveals about the human experience.
Example:
“Through their portrayals of control and resistance, both writers reveal that true freedom lies not in defying authority alone, but in reclaiming self-definition against systems of silence.”
Paper 2 Time Management
- Planning: 10–15 minutes
- Writing: 75–80 minutes
- Proofreading: 5–10 minutes
IB Tip: Spend equal time on both texts — unbalanced analysis limits your score under Criterion A.
Common Mistakes in Paper 2 Essays
- Writing two mini-essays instead of a comparison.
- Overusing quotations instead of analyzing them.
- Ignoring form and style.
- Treating context as background instead of argument.
IB Tip: Every paragraph must include both texts — never let one dominate.
Why Understanding Paper 2 Structure Leads to Higher Grades
A well-planned Paper 2 essay demonstrates conceptual depth, organization, and analytical sophistication. Examiners look for balanced, interpretive comparisons that show how literature reflects culture, identity, and ideology.
Through RevisionDojo’s IB English Language & Literature course, students can access comparative essay templates, examiner-marked exemplars, and planning maps to build confidence and precision in Paper 2 writing.
FAQs
How long should a Paper 2 essay be?
Typically 1,000–1,200 words in the exam — long enough for depth, but concise enough for clarity.
Do I need to memorize quotations for Paper 2?
Yes, but only short, relevant ones. Focus on analysis, not memorization.
Can I discuss context in Paper 2?
Absolutely — contextual awareness strengthens your argument and interpretation.
