IB English B Paper 2 (reading) Common Pitfalls Notes

Paper 2 (Reading): Common Pitfalls

Why it matters

1. Even strong readers lose marks in Paper 2 not because they don’t understand the text, but because they fall into avoidable traps.
2. Examiners look for evidence of comprehension, not just word-spotting.
3. Knowing the common pitfalls helps you read with purpose, manage time effectively, and turn understanding into marks.

Pitfalls to avoid

1. Lifting entire sentences without adjusting grammar

1. Examiners want your response, not a copy. If the sentence does not fit grammatically with the question, you will lose marks.
2. Solution:
   1. Always rephrase in your own words.
   2. If you copy part of a sentence, make sure it matches the question format (e.g., turn a statement into a noun phrase if the question asks “What is…”).

2. Misidentifying tone

1. A neutral description is not the same as opinion. Pay attention to adjectives, adverbs, and overall context to avoid tone errors.
2. Solution:
   1. Ask yourself: Is the writer simply describing, or are they evaluating/judging?
   2. Highlight emotive words to distinguish fact from opinion.

3. Not managing time

1. If you spend too long on one passage, you risk rushing or leaving questions blank.
2. Aim for around 20 minutes per passage and move on when stuck.
3. Solution:
   1. Watch the clock and set mini-deadlines.
   2. If a question is taking too long, leave it and return later if you have time.