Notes for Being Smart With Exam Time - IB | RevisionDojo
Being Smart With Exam Time Notes
Being Smart With Exam Time: IB English Paper 1
In Paper 1, success isn’t just about what you write, it’s about how well you manage your time.
Whether you're sitting the SL (1h 15 mins) or HL (2h 15 mins) exam, a smart time strategy helps you stay focused, structured, and composed under pressure.
Standard Level (SL: 1h 15 minutes)
Component
Suggested Time
Planning
10–15 mins
Introduction
5 mins
Body Paragraphs
36 mins (12 × 3)
Conclusion
4 mins
Review & Editing
5–10 mins
Higher Level (HL: 2h 15 minutes)
Component
Suggested Time
Planning
20–30 mins total (10–15 mins/text)
Introduction
10 mins total (5 mins/text)
Body Paragraphs
72 mins total (12 × 3 × 2)
Conclusion
8 mins total (4 mins/text)
Review & Editing
5 mins (for both essays)
Breakdown & Tips:
Tip
A solid plan helps avoid repetition and keeps your essay sharply focused.
Planning: 10 to 15 minutes
Choose your structure: by idea, section, or tone shift.
Draft a clear thesis statement that directly answers the guiding question.
Identify 3 strong points to support your thesis.
Select evidence/techniques for each point in advance.
Introduction: 5 minutes
Include the author’s name, text type, and title.
Briefly summarise what happens in the extract (1 sentence).
Make a big-picture observation about tone, structure, or purpose.
State a clear thesis that answers the question.
Outline your 3 main analytical points in the order you’ll present them.
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Tip
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
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Questions
Recap questions
1 of 5
Question 1
Recap question
Why is allocating a specific portion of exam time to the planning stage essential for writing a strong analytical essay under timed conditions?
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