This page provides you with a clear and basic introduction to Paper 1, a task in guided textual analysis. Later pages provide you with tips, models, and activities to help you develop the understandings and skills required to write winning responses in your important Paper 1 exams.
Paper 1 - What is it?
At Standard Level (SL), Paper 1 is a task in guided textual analysis.
What is involved? You will have a choice of two non-literary extracts, each of a different kind. Each extract is accompanied by one guiding question. You choose one extract, and write critically and analytically about it.
When does it take place? It takes place at the end of your course. In northern hemisphere IB schools, this is in May at the end of the second year of study. In southern hemisphere IB schools, this is in November at the end of the second year of study.
How long do you have? Your exam lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes.
What is it worth? Your exam is marked out of 20 marks. It makes up 35% of your overall assessment for the course.
At Higher Level (HL), Paper 1 is a task in guided textual analysis.
What is involved? Your exam will consist of two non-literary extracts, each of a different kind. Each extract is accompanied by one guiding question. You write critically and analytically about both extracts.
When does it take place? It takes place at the end of your course. In northern hemisphere IB schools, this is in May at the end of the second year of study. In southern hemisphere IB schools, this is in November at the end of the second year of study.
How long do you have? Your exam lasts for 2 hours 15 minutes.
What is it worth? Your exam is marked out of 40 marks. It makes up 30% of your overall assessment for the course.
What are the marking criteria for Paper 1?
At Standard Level (SL)
A: Understanding and interpretation - Do you understand the text? Do you show insight and understanding into the texts subtelties and implications? Do you support your claims with well-chosen references to the text? (5 marks)
B: Analysis and evaluation - Do you show, through considered analysis and evaluation, an understanding of how the language of a text and the choices writers make establish meaning? (5 marks)
C: Focus and organisation - Do you present your ideas in a consistently focused and coherent way? Is your analysis organised? (5 marks)
D: Language - Is your language clear, carefully chosen, and precise? Is your register (i.e. formality, style, word choice) appropriate, and do you use terminology effectively? (5 marks)
At Higher Level (HL)
A: Understanding and interpretation - Do you understand the text? Do you show insight and understanding into the texts subtelties and implications? Do you support your claims with well-chosen references to the text? (5 marks)
B: Analysis and evaluation - Do you show, through considered analysis and evaluation, an understanding of how the language of a text and the choices writers make establish meaning? (5 marks)
C: Focus and organisation - Do you present your ideas in a consistently focused and coherent way? Is your analysis organised? (5 marks)
D: Language - Is your language clear, carefully chosen, and precise? Is your register (i.e. formality, style, word choice) appropriate, and do you use terminology effectively? (5 marks)
How much of Paper 1 - The Basics have you understood?
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