IB English: Paper 2 - Breaking Down the Question

Summary

In this video, Andrew and Dave from The IB English Guys guide students through the essentials of Paper 2 for the May 2023 session. They emphasize the importance of fully understanding the exam question, breaking it down carefully, and asking probing questions to gain deeper insights. The key to success lies in defining key terms, comparing and contrasting literary works effectively, and analyzing the authorial choices and textual features. The video offers practical strategies to help students navigate the exam, including tips on how to approach complex questions and create well-structured, thoughtful essays.

Takeaways

• 😀 Answer the question directly in every paragraph to stay focused and on topic.
• 😀 Ensure that your comparison highlights both the content and the literary form of the works.
• 😀 Remember that you cannot use a text you’ve already used for your IO or Higher Level Essay for Paper 2.
• 😀 Use specific references or evidence from the texts, but they don't have to be direct quotations.
• 😀 Focus on the authorial choices and textual features, and how they affect the communication of ideas.
• 😀 Use comparative language throughout your essay to highlight similarities and differences between the works.
• 😀 Break down the question by identifying key words and their meanings to ensure a precise understanding of the task.
• 😀 Ask critical questions about the question itself to explore all dimensions and nuances it may have.
• 😀 Define key terms in the question to ensure clarity in your argument and analysis.
• 😀 Practice with a variety of questions to strengthen your ability to answer confidently and effectively on exam day.

Q & A

What is the focus of this video series?

The video series focuses on helping students understand and prepare for Paper 2 of the IB English exam, especially in relation to comparing and contrasting works of literature.

What is the key aspect of Paper 2 that students need to understand?

Students need to understand how to break down the question effectively, focusing on both the content and literary form of the works they are comparing.

What is meant by 'literary form' in the context of Paper 2?

'Literary form' refers to the genre of the work, as well as the techniques and methods used by the author to communicate the themes and ideas of the text.

What is the main rule about using texts for Paper 2?

Students cannot use a text for Paper 2 if it has already been used for their Individual Oral (IO) or Higher Level Essay. They must select fresh texts.

How much time do students have to complete Paper 2?

Students have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete Paper 2, which gives them time to craft a thoughtful and detailed response.

What is the first key tip for writing Paper 2?

The first key tip is to ensure that every paragraph directly answers the question. Avoid deviating from the question's focus.

Do students need to include specific quotations in Paper 2?

No, students do not need to include specific quotations, but they must make detailed references to the text and provide evidence from it.

What does 'understanding authorial choices' refer to in Paper 2?

'Understanding authorial choices' refers to analyzing how the author uses literary techniques and features (like symbolism or narrative structure) to communicate themes or messages in the work.

What does 'comparing and contrasting' mean in the context of Paper 2?

'Comparing and contrasting' involves examining the similarities and differences between two works, including their themes, messages, characters, and form.

What are two strategies suggested for tackling the question in Paper 2?

The two strategies are: 1) Breaking down the question by identifying key words and understanding the task, and 2) Asking questions of the question to deepen understanding and explore the nuances of the task.

How can students define the key terms in a Paper 2 question?

Students should break down the question to identify and define key terms, such as 'important issues' or 'struggle to be understood,' and explore their relevance to the works being compared.

Why is asking questions of the question important in Paper 2?

Asking questions of the question helps students engage critically with the prompt, encouraging them to explore different interpretations, clarify key concepts, and ensure a focused and thorough analysis.