This page provides you with a clear and basic introduction to Paper 2, a comparative academic essay that focuses on two literary works that you have studied during your course.. 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 2 exams.
Paper 2 - What is it?
At Standard Level (SL), Paper 2 is a comparative essay.
What is involved? Your exam consists of four general questions. You choose to respond to one question, comparing and contrasting two literary works that you have studied during your course.
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 45 minutes.
What is it worth? Your exam is marked out of 30 marks. It makes up 35% of your overall assessment for the course.
At Higher Level (HL), Paper 2 is a comparative essay.
What is involved? Your exam consists of four general questions. You choose to respond to one question, comparing and contrasting two literary works that you have studied during your course.
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 45 minutes.
What is it worth? Your exam is marked out of 30 marks. It makes up 30% of your overall assessment for the course.
What are the marking criteria for Paper 2?
Standard Level (SL)
A: Knowledge, understanding and interpretation - Do you show knowledge and understanding of the works you have studied? In responding to the question you have chosen, do you effectively compare and contrast to show similarities and differences between the works? (10 marks)
B: Analysis and evaluation - Do you show an understanding of the choices made by writers, including aspects of language, technique, and style, to establish meaning? Do analyse and evaluate the works you have read to show an understanding of similarities and differences as you compare and contrast? (10 marks)
C: Focus and organisation - Do you present your ideas in a consistently focused and coherent way? Is your argument organised? Do you discuss your works in a more or less equal and balanced way? (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)
Higher Level (HL)
A: Knowledge, understanding and interpretation - Do you show knowledge and understanding of the works you have studied? In responding to the question you have chosen, do you effectively compare and contrast to show similarities and differences between the works? (10 marks)
B: Analysis and evaluation - Do you show an understanding of the choices made by writers, including aspects of language, technique, and style, to establish meaning? Do analyse and evaluate the works you have read to show an understanding of similarities and differences as you compare and contrast? (10 marks)
C: Focus and organisation - Do you present your ideas in a consistently focused and coherent way? Is your argument organised? Do you discuss your works in a more or less equal and balanced way? (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 2 - The Basics have you understood?
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