Peeling the Onion: Deep Analysis for IB English Paper 2
- In IB English Paper 2, the difference between an average and excellent essay lies in the depth of understanding.
- High-scoring essays don’t simply describe what happens in the text
- They interpret how and why meaning is constructed through language, structure, and context.
- To do this, we need to move beyond surface reading.
- Think of your analysis like peeling back the layers of an onion: every layer you uncover brings you closer to a sophisticated and insightful interpretation of your texts.
What Does "Understanding" a Text Mean?
- Imagine a scale of understanding that stretches from zero (no clue) to infinity (limitless expertise).
- On that scale, your goal is to understand each of your Paper 2 texts well enough to confidently compare and contrast them through the lens of a prompt. This guide breaks that process into four levels:
Level 1: Basic (Surface Knowledge)
- Themes: Broad concepts explored in the work (e.g., alienation, justice, morality)
- Characters: Protagonists, antagonists, and key figures
- Techniques: Literary or stylistic devices (e.g., irony, symbolism, tone)
- Context: Historical, social, political, or biographical background
Level 2: Contextual Influence
- Understand how the context influences all aspects of the work
- Ask: How do social/historical conditions shape characters, themes, or techniques?
In A Doll’s House, Ibsen critiques 19th-century gender roles through Nora's rebellion
Level 3: Relationships Between Elements
- Explore intra-textual relationships:
- How characters embody or subvert themes
- How techniques are used to shape characters or themes
- How context deepens these connections
In The Crucible, Miller uses religious diction to reinforce the theme of mass paranoia
Level 4: Comparative Understanding (Boss Level)
- Make intertextual connections:
- How do techniques, characters, or themes differ across texts?
- Are authors critiquing similar ideas from different perspectives?
