Being Smart With Exam Time: IB English Paper 1

1. In Paper 1, success isn’t just about what you write, it’s about how well you manage your time.
2. 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)

Higher Level (HL: 2h 15 minutes)

Breakdown & Tips:

1. Planning: 10 to 15 minutes
   1. Choose your structure: by idea, section, or tone shift.
   2. Draft a clear thesis statement that directly answers the guiding question.
   3. Identify 3 strong points to support your thesis.
   4. Select evidence/techniques for each point in advance.
2. Introduction: 5 minutes
   1. Include the author’s name, text type, and title.
   2. Briefly summarise what happens in the extract (1 sentence).
   3. Make a big-picture observation about tone, structure, or purpose.
   4. State a clear thesis that answers the question.
   5. Outline your 3 main analytical points in the order you’ll present them.
3. Body Paragraphs: 36 minutes total (≈12 mins each)
   1. Use the PEEL structure for each paragraph:
      1. Point: Start with a clear topic sentence linking to your thesis.
      2. Evidence: Integrate a well-chosen quote or reference from the text.
      3. Explanation: Analyse the technique (e.g., diction, tone, structure) and its effect.
      4. Link: Connect back to the guiding question and reinforce the paragraph’s relevance.
4. Conclusion: 4 minutes
   1. Restate your thesis in fresh words.
   2. Briefly summarise your key insights or techniques.
   3. End with a final comment that reflects on the author’s broader purpose or message.
5. Review & Editing: 5 to 10 minutes
   1. Re-read for clarity, grammar, and flow.
   2. Check that each paragraph:
      1. Answers the guiding question
      2. Uses specific evidence
      3. Links clearly back to the thesis
      4. Fix any vague phrasing or repetition.