🗂️ Overview of IB English A Assessments
IB English A: Language & Literature includes both internal and external assessments:
- Internal Assessment (IA)
• Individual Oral (IO): A 10-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A, examined on two extracts connected by a global issue.
• Written Tasks: Based on literary and non-literary course texts. - External Assessment (70%):
• Paper 1: Unseen text analysis (non-literary or literary based on course).
• Paper 2: Comparative essay using two studied works.
• HL Essay: Higher Level only, 1,200–1,500 words on literary study (revisiondojo.com/blog/what-is-the-ib-english-curriculum-a-complete-breakdown-of-literature-and-language-courses) (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
🗣️ Individual Oral (IO)
The IO is internally graded (out of 40) and externally moderated.
- Criterion A – Knowledge, Understanding & Interpretation (10 marks): Insightful understanding of texts and global issue.
- Criterion B – Analysis & Evaluation (10 marks): Interpreting authorial choices in relation to meaning.
- Criterion C – Coherence, Focus & Organization (10 marks): Balanced structure, clear link between extracts.
- Criterion D – Language (10 marks): Precise register, vocabulary, and effective literary terminology.
👉 Read more in Understanding the Assessment of Your IB Individual Oral (IO). (revisiondojo.com)
✍️ Paper 1 – Unseen Text Analysis (Literature or Language)
Used for both SL and HL, weighted equally in external assessment.
- Criterion A – Knowledge & Interpretation: Accurate and nuanced understanding of text and context.
- Criterion B – Analysis & Evaluation: How literary or stylistic choices create meaning.
- Criterion C – Coherence & Organization: Structured, focused, well-integrated argument.
- Criterion D – Language (Language & Literature only): Clarity and style within cultural register.
👉 See Paper 1 Success Guide: 7 Expert Strategies to Ace Your Essay. (English Collaborative, Scribd)
📚 Paper 2 – Comparative Essay (Literature and Language & Literature)
This essay counts toward external marks and tests depth of comparative literary analysis.
Important aspects:
- Clear comparison of themes, contexts, and authorial style.
- Well-structured argument across both texts.
- Insightful evaluation supported by textual evidence.
- Academic tone and precise use of literary terminology.
👉 For breakdown and planning help, see Structuring Your IB English Paper 2 Essay. (Scribd, revisiondojo.com)
🧠 HL Essay – Literary Analysis (HL students only)
Weighted 20% of the HL final grade.
- Criterion A – Knowledge & Understanding: Deep engagement with your text and relevant prompt.
- Criterion B – Analysis & Evaluation: Well-supported critical analysis of literary technique.
- Criterion C – Structure & Development: Logical flow of ideas from introduction to conclusion.
- Criterion D – Language: Cohesive, formal academic language with stylistic precision.
👉 Learn more in Preparing for IB English A: Literature Exams. (revisiondojo.com, Scribd)
📊 Summary Table
Assessment Criterion A Criterion B Criterion C Criterion D IO (Internal) Understanding & Interpretation Analysis & Evaluation Focus, Structure & Coherence Language & Register Paper 1 Knowledge & Interpretation Stylistic Analysis & Meaning Coherence & Focused Focus NA (Language implicit) Paper 2 Textual Knowledge, Prompt Linking Comparative Literary Analysis Balanced Comparative Structure Academic Language & Register HL Essay Textual Knowledge & Context Technique Analysis & Evaluation Structured Argumentation Precision & Sophistication
❓ FAQs
Q1: Is IO weighted differently by level?
– SL IO counts as 30% of the course; HL IO counts as 20%. External papers balance out total weight. (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
Q2: Are written tasks assessed separately?
– Yes, written tasks have their own IA criteria focusing on creativity, task fulfillment, and reflection.
Q3: How does external moderation work?
– Schools submit a sample of IOs to IB examiners to ensure accurate internal grading. (revisiondojo.com)
Q4: Can strong IO performance compensate for weak Paper 2?
– Not entirely—final points depend on holistic performance across all components.
Q5: Where can I access essay exemplars and annotated IOs?
– Check RevisionDojo’s English A resources section for templates and sample responses aligned to each criterion.
Q6: Does Paper 1 vary between SL and HL?
– Yes; HL students analyze two unseen texts in about 2 hours 15 minutes, while SL handles one text in 1 hour 15 minutes. (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, English Collaborative)
✅ Final Thoughts & RevisionDojo Call to Action
Understanding these criteria helps you tailor your preparation effectively:
- Practice IO delivery structured around criteria A–D.
- Analyze unseen texts using the Paper 1 rubric.
- Build comparative skills in Paper 2 with strong comparative thesis and technique evaluation.
- Write your HL Essay with tight argument, analysis, and sophisticated language.
🎯 Ready to build confidence across IB English? Explore [RevisionDojo’s IB English criterion-aligned guides], complete with practice essays, IO planning tools, and marking checklists.
