IB English: Paper One - Political Cartoon - Student Sample - FULL RESPONSE - SCORE 7

Summary

In this video, two IB English teachers discuss how to score a top grade (7) on the Paper 1 exam. They break down an exemplar student response to a political cartoon, analyzing its effectiveness in interpreting visual elements and layout. The teachers emphasize the importance of deep thinking, focusing on authorial choices, and analyzing subtleties like symbols and narrative. They guide students through a structured analysis, offering tips on maintaining focus, using sophisticated language, and crafting insightful interpretations. The video provides actionable steps to improve writing and critical thinking skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses strategies for scoring a 7 on IB English Paper 1, focusing on analyzing a student's response to a political cartoon.
• 🖼️ The analysis centers on visual elements like composition, narrative, objects, symbols, colors, and language in the cartoon featuring Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump.
• 🌍 The presenters emphasize deep exploration of subtle details, encouraging students to look beyond the obvious in their analysis.
• 📝 The student who wrote the paper skillfully analyzes the irony of power through the use of stars as symbols in the cartoon.
• 💡 The presenters break down the structure of the student's paper, which starts with an introduction and thesis, then moves to narrative, setting, symbols, and a conclusion.
• 🔑 The student focuses on key themes such as social injustices, division, and the implications of war and separation.
• 🎨 The video highlights the importance of focusing on the author's choices and techniques, such as color symbolism and composition.
• 🔍 Interpretation and analysis are key components of success on Paper 1, with emphasis on analyzing deeper ideas and implications in the visual elements.
• 🗣️ The use of elevated, sophisticated language and complex sentence structures is essential for higher marks, along with staying focused on the guiding question.
• 💬 The presenters encourage students to use key words from the thesis in topic sentences and conclusions to maintain focus and coherence throughout the paper.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to help students understand how to score a 7 on the IB English Paper 1 by analyzing a sample response to a political cartoon. The hosts discuss visual elements, layout, and key analytical techniques.

What cartoon is analyzed in the video?

The cartoon analyzed features Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump. It highlights themes of division, both in North Korea and the United States, using visual symbols like stars, the Confederate flag, and a missile.

What does the mnemonic 'CORAL' stand for in analyzing cartoons?

'CORAL' stands for Composition, Objects and symbols, Representation, Audience, and Language. It's used to guide the analysis of visual and textual elements in cartoons.

Why is color important in the cartoon discussed?

Color is important because the red used on the map and the Confederate flag draws attention, symbolizing division. The contrast between Kim Jong-un's black clothing and the bright colors also highlights different themes in the cartoon.

How does the student’s thesis address the cartoon?

The student's thesis highlights how the cartoon uses visual elements and layout to critique the apathy of world leaders like Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump toward social injustices, suggesting that this disregard could lead to permanent division or war.

What two characters are central to the cartoon’s narrative?

Kim Jong-un and a North Korean general are central to the cartoon’s narrative. The general is briefing Kim Jong-un about the divided state of the United States, drawing parallels between the U.S. and North Korea.

What is ironic about the use of stars in the cartoon?

The irony is that stars, usually a symbol of something positive, are used here to represent division and oppression. The stars on the Confederate flag and North Korean uniforms symbolize negative traits like conflict and authoritarian control.

What is the significance of the setting in the cartoon?

The setting, which appears to be a war room, contributes to the atmosphere of tension and division. It suggests that the leaders are focused on conflict and control rather than resolving issues of division.

How does the student paper demonstrate insight into the cartoon?

The student paper demonstrates insight by deeply analyzing symbols like the stars, contrasting interpretations, and linking visual elements to larger political implications, such as the self-serving nature of world leaders.

What are the key points students should focus on for IB English Paper 1 analysis?

Students should focus on authorial choices, interpreting subtleties, staying focused on the thesis and guiding question, using elevated vocabulary, and crafting complex yet concise sentences to ensure a strong analytical response.