Paper 2 - Criterion B2 - UPDATE!

Summary

Andrew and Dave break down the IB English Paper 2 changes, focusing on Criterion B2 — comparative analysis. They explain the importance of sustained comparative language, comparing big ideas and authorial choices across texts. Using A Doll’s House and A Streetcar Named Desire, they model strong topic sentences and paragraph-level comparisons: Nora’s truthful exit versus Blanche’s retreat into illusion, costume and sound as authorial techniques, differing coping mechanisms, and contrasting final moments. Practical advice includes anchoring analysis in specific scenes, sprinkling comparison throughout, and always linking authorial choices to meaning. The video emphasizes subtle, consistent comparison to satisfy B2’s demands.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Criterion B2 in IB English Paper 2 focuses on comparative analysis — examining similarities and differences between two texts.
• 🧢 Students should 'wear their comparative hat' throughout the essay, consistently thinking and writing comparatively.
• 🗣️ Comparative language should appear in every paragraph, reinforcing the analytical connection between both works.
• 💡 The goal is to compare and contrast not just ideas and themes, but also authorial choices and how these shape meaning.
• 📚 The sample question discussed asks how writers represent gender and to what effect, using 'A Doll’s House' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire' as examples.
• 👩‍🎭 In the first comparative point, both plays explore gender norms — Nora is belittled by Torvald, while Blanche clings to ideals of purity and innocence.
• 💔 The second comparative focus examines how characters cope with gender restrictions — Nora contemplates self-harm, while Blanche uses sexuality and flirtation.
• 🚪 The final comparison explores endings — Nora gains independence by leaving her husband, while Blanche descends into madness and dependency.
• 🧩 Strong topic sentences should include comparative phrasing like 'Unlike Nora...' or 'Similarly, Blanche...' to signal clear connections.
• 🪞 Effective essays balance focus on individual texts with regular, meaningful cross-references to the other work.
• 🖋️ Students should analyze authorial techniques (dialogue, costume, sound) and how these choices express differences in character and theme.
• 📖 Both characters exit their plays under unfair gender norms, but Nora acts through free will, while Blanche is passively removed — a nuanced final comparison.
• ✅ Success in Criterion B2 requires sustained comparison across rich ideas and authorial methods, not just thematic parallels.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video presented by Andrew and Dave?

The video focuses on explaining the changes to Paper 2, specifically Criterion B2, in the IB English assessment, emphasizing the importance of comparative analysis between two texts.

What does Criterion B2 assess in the IB English Paper 2 exam?

Criterion B2 assesses how effectively students analyze similarities and/or differences between two literary works, focusing on comparative thinking throughout their essay.

Why is the use of comparative language emphasized in responses?

Comparative language is essential because it shows the examiner that the student is consistently drawing connections and contrasts between the two works, which is key to meeting the expectations of Criterion B2.

What types of comparisons should students make according to the video?

Students should compare and contrast both the big ideas or themes of the works and the authorial choices—such as dialogue, costume, and sound—that shape meaning in each text.

Which two literary works are used as examples in the discussion?

The two texts discussed are Henrik Ibsen’s *A Doll’s House* and Tennessee Williams’ *A Streetcar Named Desire*.

What is the sample essay question mentioned in the video?

The sample question is: 'How do the writers of two works you have studied represent gender and to what effect?'

How does the model essay address gender norms in both plays?

The essay examines how Nora in *A Doll’s House* and Blanche in *A Streetcar Named Desire* both navigate and respond to rigid gender norms—Nora by rejecting them and Blanche by succumbing to their pressures.

What is an example of a strong comparative topic sentence mentioned in the video?

A strong topic sentence example is: 'Nora and Blanche experienced very different outcomes as they faced the rigid gender norms at the conclusion of both plays.' This phrasing immediately sets up a comparative discussion.

How are authorial choices used comparatively in the analysis of the two plays?

The discussion highlights how both authors use costume as a symbolic element—while Ibsen uses it to reflect Nora’s transformation and rejection of societal roles, Williams uses it to reveal Blanche’s clinging to illusion and femininity.

What contrasting endings do the two characters experience?

Nora achieves empowerment and self-liberation by leaving her husband, symbolized by the slamming of the door, while Blanche loses control and descends into madness, being taken away by men, showing opposite resolutions to gender oppression.

Why is it important to include comparison even in paragraphs focused on a single text?

Including comparison in all paragraphs helps maintain the comparative thread throughout the essay, ensuring that Criterion B2 is consistently met rather than treated as a separate section.

What do Andrew and Dave mean by 'wearing the comparative hat'?

The phrase 'wearing the comparative hat' means that students should maintain a comparative mindset at all times when analyzing texts, constantly identifying similarities and differences in themes, characters, and authorial techniques.

What advice do the presenters give regarding the analysis of authorial choices?

They advise students not to neglect the analysis of authorial choices—such as dialogue, sound, and symbolism—since these shape the meaning and support a deeper comparative analysis beyond just plot and character.

How does sound function as a comparative point between the two plays?

Sound is used symbolically in both plays—the slamming of the door in *A Doll’s House* represents freedom and defiance, while the sounds in *A Streetcar Named Desire* contribute to Blanche’s mental breakdown, representing chaos and entrapment.

What final lesson do Andrew and Dave emphasize about Criterion B2?

They conclude that Criterion B2 is all about identifying and analyzing similarities and differences in both ideas and authorial choices, urging students to think comparatively throughout their essays for Paper 2 success.