IB English A Lang & Lit HL HL Essay Example

The student shows clear knowledge of the novel and keeps returning to a strong central idea about wealth, image, and moral decay.

The student's use of textual evidence is relevant and usually tied directly to their argument rather than left as stand-alone quotation.

The student makes several convincing interpretive links between Gatsby, Nick, and the wider social world of the novel.

Some contextual points are broad and need closer anchoring in Fitzgerald’s wording and narrative choices.

A few references are familiar rather than especially discriminating, which limits the originality of the interpretation.

Occasional imprecision, such as calling the novel a novella, weakens authority slightly.

The student often moves beyond description and explains how Fitzgerald’s choices create meaning.

The student's analysis of key details such as the green light and the language of swallowing, choking, and receding is thoughtful and relevant.

The student connects technique to theme in a way that usually supports a wider evaluation of Gatsby’s dream and the novel’s social critique.

Some technical claims are not always precise, which weakens the authority of the analysis.

At times the student asserts reader response or social meaning more strongly than they fully prove from the text.

A few moments repeat similar ideas instead of pushing the interpretation further.