IB English Paper 1 (Full Guide for 7)

Summary

Melvin Fung shares a strategy for achieving a perfect score on the English paper one exam, emphasizing the importance of scoring at least 16 out of 20. He outlines a detailed plan for the test, including skimming, understanding the text, and planning the essay within the given time. Melvin stresses the value of practicing with past papers and obtaining instant feedback to improve consistently. He introduces his 'Scholars pack' course, offering immediate feedback and resources to help students secure top grades and achieve their dream university admission.

Takeaways

• 📝 Aim for a minimum score of 16 out of 20 on the English Paper 1 to achieve a 7 out of 7, but strive for even higher scores like 17, 18, or 19.
• ⏰ Allocate 15 minutes for planning your essay and 1 hour for writing, ensuring you are in a 'flow state' to maintain momentum and avoid pauses in thought.
• 👀 Spend the initial 5-minute reading time to skim both texts, choose the one you're most comfortable analyzing, and understand the author's aim without delving into language analysis yet.
• 📚 After the reading time, use the next 15 minutes to identify and group textual devices such as colloquial language, scientific jargon, or descriptive language into at least three categories.
• 🖋️ Write down the aim of the text and the grouped devices with quotes and their effects on a piece of paper to streamline the essay writing process.
• ✍️ Practice writing quickly during the test by using the planning paper you've prepared, which should minimize the need to stop and think, allowing for continuous writing.
• 📚 Emphasize the importance of past papers for preparation, suggesting that they are the key to mastering the structure, timing, and analysis required for the test.
• 🙅‍♂️ Advise against following the teacher's instructions if they do not involve practicing full essays, as past papers are the most effective way to prepare for the test.
• 🏆 Share a personal anecdote where ignoring the teacher's advice and focusing on past papers led to the highest grades in the class.
• 🔄 Stress the need for constant improvement by getting instant feedback on every practice essay to avoid plateauing at a certain level of performance.
• 🤔 Address the issue of teachers not providing timely feedback and suggest seeking alternative sources for prompt and detailed feedback to enhance essay writing skills.
• 🔗 Introduce 'Scholars Pack', a course offering instant feedback, unlimited past papers, and techniques to consistently achieve top grades in the IB English exams.

Q & A

What is the minimum score required to aim for a 7 out of 7 in English Paper 1 according to Melvin Fung?

A minimum score of 16 out of 20 is required to aim for a 7 in English Paper 1.

How much time is allocated for the English Paper 1 test, including reading time?

The test has an allocation of 1 hour and 15 minutes for writing, plus an additional 5 minutes for reading.

What should be done during the 5-minute reading time according to Melvin's strategy?

During the 5-minute reading time, one should skim both texts, choose the most comfortable one to analyze, and spend the remaining time understanding the author's aim without analyzing language.

How long should be spent on planning the essay after the reading time?

Melvin suggests spending around 15 minutes on outlining and planning the essay.

What is the purpose of the planning paper during the essay writing phase?

The planning paper is used to jot down the aim of the text, highlight devices, group them, and note their effects. It helps in writing the essay without having to stop and think, maintaining a continuous flow of writing.

Why is it crucial to be in a 'Flow State' during the test according to Melvin?

Being in a 'Flow State' ensures continuous writing without stopping to think, which is essential given the limited time of one hour to write an essay of over 800 words after planning.

What does Melvin suggest as the primary method to prepare for English Paper 1?

Melvin suggests using past papers as the primary method for preparation, as they help familiarize students with the structure, timing, and analysis required for the test.

Why did Melvin choose to ignore his teacher's instructions and focus on past papers?

Melvin ignored his teacher's instructions because the teacher did not focus on full essays but only on parts of them or on watching videos, which Melvin felt was not effective for achieving high scores.

What is the importance of getting instant feedback on practice essays according to Melvin?

Instant feedback is crucial for reflecting and improving on each essay, ensuring that the writer does not consistently train at a poor level and instead improves with each new essay.

What is Scholars Pack, and how does it help students achieve a 7 out of 7 in English Paper 1?

Scholars Pack is a course Melvin offers that provides instant detailed feedback on essays, unlimited past papers, under-the-table techniques, sample scripts, and live calls to guide and mentor students towards achieving top grades.

What are the two choices Melvin presents to students for achieving success in the IB program?

The two choices are either doing everything by themselves, guessing and learning through trial and error, or having someone who has achieved success in the IB program guide, mentor, and provide resources to ensure success.