IB English Paper 2 Survival Guide: Comparative Literature Tips for Success
Tackling IB English Paper 2 can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase your literary analysis skills. This guide will walk you through the essentials, from key objectives to tips for crafting a strong comparative essay.
🎯 Key Objectives of IB English Paper 2
In Paper 2, you’ll compare two literary works studied in your course. The goal is to analyze how the authors explore similar themes, ideas, or stylistic techniques, while drawing clear comparisons and contrasts.
You’re not just summarizing the texts—you’re showing how and why the authors’ choices create meaning, emphasizing connections and differences between the works.
📚 What Your Comparative Essay Needs to Include
1. Answer the Question
Paper 2 questions are thematic or stylistic. Examples might include:
“How do two authors explore the concept of identity?”
“Discuss the use of setting in two works.”
Your essay must directly address the question and link it to the two chosen texts.
2. Clear Comparisons Between Texts
Show a balance between similarities and differences.
Use comparative language throughout:
“While Author A portrays identity as fluid, Author B presents it as rigid and socially defined.”
“Both authors use symbolism to explore power, but Author A employs religious imagery, while Author B uses political motifs.”
3. Evidence from Both Texts
Include specific examples from each text to support your points.
Avoid vague references—name characters, scenes, or key moments to strengthen your argument.
4. Analytical Focus
Focus on how the writers create meaning through techniques like:
Symbolism
Narrative structure
Use of language
Characterization
Explain why these techniques are effective and relevant to the question.
🎯 How to Choose the Right Texts for Paper 2
Pick two texts that:
✓ Offer strong points of comparison for the question.
✓ You know well enough to discuss confidently.
✓ Contain rich examples of literary techniques.
For instance, if the question asks about identity:
You might choose Toni Morrison’s Beloved and Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, as both explore identity in relation to memory and societal constructs.
PRO TIP: Avoid pairing texts that are too similar, as this limits the scope of your analysis.
⏱️ Timing Tips for Paper 2
Paper 2 is a timed essay, with 1 hour and 45 minutes to showcase your comparative analysis skills. Managing your time effectively is crucial to ensure you produce a well-structured and detailed essay. Here’s a suggested breakdown:
5 minutes: Read the question carefully. Highlight keywords, identify what the question is asking, and brainstorm how each text relates to the question.
10 minutes: Plan your essay. Create a clear thesis and outline the key points for comparison. Decide how you will structure your essay (e.g., thematic approach or text-by-text approach).
85 minutes: Write your essay. Develop your arguments fully, ensuring that you balance your discussion between the two texts and provide detailed analysis and evidence.
5 minutes: Review and edit. Check for clarity, grammar, spelling, and coherence. Ensure your comparisons are clear and your thesis is consistently addressed.
Golden Rule: Don’t spend too much time on one text. Aim for a balanced discussion of both works, dedicating equal attention to their similarities and differences.
By sticking to this timing strategy, you’ll stay focused and maximize your performance on Paper 2.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Paper 2
Ignoring the Question: Stay focused on answering the specific question. Avoid writing a pre-prepared essay that doesn’t fit the prompt. Tailor your analysis to the exact wording of the question.
Uneven Analysis: Don’t focus too much on one text at the expense of the other. Ensure your essay maintains a balanced discussion of both works.
Plot Summary: Paper 2 is about analysis, not retelling the story. Assume your examiner already knows the plot. Focus on why and how the authors make their choices instead.
Lack of Evidence: Always back up your points with specific examples from the texts. Use quotes or detailed references to strengthen your argument and demonstrate your knowledge.
Not Comparing/Contrasting Authorial Choices: Paper 2 requires you to analyze the authorial choices that shape each text. Avoid simply listing similarities or differences between the texts without discussing how and why the authors’ techniques contribute to the themes, ideas, or stylistic elements being explored.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure your essay remains focused, analytical, and comparative, meeting the expectations of the Paper 2 exam.
💪 Power Moves for a Strong Comparative Essay
Craft a Clear Thesis: Your essay should revolve around a main argument that answers the question and ties the two texts together.
Use Comparative Language: Words like similarly, in contrast, while, and however help make your comparisons seamless.
Focus on Techniques: Discuss how the authors use literary devices to create meaning. For example:
“Author A’s use of stream-of-consciousness narration mirrors the protagonist’s fragmented identity, while Author B’s third-person omniscient perspective creates a sense of distance.”
Write with Confidence: Show the examiner you know your texts inside out.
🔑 The Secret Sauce for Success on Paper 2
Choose texts that inspire you—your passion will shine through in your analysis.
Know your texts deeply. Be prepared to discuss key moments, techniques, and themes.
Practice writing comparative essays under timed conditions to refine your structure and pacing.
Stay calm and focused. Remember, Paper 2 is about showing your ability to think critically and connect ideas.
With a solid understanding of your texts and a clear plan, you’re ready to ace IB English Paper 2. Keep practicing, and remember: every comparison you make is a chance to showcase your analytical skills. You’ve got this! 🎯
