“One guiding question will be provided for each passage on a central technical or formal element that may provide an interesting point of entry into the text. Although it is not compulsory to answer this question, students should be aware that it is expected that the analysis will be focused on a particular aspect or aspects of the text. Students may propose an alternative point of entry about any other technical or formal element of the text they feel important in order to provide such a focus.”
IB English A Language and Literature Course Guide
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Types of guiding questions
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Comment on how text and image work together to appeal to multiple audiences.
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Explore how various features are used on this webpage to create an impression of Indian culture.
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Comment on how the writer develops an argument about the seriousness of climate change.
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Examine how the narrative voice is used to create a sense of immediacy whilst also attempting to involve the reader.
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Understanding guiding questions
'Comment', 'examine', and 'explore'
⇒ analyze the relationship between form and meaning and evaluate by stating how successful the text is at achieving its purpose (Criterion B)
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Each question has both a specific and a general part, pertaining to either style or purpose.
"Various features" = vague/general style
"To create an impression of Indian culture" = specific purpose
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Comment on how text and image work together to appeal to multiple audiences.
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Explore how various features are used on this webpage to create an impression of Indian culture.
•
Comment on how the writer develops an argument about the seriousness of climate change.
•
Examine how the narrative voice is used to create a sense of immediacy whilst also attempting to involve the reader.
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How to approach guiding questions
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Circle or underline 'how' (style/form), 'what', and 'why' (purpose) parts of the question.
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Build a mind map that branches out from the 'how' part with examples of 2-4 major stylistic features.
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Branch out from the 'why' part of the question with key points regarding the meanings, messages, and purposes of the text.
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Find the most specific word in the guiding question. Include words from the guiding question in your thesis statement.
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Include words and phrases from the guiding question throughout your response, especially when writing the final sentences of each paragraph.