1. Overview
The IB English A: Language and Literature Paper 2 is a crucial component of the course that challenges students to engage in a comparative analysis of two studied literary works in response to a broad prompt, which may focus on themes, characterization, stylistic features, or cultural contexts. Students are required to write a well-structured essay, drawing on their knowledge of the texts without access to them during the exam.
Paper 2 emphasizes critical thinking, encouraging students to explore similarities and differences between texts, analyze authorial choices, and construct coherent arguments supported by relevant textual references. This guide provides comprehensive insights, from understanding the expectations of Paper 2 to structuring essays effectively, with sample responses to help students achieve a strong performance.
Higher Level
Assessment | Text | Format | Task | Time | % |
Paper 1 | Two non-literary | Previously unseen | Two written analyses | 2 h 15 min | 35 |
Paper 2 | Two literary | Studied in class | One written analysis on one of four prompts | 1 h 45 min | 25 |
HL Essay | One literary or one non-literary | Studied in class | One written analysis on a topic of student’s choice (1200-1500 words) | One written analysis on a topic of student’s choice (1200-1500 words) | 20 |
Individual Oral | One literary and one non-literary | Studied in class | One oral analysis on a global issue | 15 min | 20 |
Standard Level
Assessment | Text | Format | Task | Time | % |
Paper 1 | Two non-literary | Previously unseen | One written analysis on one of two texts | 1 h 15 min | 35 |
Paper 2 | Two literary | Studied in class | One written analysis on one of four prompts | 1 h 45 min | 35 |
2. Time Management During Exam
Effective time management is crucial to complete your essay without rushing.
Recommended Breakdown:
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5–10 Minutes: Plan
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Choose the best prompt.
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Outline your thesis and key points.
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Sketch a quick C&C chart for clarity.
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10 Minutes: Write the Introduction
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Practice writing introductions beforehand so that 70% of the content is from memorization.
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60–70 Minutes: Write the Body
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Spend approximately 15-20 minutes on each body paragraph.
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Focus on quality over quantity—three to four well-developed paragraphs are sufficient.
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10 Minutes: Write the Conclusion
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Write your conclusion but don’t summarize the points of the body paragraphs too descriptively.
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5 Minutes: Proofread
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Check for clarity, coherence, and grammar errors. Ensure your essay addresses the prompt directly.
3. Assessment Criteria
Original Criteria (for May 2025 and November 2025)
Criterion A | Knowledge, understanding and interpretation How much knowledge and understanding of the works does the candidate show? To what extent does the candidate make use of knowledge and understanding of the works to draw conclusions about their similarities and differences in relation to the question? | 10 marks |
Criterion B | Analysis and evaluation To what extent does the candidate analyze and evaluate how the choices of language, technique and style, and/or broader authorial choices, shape meaning? How effectively does the candidate use analysis and evaluation skills to compare and contrast both works? | 10 marks |
Criterion C | Focus and organization How well structured, balanced, and focused is the presentation of ideas? | 5 marks |
Criterion D | Language How clear, varied, and accurate is the language? How appropriate is the choice of register and style? (“Register” refers, in this context, to the candidate’s use of elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence structure and terminology appropriate to the essay). | 5 marks |
Total | 30 marks |
Updated Criteria (for May 2026 exams and beyond)
Criterion A | Knowledge, understanding and interpretation
• How much knowledge and understanding of the works does the candidate show?
• To what extent does the candidate make use of knowledge and understanding of the works to draw conclusions about their similarities and differences in relation to the question? | 5 marks |
Criterion B | Criterion B1: Analysis and evaluation of textual features and /or broader authorial choices
• To what extent does the candidate analyze and evaluate how meaning is shaped by the choices of language, technique and style, and/or broader authorial choices?
Criterion B.2: Comparative analysis
• How effectively does the candidate analyze similarities and/or differences between the two works studied? | 5 marks |
Criterion C | Focus and organization
• How well structured, balanced, and focused is the presentation of ideas? | 5 marks |
Criterion D | Language
• How clear, varied, and accurate is the language?
• How appropriate is the choice of register and style? (“Register” refers, in this context, to the candidate’s use of elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence structure and terminology appropriate to the essay). | 5 marks |
Total | 25 marks |
The Paper 2 task will remain essentially unchanged. The number of questions in the examination will stay the same, and they will continue to focus on general literary topics. Additionally, the text types, which include literary works, will not be altered. Criteria C and D in the marking criteria will also remain unchanged. The only modifications will apply to Criteria A and B, although the skills being assessed will remain the same.