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IB English Literature Paper 1 Guide

This document provides tips for writing an IB English Literature Paper 1 unseen commentary. It recommends starting with the key idea in the opening sentence rather than a literary feature. The commentary should focus on the effect on the reader and use the writer's name and choices frequently. Transitions between paragraphs should develop arguments, and topic sentences should state what effect was had on the reader and how. Quotations should be short and referenced, and the conclusion should not introduce new material but discuss the personal effect on the reader.

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Rahil Mehta
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2K views1 page

IB English Literature Paper 1 Guide

This document provides tips for writing an IB English Literature Paper 1 unseen commentary. It recommends starting with the key idea in the opening sentence rather than a literary feature. The commentary should focus on the effect on the reader and use the writer's name and choices frequently. Transitions between paragraphs should develop arguments, and topic sentences should state what effect was had on the reader and how. Quotations should be short and referenced, and the conclusion should not introduce new material but discuss the personal effect on the reader.

Uploaded by

Rahil Mehta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • IB English Literature Paper 1: Unseen Commentary

IB English Literature Paper 1: Unseen Commentary

Top Tips:
 Opening sentence: what is the key idea?
 Frequent use of writer’s name and mentions of their choices.
 Don’t lead with a literary feature. “This poem has many metaphors” -Bad topic
sentence.
 Focus on the effect on the reader.
 Transitions between paragraphs should develop arguments.
o Intricate topic sentences
 Topic sentences: what (effect on reader) and how.
 Diction should be preceded by adjective.
o There is a lot of temporal diction. (Diction about time)
 Don’t use the word “theme” instead use “key idea” or “concept” or “convey”
 Short quotations, reference using brackets and line number
 Personal effect on reader in conclusion.
 Conclusion should not introduce new material.

Opening sentence:
 Begin with writer and title
 Followed by verbs such as
o Examines
o Explores
o Investigates
o Reflects on
 “MacNeice’s soap suds……”
 “In the poem, MacNeice explores the memories caused by sensory triggers in order
to convey the character’s feelings towards the progression of life.”

IB English Literature Paper 1: Unseen Commentary Top Tips:  Opening sentence: what is the key idea?  Frequent use of w

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