IB Highlights: English A Literature Exam Questions

IB Question of the Week: What do English A Literature exam questions look like?

The IB English A Literature exam requires students to answer just one essay question, basing their answer on at least two works that they have studied.  How well could you compare and contrast two literary works in response to these questions:

 

1. Explore the techniques used by at least two playwrights you have studied to portray characters constrained by social expectations, and the effects created. 

2. In the works of at least two playwrights you have studied, compare the ways in which plot and structure are used to engage the audience.

3. Explore the techniques used to interweave elements of comedy and tragedy in the work of at least two playwrights you have studied.

 

Poetry

1. In the work of at least two poets you have studied, compare the techniques used to reveal the speaker, and the effects achieved.

2. With reference to the work of at least two poets you have studied, compare in what ways and to what effect language has been used to create intense and/or unforgettable moments.

3. Some poets shine a light on particular issues, while others criticize explicitly. Compare these different approaches in the work of at least two poets you have studied. 

 

1. Compare the different approaches to narrative that are used to create suspense in the works of at least two authors you have studied.

2. Some works end with a neat resolution; others are less clear cut. With reference to the work of at least two authors you have studied, compare the techniques used to create such endings and the effects achieved.

3. With reference to the works of at least two authors you have studied, compare the ways in which trapped or confined characters are used to highlight social issues.

 

1. How and to what effect are seemingly minor details resulting in major consequences presented in the work of at least two authors of prose other than fiction you have studied?

2. With reference to the works of at least two authors of prose other than fiction you have studied, compare the techniques used to portray misunderstanding and its effects.

3. In the works of at least two authors of prose other than fiction you have studied, discuss the creation of setting and its role in providing an emotional landscape for the reader. 

 

CAS Experiences Highlights: CAS experiences for all of our Upper School students (in the US and in China) include planting trees, riding a camel, participating in track, meditating, cooking Lobster Marinara, participating in community service club, holding a RELAX group meeting, and helping vaccinate livestock.

 

IB Overview:  The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum for grades 11-12 is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE).  Please refer to our IB webpage and to the IB Resources page in PowerSchool Learning for detailed IB information.