IB English: Paper 2 - New Criteria

Summary

In this video, Andrew and Dave, the IB English experts, discuss significant changes to the IB English Paper 2 criteria for 2026. They highlight the streamlining of Criterion A, which now focuses on demonstrating a deep understanding of the works in relation to the question. The video also explores the changes in Criterion B, which emphasize analyzing literary features and comparative analysis. Throughout, they provide tips on how to tackle the exam with nuanced insights, offering practical advice for improving analysis, evaluation, and comparison of literary texts, all while simplifying the assessment process for students.

Takeaways

• 😀 Criterion A has been streamlined to focus more on how well candidates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the works in relation to the question, now worth 5 points (down from 10).
• 😀 The key to performing well in Criterion A is staying laser-focused on the question and integrating rich knowledge, insights, and thematic ideas from the literary text.
• 😀 It's crucial to think about the message the author is trying to convey and to consider the nuances and implications hidden between the lines for top marks.
• 😀 Using sentence stems such as 'The author implies that...' or 'Readers can infer that...' can help demonstrate deep insight and critical thinking.
• 😀 Criterion B has two subcriteria: B1 (Analysis and Evaluation) and B2 (Comparative Analysis), both worth a combined 10 points.
• 😀 For B1, candidates need to analyze and evaluate how meaning is shaped by language techniques, style, and authorial choices. A range of literary features must be discussed to demonstrate this.
• 😀 Criterion B2 focuses on comparative analysis. Candidates should compare both authorial choices and ideas between texts, which can include both thematic elements and literary techniques.
• 😀 In comparative analysis, it’s important to use specific comparative language (e.g., 'while' or 'in contrast') to demonstrate the connection between the texts and ideas being compared.
• 😀 A well-crafted comparative sentence should compare not only characters and themes but also the specific techniques authors use (e.g., stage directions vs. lighting contrast).
• 😀 The changes in the IB criteria are designed to streamline and simplify the evaluation process, aiming to make assessment clearer and easier to navigate for both students and examiners.

Q & A

What major change has been made to Criterion A for IB English Paper 2 starting in 2026?

Criterion A has been reduced from 10 points to 5 points and has been streamlined to focus on how much knowledge and understanding the candidate demonstrates in relation to the question.

What is the key advice given for students when selecting their question for Paper 2?

The key advice is to focus on the keywords of the question and keep that focus throughout the essay. This helps in linking content and ideas to Criterion A and Criterion C.

How should students approach the author's message in their response?

Students should consider what message the author is trying to convey, imagining the author whispering their thoughts during the writing process. This helps to identify the core theme and focus of the analysis.

What does the script suggest about analyzing the nuances and implications in the text?

The script emphasizes the importance of identifying hidden meanings or nuances between the lines of the text, which demonstrates deeper, more insightful thinking.

What are some sentence stems provided for discussing implications and nuances in literature?

Some sentence stems provided are: 'The author implies that...', 'While not stated, the author hints that...', and 'Readers can infer that...'. These phrases encourage critical thinking and deeper analysis.

What changes have been made to Criterion B for students assessing in 2026?

Criterion B has two subcriteria: B1 focuses on the analysis and evaluation of textual features, while B2 deals with comparative analysis, requiring students to compare ideas and authorial choices across texts.

What does Criterion B1 assess, and how should students approach it?

Criterion B1 assesses how well the candidate analyzes and evaluates how meaning is shaped by language techniques, style, and broader authorial choices. Students should identify and analyze literary features, evaluating how they contribute to meaning.

What does the comparison aspect in Criterion B2 require from students?

Criterion B2 asks students to compare similarities and/or differences between texts. This can include comparing characters, big ideas, or the craft used by authors, such as language techniques or narrative structures.

What is the role of the comparative language in analysis for Paper 2?

Comparative language such as 'while' and 'similar effects' signals that the candidate is making a comparison between two texts. This comparative approach helps highlight both differences and similarities in the texts.

How do the authors suggest students can simplify the changes to the IB English criteria?

The authors suggest that while the changes may seem dramatic, they are aimed at simplifying the assessment process. Students should focus on understanding what's being asked and recognize that the core task remains the same.