Paper 2 - Criterion B1 - UPDATE!

Summary

IB English presenters Andrew and Dave unpack Paper 2’s Criterion B1—analysis and evaluation of authorial choices—using a comparative response on gender. They explain the need to identify and precisely label textual features (language, technique, style, broader choices) and to link them to effects on meaning. Using A Doll’s House and A Streetcar Named Desire, they model strong body paragraphs: opening scenes (costume, dialogue, metaphor), unhealthy coping (self-harm, sexualized behavior), and final moments (defiance vs. descent into madness). The video stresses genre awareness, range of authorial choices, and clear analysis that connects techniques to thematic meaning.

Takeaways

• 📝 Criterion B1 in IB English Paper 2 focuses on the analysis and evaluation of textual features and authorial choices.
• 🎯 Students must identify and label precise authorial choices, such as language, techniques, and style, within their essays.
• 🔍 The guiding question for B1 asks to what extent the candidate analyzes and evaluates how meaning is shaped by these authorial choices.
• 📚 Effective analysis goes beyond identification — it must explore the effects of these choices and how they shape meaning.
• 💡 A strong Paper 2 response should demonstrate a range of authorial choices, showing depth and variety in analysis.
• 🎭 Genre awareness is key; for example, when analyzing drama, students should discuss elements like costume, dialogue, and tone.
• 👗 In the example of 'A Doll’s House,' costume changes, tone, and metaphor (e.g., 'doll wife') are highlighted as effective authorial choices.
• 🎶 In 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' sound effects, costume, and dialogue are examined to show how they reflect Blanche’s mental decline.
• ⚖️ Comparative analysis is valuable but belongs to Criterion B2 — B1 is specifically about authorial choices and their effects.
• 🏆 High-scoring responses for B1 include both analysis and evaluation, demonstrating how textual features shape meaning related to themes like gender norms.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the discussion between Andrew and Dave in the video?

The discussion focuses on changes to the IB English Paper 2 criteria, specifically criterion B1, which deals with the analysis and evaluation of authorial choices and textual features.

What does criterion B1 assess in IB English Paper 2?

Criterion B1 assesses the candidate’s ability to analyze and evaluate how meaning is shaped by the author’s choices in language, techniques, and style, as well as broader authorial decisions.

What guiding question helps break down criterion B1 for students?

The guiding question is: 'To what extent does the candidate analyze and evaluate how meaning is shaped by the choices of language, techniques, and style and/or broader authorial choices?'

What advice do Andrew and Dave offer students about demonstrating criterion B1 skills?

They advise students to precisely identify and label authorial choices, explain their effects on meaning, and demonstrate a range of such choices across their response.

Which past paper question do they use as an example for analysis?

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

Which literary works does the student analyze in the sample response discussed?

The student analyzes Henrik Ibsen’s 'A Doll’s House' and Tennessee Williams’s 'A Streetcar Named Desire.'

How does the student demonstrate awareness of genre in the first body paragraph?

The student discusses costume and costume change, showing understanding that these are key dramatic elements in analyzing a play like 'A Doll’s House.'

What authorial choices are highlighted in the discussion of 'A Doll’s House'?

The student notes choices such as costume, dialogue, tone, and the metaphor of the 'doll wife,' linking these to Nora’s epiphany and the shaping of meaning around gender norms and obligations.

How does the analysis of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' reflect criterion B1?

The analysis references costume elements, sound (such as the Varsouviana music), and dialogue to explore Blanche’s descent into madness and her dependence on gender expectations.

Why do Andrew and Dave consider the student’s body paragraphs strong examples for criterion B1?

They believe the paragraphs show clear identification of literary features, explanation of their effects on meaning, and thoughtful analysis and evaluation—demonstrating mastery of criterion B1.

What will be covered in the next video mentioned at the end of the transcript?

The next video will focus on criterion B2, which involves comparing and contrasting elements between works in the IB English Paper 2 essay.