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  • Sep 15, 2023

IB Lang Lit SL/HL Paper 2 Comparative Essay: Journey

A critical commentary responding to a IB Lang Lit Paper 2 prompt comparing Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and Henrik Ibsen's A Doll House on their use or presentation of journey/s.

how to write a comparative essay ib english

The Question: Journey

Referring to two works you have studied, discuss how the writers portray the significance of a journey..

Some questions will have philosophical quotes to open the question , functioning as a frame for your thinking and interpretation of the literary/dramatic texts you choose to compare. Luckily (or perhaps unluckily), this question does not have such a feature . This means you will need to frame the topic/motif word, "journey", yourself.

Identify specific instances or moments and/or motifs/symbols in the literary texts for a sharper , more targeted comparison .

Ensure that the question/prompt/topic you choose should be quite clearly or easily seen/noticed in the texts of your choice.

Of course, this could be after allowing yourself some time to reframe/slightly re-define the topic . For instance, a journey is an act of travelling , it includes a starting point and a destination , or multiple destinations . It takes you from place/space/state to place/space/state . It involves some forms of movement or even displacement . To do so, agency is often required . You could examine both physical/literal journeys/movements and spiritual/metaphorical ones. So feel free (of course with restraint and discretion), to redefine or reframe the prompt/concept word such that it allows more space and applicability to your texts . However, do exercise discretion when doing so. Ensure that you are not distorting the topic or the prompt into something unrecognisable!

Do be acutely sensitive to the similarities or differences in literary form and structure of the texts you have studied. Even if they are of similar form (prose, drama, poetry), there are often differences or nuances to their styles , and the socio-historical and literary contexts in which the texts have been produced, shaped and situated .

The Essay for IB Lang Lit Paper 2

The characters in Death of a Salesman (henceforth Salesman ) by Arthur Miller and A Doll’s House (henceforth Doll) by Henrik Ibsen undertake various journeys of great significance. On the surface, these journeys symbolise immense promise, fundamentally altering the course of characters’ lives toward fortune and success. However, this potential is deeply deceptive. For both Willy Loman and Nora Helmer, these journeys represent their deepest insecurities and fears as well, embodying their greatest failings in the eyes of society. At the end of the two texts, both characters embark on final journeys to leave their lives behind definitively. While Willy’s last journey into death is a culmination of his empty life of failure and broken dreams, Nora’s departure represents a fresh beginning for her, journeying away from her old life of restriction and dependence toward a new future of freedom.

Both Salesman and Doll have significant journeys at their core, travelling to faraway lands in pursuit of fortune and salvation. In Salesman , Miller employs Willy’s older brother Ben’s journey to Africa, where he made his fortune discovering diamond mines, as a potent symbol of the American Dream. When Ben first appears to Willy, Miller’s stage directions describe him as “a stolid man, in his sixties, with a moustache and an authoritative air”, painting a striking portrait of his confident stature and presence. Indeed, he is “utterly certain of his destiny, and there is an aura of far places about him” – his commanding, well-travelled presence embodies respect, power, and wealth to Willy, wholly encapsulating his ultimate conception of consummate success. Indeed, Ben’s journey into the jungle with its diamonds is a repeated motif throughout Salesman . Existing as a figment of Willy’s imagination, Ben and his journey symbolise the American Dream, feeding into the pipe dream of rags-to-riches success that Willy has chased his whole life. Willy’s belief that, “the jungle is dark but full of diamonds” demonstrates his unwavering faith and hope in an exotic journey to lead him towards the glittering promise of precious diamonds, delivering him the fortune and fulfilment that he desperately desires.

In Ibsen’s work, it is the Helmers’ journey to Italy to cure Torvald’s illness that forms the foundation of their life of bliss and luxury thereafter, serving as a central symbol of Nora’s love and commitment to her role as Torvald’s wife and their happy life together. Nora explains to Mrs Linde, “It was to me that the doctors came and said that [Torvald’s] life was in danger, and that the only thing to save him was to live in the south.” Indeed, the life-threatening stakes of the journey are evident, underscored by the absolute “only” suggesting its sheer importance for Torvald’s survival. As such, she tells Mrs Linde that “I too have something to be proud and glad of. It was I who saved Torvald’s life.” Her repetition of the personal pronoun emphasises her role and agency in saving her husband, evincing the magnitude of her happiness and sense of achievement in her efforts. Indeed, the journey is Nora’s greatest triumph. Just as Ben’s journey is a symbol of the riches and success that Willy dreams of, the Helmers’ journey is likewise a symbol for Nora of their good fortune, single-handedly saving her beloved and ensuring the future of their “beautiful happy home”.

However, these journeys harbour deeper, darker significances as well. These journeys serve as portentous symbols of betrayal and deceit in the texts, burdening the characters with their heavy, leaden weight. In Salesman , while both Willy’s father’s journey to Alaska and Ben’s journey to Africa represent their pursuit of great riches and success, they are also painful symbols of the betrayal and abandonment he suffers. As Willy reminisces, “Dad left when I was such a baby and I never had a chance to talk to him and I still feel– kind of temporary about myself” – the polysyndeton adds a plaintive, child-like quality to his speech, emphasised by his forlorn admission of his feelings of “temporar[iness]”, demonstrating his deep sense of hurt and betrayal from his father’s journey to Alaska. Similarly, Willy “longingly” pleads “Can’t you stay a few days” as Ben moves to leave the scene, desperately trying to get Ben to remain with him. For Willy, these expeditions are traumatic reminders of his father’s and brother’s betrayals of him, leaving him behind to fend for himself in the dust, revealing the dual significance of their journeys.

For Doll , it is Nora’s act of deceit and subterfuge that forms the core of the Helmers’ journey to Italy. Not only was her forgery to borrow the money for the trip a criminal act, but her deception of doing so behind Torvald’s back represents a massive transgression against the societal expectations of female obedience and financial dependence. As such, the significance of her betrayal and deceit lies in her desperate attempts to conceal her disgraceful secret, lest it ruin the Helmers’ happiness and reputation it had brought about. In criticising Krogstad’s own act of forgery, Torvald unknowingly comments on his wife’s own situation, saying, “A fog of lies like that in a household, and it spreads disease and infection to every part of it. Every breath the children take in that kind of house is reeking of evil germs.” Ibsen employs the metaphor of infection to describe perceived moral bankruptcy, proliferating and eating away at all in its vicinity. Powerfully, he even adopts the idea of an all-consuming “fog” that envelopes everyone in its shroud, invasively entering the “breath” of children and thoroughly corrupting them. The Helmers’ journey to Italy is one such act of deceit, suggesting that in Nora’s greatest act of love and salvation lies a symbol of her deepest disgrace and betrayal of society’s conventions and expectations of her.

Damningly, the two playwrights also demonstrate the ultimate hollowness of the fortunes promised by these journeys. In Salesman , Miller deflates the symbol of the American Dream with the sharp pin prick of reality, exposing the beguiling riches and fortune of exotic journeys as empty promises. When Willy asks Linda about the “diamond watch fob” that Ben brought back from Africa for him, Linda reminds him that he “pawned it… for Biff’s radio correspondence course.” The symbolic riches of Ben’s journey to Africa are undermined by the harsh reality of the Lomans’ poverty, exposing the hollowness of the lofty fortune and success that Ben’s journey promised. Moreover, Willy’s own journeys as a salesman are a far cry from the exciting, fortune-filled adventures of Ben’s expedition, with his dull, dreary travels earning him a paltry income that barely supports his family. When Willy initially recounts his business journey to Linda, he proudly declares that he made “five hundred gross in Providence and seven hundred gross in Boston”. Yet, these inflated boasts are quickly punctured as Linda works out his actual earnings of a meagre “seven dollars and some pennies”, only worsened by the overwhelming cumulative list of mounting debts in “…nine-sixty for the washing machine… for the vacuum cleaner there’s three and a half due on the fifteenth. Then the roof, you got twenty-one dollars remaining”. Far from the alluring promise of wealth and adventures embodied by the “diamonds” , Willy’s own journeys merely offer the mundane reality of broken household appliances and indigent poverty, exposing the drab truth belying the glittering journey towards the American Dream.

Likewise, Ibsen demonstrates the inherent hollowness of the blissful family life gleaned from the Helmers’ journey. Just as Willy realises that the promise of Ben’s epic journey is a mere pipe dream, it becomes evident that the apparent good fortune of love and happiness brought about by the Helmers’ trip is a lie, with their marriage built primarily on Torvald’s desire for respect, control, and reputation, rather than any genuine feeling. Upon discovering Nora’s secret, Torvald’s reaction is not one of gratitude but instead of deep reproach and fury, exposing his preoccupation with social approval above all else. He tells Nora, “The thing must be hushed up at all costs”, only able to refer to her act of selfless sacrifice obliquely as “the thing”, and even demanding continued secrecy around the truth of their journey to the extent of the absolute in “at all costs”, demonstrating the intensity of his shame and emasculated humiliation. Cruelly, he declares, “All we can do is save the bits and pieces from the wreck, preserve appearances…”. The ideal life of a loving husband and happy family crumbles as Torvald reveals his true colours, callously referring to Nora’s greatest act of love as a disastrous “wreck”, leaving behind the ruined remnants of “bits and pieces” from their former, blissful façade. Instead, he is focused on the maintenance of “appearances”, suggesting his prioritisation of his social image over any true affection or love for Nora. As such, Ibsen demonstrates the superficiality of their love, exposing their joyful domestic life together, made possible by their trip to Italy, to be lacking in true happiness and only possessing frivolous, foolish “merry”.

Ultimately, both plays end with their respective protagonists’ departure from their old lives. For Salesman , Willy takes his car and commits suicide, embarking on a tragic final journey into the “dark jungle” of death. In the Requiem, Linda tells Willy, “I made the last payment on the house today. Today, dear. And there’ll be nobody home”. Despite the fulfilment of one of the Loman’s life goals, the “diamonds” reaped are completely hollow, without any happiness, family, or meaning behind it. We are confronted with the inherent meaninglessness of the various journeys of Willy’s life, as well as the ultimate emptiness of his final journey into death, demonstrating the yawning chasm between reality and the grand symbolism of Ben’s journey and the American Dream. In the closing moments of Salesman , the stage is filled with the enchanting “music of the flute”, alluding to the tantalising journey into the wilderness that eluded Willy all his life. Even in death, he is haunted by the glimmering potential of what could have been, leading away towards riches and success just out of reach.

Conversely, Nora’s flight is much more empowering and hopeful. While Willy’s death is merely the final meaningless journey of a long life of meaningless journeys, Nora’s departure stands in contrast to the Helmers’ trip that catalyses the play. The woman who embarked on that initial journey, naïve and wholly self-effacing in the face of her husband’s needs, is different from the woman who leaves her husband at the end of the play, independent and free from the restrictions of his patronising iron fist of control. The play ends with “the sound of a door shutting”, with its resounding note of finality ringing out across the stage in a decisive end to her old life of dependence and captivity.

While both plays employ journeys as a glimmering symbol of reward, promising great fortune and fulfilment, Miller and Ibsen recognise the deceptive quality of these false promises. In time, these journeys come to harbour darker significances of deceit and betrayal for the characters, with their apparent promises of happiness and riches exposed to be hollow illusions. At the end of each play, both protagonists embark on final journeys to leave their old lives behind. While Willy’s final journey into death encapsulates a lifetime hopelessly spent chasing dreams just out of reach, Ibsen illuminates a brighter, hopeful future for Nora as she begins her new life.

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how to write a comparative essay ib english

HL External Assessments, first examinations 2021

HL Paper 2: Comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question, students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. (30 marks) 25%

SL Paper 2: Comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question, students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. Students are required to answer one question only.(30 marks) 35%

The only difference between HL and SL is that HL Paper 2 is weighted less at 25% while SL Paper 2 is weighted at 25%.

Comparative essay on literary texts

Paper Two Explained

Paper Two Rubric

High Exemplar and Comments

Mid Range Exemplar and Comments

Producing a Paper Two: Compare and Contrast Two Texts Analysis, IB External Assessment (May of Senior Year)

Compare and Contrast Two Texts, Similarities and Differences

Compare and Contrast Two Texts, Point by Point Method

Compare and Contrast Two Texts, Block Method

Developing a Thesis

TWO WORKS: Writing the thesis statement for a compare/contrast essay

In (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme), while in (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme).

In (Name of Work) and (Name of Work), both (Full Name of First Author) and (Full Name of Second Author) (use, employ, utilize, rely on) (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme)

IB Language and Literature 2.0

Group 1 english higher and standard level, literary compare and contrast, how to approach ibdp language and literature and ibdp literature paper 2..

Whether you are a standard or higher level student, Paper 2 tests your ability to compare and contrast the literary works you have studied on your course. In fact, the paper is the same for both higher level and standard level students. You will be give a choice of four ‘open’ questions and you will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to compare and contrast the content, form and writing features of two literary works of your choice in light of the question you choose to answer. There are 30 marks available in this paper, which represent 35% of your grade at SL and 25% at HL. The only rule you must follow when choosing your works is you may not write about a literary work that you have used for a previous assessment. That means that the work(s) you discussed in your Individual Oral Presentation and your HL Essay (if you chose a literary work at all) are off the table. Despite this limitation, that still leaves you a choice of: two out of three literary works if you are a Standard Level Lang and Lit student; at least four works if you are a Higher Level Lang and Lit student; six works if you are an SL Literature student; all the way up to choosing two out of a whopping ten remaining works should you be a Higher Level Literature student. Oh – and did I mention Paper 2 is a closed book exam? Yes, that means you’re going to have to prepare your references in advance (more on that later).

Whichever Language A course you have elected to study, in this section you’ll learn how to prepare for Paper 2, explore some different questions, see how to plan on the day, and discover how to structure and write a brilliant compare and contrast essay. You’ll find sample essays that have been written using the texts from your course which you can read and discuss, and you’ll be encouraged to prepare in the best way possible: by writing your own practice responses to sample open questions.

Class Activity 1: FAQs

Having to sit any exam can be a stressful experience, and even the best students may experience nerves and anxiety in the run up to an important exam. Thankfully, once you’re in the exam room, and it’s just you and your paper, nerves tend to melt away – and some people even report enjoying having the time and space to compose a longer piece of writing and show what they can do! One of the best ways to alleviate stress in the build up to your exams is to be confident in what you are being asked to do. So – how well do you know and understand the requirements of this paper?

Pair up and discuss these frequently asked questions – click on each one (or scroll down to the bottom of this page) to see whether you are right and to discover some good advice.

Class Activity 2: Make Your Own Revision Guide

Trying to answer correctly a question or a problem that is difficult for us, forces us to reflect exercising multiple cognitive functions. Consequently, it generates better learning, even when the answer is incorrect. The more “mental sweat” it costs us to recover some of the memory, the better it will be anchored later and the more it will also cost to forget it. From Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

how to write a comparative essay ib english

I’m not going to tell you not to reread the texts you want to write about in your paper 2 exam. And i’m not going to tell you not to review your notes either. What I am going to say is that these methods practiced by themselves create something called the ‘Illusion of Knowing.’ If ever you’ve tried to answer a question in class and said something like, “I know the answer but I can’t explain it right now,” you’ve experienced the illusion of knowing for yourself. You recognise material you’ve previously seen and your brain tricks you that you ‘get it’. Familiarity is not the same as mastery – in fact, familiarising yourself with your prior learning is only the second step in a ten step process identified in the book Make It Stick (see infographic above). To help you get a few steps ahead – all the way to step 7: ‘Elaborate’ – you’re going to have to get active.

It’s not enough to simply reread what you’ve studied before. Writing in your own words generates more impact than passively reviewing what has been previously heard or read. It is useful, for example, to write a summary of what you remember immediately after reviewing your notes. Build structures by extracting the most important ideas and create a written framework for them. Don’t be afraid to explore new thoughts and ideas by connecting fresh concepts you’ve recently learned with previous concepts from your notes. After all, you may be working with texts you studied last week, last month, or even last year.

What’s more, the internet is chock full of tools that make this kind of work easier and more enjoyable. You might like to create a Padlet , collaborate with other people using Onenote , or use Canva to make a visually stunning booklet. You may know software that I’ve never even heard of, but would be perfect for making a revision guide to a literary work. Or you might prefer to work the old fashioned way with pen and paper, creating a poster, booklet or handout. However you choose to work, include in your revision guide: plot summary; setting; characters; themes; important symbols; key quotations (ten or so is a good number to aim for); the major literary features of the text; contextual information . Try to create as concise a revision guide as possible – and always try to use your own words rather than simply copying notes from one place to another. To empower yourself even further, explain your work to other students verbally once you’ve finished.

Class Activity 3: Venn Diagram

When it comes to compare and contrast, there’s no better planning method than the Venn diagram. Deriving it’s name from John Venn’s 1880s published maths papers, the humble Venn diagram has actually been used for centuries by philosophers and mathematicians to consider and organise logical relationships between two or more items – such as the two literary works you need to write about in your exam. At the beginning of your Paper 2 exam, after you’ve chosen your question and before you begin to write your answer, you can use a Venn diagram to quickly and easily organise your thoughts, highlighting how the works are similar and different in relation to a given question.

Select a question from this list , use the questions below, or work with a question you have been given by your teacher. Spend approximately ten minutes thinking about how you might use two literary works of your choice to answer the question, noting your ideas about similarities and differences between two texts on a Venn diagram template. Feed your ideas back to your classmates.

Learner Portfolio: practice for Paper 2

You know what they say: practise makes perfect. Undoubtedly the best way to prepare for any exam is to ‘Generate’ (refer to Step 8 in the Make It Stick infographic). There’s no getting away from it – paper 2 is a challenging exam. It’s probably one of your longest examinations and you might find it the most mentally and physically draining. It’s not easy to write for an hour and forty-five minutes, give or take. Generating sample answers of your own not only increases your familiarity with the texts you might use, but it will also help build your physical and mental stamina. You’ll make discoveries about the texts you read, find ways to explore complex issues, develop your own use of language, and more, through the process of generation. Practicing earlier rather than later gives you time to ‘Reflect’ (step 9) and ‘Calibrate’ (step 10) as well.

Here is a selection of open questions written in the style of the questions you’ll be given in the Paper 2 examination. You can click on some of these questions to read sample answers that have been prepared as models for you to discuss and learn from. While all of these answers have clear strengths, none are perfect, so you might like to discuss how you would approach the questions differently or improve the answers. When you feel you are ready, choose any question and prepare an answer using your own choice of two literary works. Submit your answer for grading, then add it to your Learner Portfolio:

  • Referring to two of the literary works you have studied, discuss both how and why the text invites the reader to identify with situations, characters and/or ideas.
  • Friendship marks a life more deeply than romantic love. Consider this idea with reference to two works you have studied.
  • Some say ignorance is bliss. How is ‘not knowing’ presented in two of the works you have studied and to what effect?
  • Discuss the significance of urban and/or rural settings in two works of literature you have studied.
  • With reference to two literary works studied, consider how the point of view shapes our understanding of the story.
  • Often the appeal for the reader of a literary work is the atmosphere a writer creates (for example, peaceful, menacing, or ironic). Discuss some of the ways atmospheres are conveyed, and to what effect, in two works of literature you have studied.
  • How is ‘home’ depicted in two of the literary works you have studied, and what is its significance?
  • In any two of the literary works you have studied, discuss the means as well as the effectiveness with which power or authority is exercised.
  • Animals and images drawn from the world of animals are a rich source of inspiration for writers. Discuss how animals and natural images are used to develop central ideas in two works of literature you have studied.
  • Works of literature can often function as social commentary. Discuss with reference to two literary works you have studied.

Wider Reading and Research

  • Successful Learning According to Science – article at the Siltom Institute

FAQ: Answers

Is paper 2 harder than paper 1.

I would say the answer to this question is ‘it depends’. Some students prefer the analytical writing required by Paper 1. It is also easier in terms of reading requirements: the texts in Paper 1 can usually be read in just a few minutes. On the other hand, Paper 1 is more of a ‘one-shot’ task. If you misread or misinterpret an unseen text in Paper 1, it can be difficult to compose an effective answer. Because Paper 2 involves discussing texts that you have prepared, and should be very familiar with, you are much less likely to make mistakes in understanding and interpretation.

How many works should I prepare?

Paper 2 requires you to compare and contrast any two literary works you have studied (except those you have already used for a previous assessment; the rules are quite clear that you cannot use the same text twice). If you are a Standard Level Language and Literature student, it is more than likely that you will only have three remaining texts in any case, so you should prepare two of these in as much detail as you can. There is no requirement to choose texts from the same genre – nor must you prepare texts from different genres. You can prepare two poets or no poets; combine a novelist with a playwright, a non-fiction work with a collection of poetry, and so on. There are also no requirements about texts written in English and translated texts. The choice is yours. The questions you will be offered are open enough to appeal to any combination, as long as you have studied the texts as part of your literature course. Visit some of the samples prepared for you on this page to look at the variety of different text combinations in action.

Students of other courses, especially Higher Level Literature students, will have many more texts to choose from. Nevertheless, this exam paper is the same for all four Language A courses and you too will only need to write about two texts. However, it is possible that you have found many ways to compare several of your texts and are interested in preparing different combinations that will help you answer different questions. Keep in mind, though, that preparing a text in detail can be a time-consuming process and, while I’ve no doubt that English is one of your favourite subjects (!) you have other exams to prepare for as well. There is only so much time you can dedicate to revision and only so much information that your brain can comfortably hold. It is recommended, therefore, that you prepare two texts like everybody else, and certainly no more than three texts. If you do prepare an extra text, remember write about only two about once you have chosen the question you want to answer in the exam.

How do I choose the best question to answer?

The exam paper will give you a choice of four open questions of which you must pick only one. Try not to enter your exam determined to answer a specific question or type of question – what might happen if a question you prefer is not available on the day? Your choice should be primarily guided by the suitability of the texts you have prepared. It is highly likely that one of the questions is totally un suitable for the texts you have prepared and you should eliminate this question without a second thought. For example, perhaps the question is asking you to write about the presentation of future societies in two literary works – and your texts are not set in future societies! You can also discount questions where you do not understand the wording or you have never studied the central issue in the question. For example, if a question asks you how literary works use humour to create effects, and you have never discussed uses of humour or humorous writing conventions in your class, it might be wise to avoid this question as well. Use the process of elimination to quickly narrow down your options.

Once you have eliminated one or two questions, you should be left with a manageable choice, or maybe even a straight decision to make out of two. Any question you have not crossed out by now is a question that, theoretically, you could answer. It is time to make a confident choice about which question is most suitable for the texts that you have prepared. You may be lucky and something that you have studied extensively in class might be staring you right in the face. For example, perhaps you wrote a Learner Portfolio entry about a certain writer’s use of symbolism – and here’s a question asking you to compare symbolism in two literary works. Even if this is not the case, you should be able to make a confident choice about which question to answer for the duration of the exam.

One last piece of advice: once you have made a plan and begun to write – stick with your choice. The very worst thing you can do is change your mind partway through an exam. Have faith in yourself; if you get stuck, pause, think through any problems, and return to your Venn diagram rather than go back to the start.

What should I write in the introduction?

It is essential that in your introduction you achieve three aims:

  • Define the terms of the question you have chosen to answer and set yourself a conceptual framework in which to write;
  • Introduce the literary works that you will use to explore these terms;
  • State your thesis by setting out specific ways in which your chosen works are both similar and different in terms of the concept you have defined.

You’ll find a good thesis has three parts as well: how the concept is presented through a feature of Work A; how the concept is presented through a feature of Work B; how the concept is presented through a shared feature or different features of both works A and B. Examine the introductions in the sample answers on this page to see what this looks like in practice.

How should I structure my response?

The idea of comparing and contrasting two complete literary works can be quite overwhelming, and it helps to practise writing in a structure that is effective and achievable in the time you are given in the exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is important to remember that this exercise is a comparative essay , for which there are two widely accepted ‘structures’ or ‘shapes’ in which to write: block structure and point-by-point structure . Writing in a block structure means you will cluster your ideas about one text before moving to the next – literally writing in long ‘blocks’. Point-by-point structures alternate between one text then the other, making careful points of comparison and contrast along the way. While both have advantages and disadvantages, neither is inherently right or wrong and you should practice both until you find an approach that suits you, your abilities, and the question at hand. In fact, you may find that certain questions lend themselves to one particular structure over another. Generally speaking, though, point-by-point is a more difficult structure to manage, as you need to organise your ideas carefully before you start to write; however, you will have more opportunities to draw comparisons, which is the whole point of this paper, and you may find this approach more fruitful:

  • Introduction
  • Block 1: discuss features of Work A in light of the question. Include analysis of writing features and/or stylistic choices made by the writer of Work A.
  • Block 2: discuss features of Work B in light of the question. Include analysis of writing features or stylistic choices made by the writer of Work B. Begin to draw comparisons or contrasts with Work A, but keep the focus on Work B.
  • Block 3: discuss the similarities and/or differences between Work A and Work B in light of the given question.

POint-by-point

  • Discuss one writing feature of Work A in light of the question.
  • Explicitly draw parallels with a feature of Work B, drawing out points of similarity and difference.
  • Discuss a second writing feature of Work A in light of the question.
  • Repeat as many times as you can in the time available…

Whichever structure you choose, in terms of length, you should aim to write over three pages and maybe as much as five pages, depending on the size of your handwriting. While quality is preferable to quantity, you need to be honest with yourself about how much knowledge, understanding, analysis, and discussion you can convey in anything under three pages, no matter how small you think your handwriting is. Short answers (and over-long, rambling answers) are unlikely to score very well. It is also strongly advised that you arrange your work in manageable paragraphs, clearly signposting your comparisons (points of similarity) and contrasts (points of difference) using appropriate connectives and linking phrases, such as:

To compare:

  • Bears similarity to
  • In the same way
  • Compares to

to contrast:

  • On the other hand
  • By contrast
  • As opposed to
  • In a different way
  • Contrasts with

Do I need to memorise quotations?

A close look at the mark scheme for Paper 2 will help answer this question. Criteria B is marked according to your ability to analyse and evaluate ‘ textual features and/or writers’ broader choices ‘. These phrases give you considerable scope as to how exactly you reference your literary texts. For example, a discussion of symbolism may involve you writing about the broad symbols used in a particular text. In this case, you would only need to remember the symbols, not necessarily quote the exact lines of prose, poetry or drama they appear in. Similarly, the decision to write from a particular point of view is a ‘broader choice’. it is perfectly possible to describe or paraphrase events that happened in a literary work from a certain character’s perspective without replicating exact quotations. The same goes for the rhythm and meter of poems, the way characters effect other characters, the structure of a plot… and so on. Many stylistic choices can be approached in this way.

On the other hand, no feature is more important in a work of literature than a writer’s choice of words. Literature is made of words! Analysing a text without making any reference to specific words might be like trying to describe a work of art without making any reference to line, colour, shape or composition. It’s possible – but it’s likely to be pretty vague and miss out on some of the most important and noteworthy moments. And, in all honesty, I’m sure you can recall some of the words of the texts you have read without even trying to memorise quotations. For example, anyone who’s read The Merchant of Venice is unlikely to forget ‘a pound of flesh’, ‘hath not a Jew eyes’, ‘my house is hell’ and other seminal lines. So my recommendation is to work with the texts closely, read, re-read, practise, and get the language of your texts stuck in your mind. Memorising a dozen or so important quotations from each of your literary works shouldn’t be too hard for anybody. And remember too, in a closed book exam no one is expecting you to have every single word of every single quotation memorised perfectly – paraphrasing the essence of a line and embedding single words and phrases from the literary works is often enough.

Should I write about context and background?

Another good look at the mark scheme helps answer this question. Criteria A asks for your understanding and interpretation of the works in relation to the question. This implies that you can focus your analysis entirely on the literary works you have chosen to write about irrespective of context or background you may have learned.

However, implied in Criteria B is your ability to understand and evaluate the effects a writer was intending to create – and it’s here that your knowledge of context can turn your response from average to good to great. While your personal interpretation of a text is totally valid, you should also be aware that no writer was hiding things in their literary works simply for future IB students to find. Shakespeare wasn’t writing for you – he was writing for a late sixteenth / early seventeenth century English audience who may have had very different expectations, and responded to his words in very different ways, than a twenty-first century teenager in a classroom somewhere else in the world. Being able to write a nuanced response may necessitate consideration of who, exactly, the text was for, and the influence of important social, historical, or cultural factors – and therefore an acknowledgment of the author’s life and wider context of the work. Read one or two of the sample answers in this section to see how contextual information can be integrated concisely into your main body paragraphs.

How do I write a good conclusion?

There are many ways to write an effective conclusion, but as you get towards the end of your answer you might be running short of time. In high pressure situations, it’s tempting to want to finish as quickly as possible. You might, for example, summarise the main points of your response in a nice and neat way – while this isn’t the worst thing you can do, you should ask yourself if this is really necessary. After all, your examiners are (hopefully) intelligent people and it’s unlikely they would need a summary of something they have only just read.

Instead, try to write in a circular structure. Return to your introduction and look again at the concept you defined at the start of your answer. Re-evaluate these ideas with the benefit of the work you have just produced. Can you present a final thought that wraps up your argument nicely, or perhaps present an exception or even irony you have discovered? Check out the sample answers on this page and look at how this might, in reality, be achieved.

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IB English Paper 2 Completely Explained

how to write a comparative essay ib english

This guide will explain ​ IB English Paper 2 ​ and what you need to ace the exam come May or November, when the IB Gods throw you this (seemingly) insurmountable task.

If you don’t know all about Paper 1 already, do check out ​LitLearn’s amazing guide​ for IB English Paper 1. Paper 1 is all about ​ on-the-spot thinking ​ and adrenaline-pumping analysis ​. What about Paper 2?

Well, IB English Paper 2 is ​ all of those things ​, plus extensive ​ preparation ​. But don’t fret! I survived Paper 2, and so have many others before you. All you need is a couple sprinkles of guidance from a seasoned Paper 2 veteran (ahem).

This guide covers all the essential topics for acing IB English Paper 2.

Topics included in this guide

1. What is Paper 2? 2. How to answer a Paper 2 prompt 3. Understanding the “key” of a prompt 4. Morphing: the most important skill in IB English Paper 2 5. How many texts to use in a Paper 2 comparative essay? 6. How to choose the best points across your texts 7. The brainstorm process for Paper 2 8. Essential steps to prepare for IB English Paper 2

Let’s get started!

What is IB English Paper 2?

You’re in the exam room. With a silent but solemn hand gesture, the chief exam invigilator signals your cohort to open the test paper. A flurry of pages turning and sliding. You stare at the page. What do you see? You see several prompts… one, two, three, maybe four. You wipe the sweat from your forehead and try to focus on the words on the page:

“We are all prisoners of ourselves.” Discuss how the sense of imprisonment shapes the meaning and the effect on the audience of at least two texts you have studied.

Okay, let’s drop the dramatic tone.

A Paper 2 exam consists of three or four of these prompts. From these options, you choose one prompt and write a 1000 to 1500-word essay on it.

How long do you get? 1.5 hours for Standard Level (SL) students, and 2 hours for Higher Level (HL) students.

In these 1000 to 1500 words, your task is to write a ​ comparative essay ​, which — you guessed it — means comparing ​ similarities ​and contrasting differences ​ between the texts you’ve studied in class for Paper 2 (i.e., poems, novels, plays or short stories) .

Now that you understand what a Paper 2 essay involves, let’s jump into how to ​ properly ​ ​ answer ​ one of these IB English Paper 2 prompts.

How to answer a Paper 2 Question Let’s stick with the above example about the theme of “imprisonment”.

First, see that ​ philosophical quote ​ at the start of the prompt? It’s there to spark ideas, to get the juices flowing in your brain. You don’t have to refer to it directly unless the questions explicitly asks you to do so. So the take-away message here is to not be ‘imprisoned’ by the philosophical quotes at the start of the prompts.

Second, notice the command term “discuss”. This is usually replaced by words like “evaluate”, “analyse”, “examine”. ​ Don’t worry about it too much ​: it doesn’t mean anything too important, because at the end of the day you still have to analyse, you still have to compare, and you still have to contrast.

The key of the prompt The part ​ after ​ the command term is the ​ most important ​ part of the prompt:

“[…] how the sense of i ​ mprisonment ​ shapes the meaning and the effect on the audience […]”

Here the “sense of imprisonment” — the ​ key ​ of the prompt — tells us exactly what we need to write about in the essay.

Can you find the key in this next prompt?

Compare and contrast the effectiveness of the use of irony in two or more texts you have studied.

Notice the command term “compare and contrast” and the important part after it. The key of this prompt is “​ the use of irony ​“.

Get comfy with morphing stuff

More often than not, our texts ​ do not ​ contain anything explicitly related to the prompt’s key, say, the theme of “imprisonment”.

Pay attention to this next paragraph…

The ​ secret to scoring a 7 in Paper 2 ​ is to get very comfortable with bending, morphing and twisting your texts and/or the prompt so that they are as compatible with each other as possible. There are two ways that this can be achieved:

1. Morphing existing ideas in your own texts to fit the prompt. ​ While Jane Sherwood’s (some random character) nostalgia in your ​ Incredible Text 1 ​ may not directly relate to “imprisonment”, you could twist the character’s nostalgia into the idea that emotions can trap or “imprison” an individual in a treasured memory or a past experience. Nostalgia and imprisonment seem like unlikely brothers at first, but with a bit of justification they look almost like identical twins.

2. Redefining the prompt (reasonably). ​ The key of the prompt can often be ​ vague ​. For example, there was a real IB exam prompt that asked whether “male characters were more interesting than female characters.” What does “interesting” even mean? The IB Gods are inviting you to ​ constrain the topic ​ in a way that works for your texts specifically. You could write in the first sentence of your introduction: “Interest, an important part of dramatic works, is often generated by emotional conflict and the subsequent creation of tension.” Here I have restricted the broad topic of “interesting” to the more clearly-defined topic of “emotional conflict” because this redefinition works well for the texts I’ve studied for IB English Paper 2. You should do the same.

In reality, you have to morph both your texts and the prompt in order to reach a snug fit between the two. Getting to this point, which all happens during the planning stage, is the ​ most difficult ​ part of the Paper 2 process because it requires you to know your texts so well that you can apply the ideas in your texts to different situations.

How many texts to compare and contrast?

Before we continue with this guide, we need to address the age-old question of how many texts should we compare and contrast in an IB English Paper 2 comparative essay?

I ​ strongly ​ recommend that you use only ​ two texts ​ for your Paper 2 exam because it is extremely difficult to deal with three texts at the same time.

Now that we agree on how many texts to compare and contrast, let’s see how we can make the texts work together.

Choosing the best points across your two

There’s an easy way, and there’s a hard way.

If you want a score of 5 or below ​, you can simply think of two points to answer the prompt for Text 1 and two other points to answer the prompt for Text 2. Then, slap them together into different paragraphs, regurgitate some shallow comparison and contrast, and call it a comparative essay. That doesn’t sound very sophisticated, does it?

On the other hand,​ if you want a score of 6 or 7 ​, you’ll need to use a lot more brainpower and insight. The points that you choose for your two texts are very important, in terms of how the points relate to each other and to the prompt. The points need to have enough overlaps that similarities can be analysed, but not too much similarity because you also want to contrast differences.

Source : ​https://litlearn.com/ib-english-paper-2-completely-explained/

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the complete ib extended essay guide: examples, topics, and ideas.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

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If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

  • A title page
  • Contents page
  • Introduction
  • Body of the essay
  • References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

  • Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
  • Group 2: Language Acquisition
  • Group 3: Individuals and Societies
  • Group 4: Sciences
  • Group 5: Mathematics
  • Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

  • A check on plagiarism and malpractice
  • Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
  • Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

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We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

  • Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
  • Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
  • English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
  • Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
  • Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
  • Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

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How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

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Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

  • January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
  • February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
  • April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
  • Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
  • August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
  • September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
  • November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

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The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

  • Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
  • Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
  • Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
  • Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
  • Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

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Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

  • Business Management 1
  • Chemistry 1
  • Chemistry 2
  • Chemistry 3
  • Chemistry 4
  • Chemistry 5
  • Chemistry 6
  • Chemistry 7
  • Computer Science 1
  • Economics 1
  • Design Technology 1
  • Design Technology 2
  • Environmental Systems and Societies 1
  • Geography 1
  • Geography 2
  • Geography 3
  • Geography 4
  • Geography 5
  • Geography 6
  • Literature and Performance 1
  • Mathematics 1
  • Mathematics 2
  • Mathematics 3
  • Mathematics 4
  • Mathematics 5
  • Philosophy 1
  • Philosophy 2
  • Philosophy 3
  • Philosophy 4
  • Philosophy 5
  • Psychology 1
  • Psychology 2
  • Psychology 3
  • Psychology 4
  • Psychology 5
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
  • Visual Arts 1
  • Visual Arts 2
  • Visual Arts 3
  • Visual Arts 4
  • Visual Arts 5
  • World Religion 1
  • World Religion 2
  • World Religion 3

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IB English Paper Two – Everything You Need to Know To Ace the Exam

English Paper 2 Exam Tips - Lanterna Education

Written by Jay ayliffe

When it comes to Paper 2 for IB English Lit/Lang and Lit, there are several things that students often find challenging. Some common reactions to seeing a Paper 2 for the first time include: 

  • ‘The questions don’t make any sense!’
  • ‘It’s too broad – I don’t know what they want me to say’
  • ‘There’s no way I’m going to be able to remember the right quotes for that!’

Now, these are understandable reactions! Paper 2 can seem a little wacky and abstract, especially after the more relatively straightforward Paper 1 exam. However, if you take the time to unpack what the IB is looking for and follow the tips below, you’ll find that Paper 2 isn’t that bad. With the right preparation, it can be pretty straightforward, after all!

what is the English Paper 2 Exam?

In a nutshell, the IB asks you to write a comparative essay in response to a prompt.

Over the course of the year, whether you are a Lit or a Lang/Lit Student, you will have studied a series of texts. These may be poems, novels, plays or short stories.  The Paper 2 exam allows you to draw upon these texts, using them to explore similarities and differences in relation to the central theme of the prompt. For instance, 

“Not rounding off, but opening out.” Comment upon the way writers deal with the ending. In your answer, you should refer to two or three texts you have studied.”

Or how about?

Writers utilise a number of different devices within their works, including using time jumps or other non-linear structures. Considering two texts, discuss how writers use structural elements in unusual or interesting ways to shape meaning.”

Okay, these questions may seem a little mean at first, but you only have to answer one question! You will have 1.5 hours if you are a Standard Level (SL) student and 2 hours if you are an English Lit/Lang Higher Level (HL) student! (If you want some more help breaking down the question, check out this helpful blog on command terms )

The key thing to do here is to provide a structured and detailed answer that offers a balanced and meaningful discussion of both texts. Ideally, this means you are identifying 2-3 points of insight from the central questions relevant to both texts. This allows you to write 4-6 chunky paragraph s in answer to the question, in addition to the MANDATORY introduction and conclusion.

What do I need to do to prepare for the Paper 2 Exam?

First of all, planning is essential ! You will not know which questions the IB will ask you before opening your exam. However, a quick look over papers from previous years will tell you about the common themes and techniques the IB loves to ask about. Broadly, you can categorise these questions into three groups:

Why you should learn more than 2 works

Now, you have a rough idea of what they could ask you. Next, you should go back to your set of texts. Determine which combination of works would work best for you if you had to answer one of these questions. 

Some students commit to just learning two works. They rely on their in-depth knowledge of these texts to answer any question that may come up. I understand their approach, but I think having at least two possible combinations of texts available is best (e.g. Text A+B, A+C, or B+C). This ensures you are best prepared to answer questions with reference to the most relevant works.

Also, you certainly don’t want to be stuck giving yourself more to do by exaggerating the importance of one theme/technique in a work because that’s the only one you know!

With these choices made, you can start compiling quotes, context and moments from the texts, which you can use as evidence. Aim for 4-5 really good points of information that you can expand upon in your essay. Even better, if you already know that, you can directly compare/contrast it with a quote/technique from the other piece of work.

For instance, with my Paper 2 exam, I found it helpful to organise my notes in the following layout:

Jay's preferred layout for his notes to prepare for English Paper 2 - Lanterna Education

As you can see, I have prepared a mixture of quotations and techniques that I could draw upon for this question on endings. It also allows me plenty of room to elaborate on individual points when I develop new ideas and connections.

Practising Paper 2 Questions

Practising exam questions will help you feel confident writing Paper 2s. Through practice, you will also learn to adapt your prepared notes to specific prompts.

However, before getting stuck in, spend a bit of time thinking about your introductions. An excellent introduction will outline everything you want to cover in your essay, which is key to ensuring you are heading in the right direction. Have a look at the one below and think about all the different criteria it is attempting to reach:

As in all art forms, the ending of a play usually serves to resolve its central conflict, to highlight character development and to convey to the audience a final, lasting message which summarises the major themes and motifs previously seen in the performance. Wilde’s’ Importance of Being Earnest (Importance) appears to display all of these conventions as by the end of the play, the central protagonist, Jack emerges triumphant. However, theatre, as a highly versatile and varied art form, can and has been used to explore radical modernist and postmodernist approaches to art such as in Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot where these traditional conventions of an ending are questioned. Indeed, while Wilde’s play follows the traditional conventions of an ending in theatre almost to the point of comedic lunacy, Beckett’s play seeks to completely dismiss them . This is undoubtedly the result of the two theatrical productions differing purposes and cultural contexts where Importance clearly belongs to the theatrical genre of comedy of manners while Waiting for Godot is part of the theatre of the absurd.  Yet despite these radically different approaches, both highlight the importance of endings as a tool for a playwright to reiterate their main message and to provide the audience with a particular impression to take away. Sample Paper 2 Introduction by Jay

Criterion A: Knowledge, Understanding and Interpretation

  • A clear statement about the writer’s choices and the effects of literary devices. It also sets up the basic structure of the essay to cover three core elements: conflict resolutions, character development and lasting message.

Criterion B: Analysis and Evaluation

  • Unambiguous comparative statements about how and why the two texts differ regarding their endings, as well as share similarities.

Criterion C: Focus and Organisation

  • The student introduces two key texts and their authors. There is a balanced description of both works, which the student will continue in the main body.

Criterion D: Language

  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar is consistently accurate. The student uses a range of vocabulary and relevant, literary/text-specific terminology with precision.

Try to build a habit of writing essay plans with a short introduction. Doing this will help you to turn your notes and ideas into written answers more easily. It will also be an excellent resource for future exam prep! (Also, if you need help putting in the time for revision, these apps can be really helpful!)

6 Final Tips

Here are 6 final top tips to keep in mind next time you head into your Paper 2 English Exam!

  • Develop Strong Time Management: Time management is crucial during the exam. Allocate a specific amount of time for planning (no more than 20 minutes) and stick to it. Make sure you give yourself enough time to talk about both works in a balanced way.
  • Annotate The Question: Highlight key phrases and jot down initial thoughts. These annotations will ensure that you are sticking to the question and mean you won’t have to start with a blank page!
  • Develop a Strong Thesis: In the comparative essay, a well-crafted thesis is essential (Click here to learn more about writing a brilliant thesis ). Clearly state your argument and how you will be referring to both texts in your answer. This will guide your essay and keep it focused.
  • Compare Throughout: Every paragraph should start with a comparative, e.g. Both texts explore the theme of loneliness or Unlike text A, Text B utilises its setting to highlight . These topic sentences set you up to dig deeper and explore how these different writers’ choices contribute to the overall meaning and message of the texts.
  • Incorporate Literary Devices: Demonstrate your knowledge of literary devices by incorporating them into your analysis. Discuss how these devices enhance the texts and support your arguments.
  • Proofread and Revise: Allocate some time at the end of the exam to proofread your essays. Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and coherently.

Final Thoughts

I hope this all helps! Remember to prepare for the prompts, test your introductions and focus on critical analysis. If you follow these tips and dedicate yourself to practise, you’ll be in the best possible position to go and ace the English Paper 2 Exam! However, if you want extra assistance and guidance, please check Lanterna’s Online Private Tutoring service . Our tutors can sit down with you 1-on-1 online and help you plan, improve and offer feedback on your Paper 2 exams.

Preparing for your IGCSE?

When preparing for IGCSE , students often seek effective strategies to enhance their chances of success. Exploring different study techniques is crucial. For instance, integrating mind mapping into your revision routine can significantly improve information retention. Additionally, consider joining or forming a study group. Collaborating with peers not only fosters a supportive learning environment but also allows for the exchange of diverse perspectives. Another valuable approach is to leverage online resources, such as educational websites and forums like Lanterna. These platforms provide access to supplementary materials and can help reinforce key concepts. By adopting these varied methods, students can tailor their preparation to suit their learning styles, setting a solid foundation for IGCSE success.

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Comparative Essay

Barbara P

How to Write a Comparative Essay – A Complete Guide

10 min read

Comparative Essay

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Comparative essay is a common assignment for school and college students. Many students are not aware of the complexities of crafting a strong comparative essay. 

If you too are struggling with this, don't worry!

In this blog, you will get a complete writing guide for comparative essay writing. From structuring formats to creative topics, this guide has it all.

So, keep reading!

Arrow Down

  • 1. What is a Comparative Essay?
  • 2. Comparative Essay Structure
  • 3. How to Start a Comparative Essay?
  • 4. How to Write a Comparative Essay?
  • 5. Comparative Essay Examples
  • 6. Comparative Essay Topics
  • 7. Tips for Writing A Good Comparative Essay
  • 8. Transition Words For Comparative Essays

What is a Comparative Essay?

A comparative essay is a type of essay in which an essay writer compares at least two or more items. The author compares two subjects with the same relation in terms of similarities and differences depending on the assignment.

The main purpose of the comparative essay is to:

  • Highlight the similarities and differences in a systematic manner.
  • Provide great clarity of the subject to the readers.
  • Analyze two things and describe their advantages and drawbacks.

A comparative essay is also known as compare and contrast essay or a comparison essay. It analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The Venn diagram is the best tool for writing a paper about the comparison between two subjects.  

Moreover, a comparative analysis essay discusses the similarities and differences of themes, items, events, views, places, concepts, etc. For example, you can compare two different novels (e.g., The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Red Badge of Courage).

However, a comparative essay is not limited to specific topics. It covers almost every topic or subject with some relation.

Comparative Essay Structure

A good comparative essay is based on how well you structure your essay. It helps the reader to understand your essay better. 

The structure is more important than what you write. This is because it is necessary to organize your essay so that the reader can easily go through the comparisons made in an essay.

The following are the two main methods in which you can organize your comparative essay.

Point-by-Point Method 

The point-by-point or alternating method provides a detailed overview of the items that you are comparing. In this method, organize items in terms of similarities and differences.

This method makes the writing phase easy for the writer to handle two completely different essay subjects. It is highly recommended where some depth and detail are required.

Below given is the structure of the point-by-point method. 

Block Method 

The block method is the easiest as compared to the point-by-point method. In this method, you divide the information in terms of parameters. It means that the first paragraph compares the first subject and all their items, then the second one compares the second, and so on.

However, make sure that you write the subject in the same order. This method is best for lengthy essays and complicated subjects.

Here is the structure of the block method. 

Therefore, keep these methods in mind and choose the one according to the chosen subject.

Mixed Paragraphs Method

In this method, one paragraph explains one aspect of the subject. As a writer, you will handle one point at a time and one by one. This method is quite beneficial as it allows you to give equal weightage to each subject and help the readers identify the point of comparison easily.

How to Start a Comparative Essay?

Here, we have gathered some steps that you should follow to start a well-written comparative essay.  

Choose a Topic

The foremost step in writing a comparative essay is to choose a suitable topic.

Choose a topic or theme that is interesting to write about and appeals to the reader. 

An interesting essay topic motivates the reader to know about the subject. Also, try to avoid complicated topics for your comparative essay. 

Develop a List of Similarities and Differences 

Create a list of similarities and differences between two subjects that you want to include in the essay. Moreover, this list helps you decide the basis of your comparison by constructing your initial plan. 

Evaluate the list and establish your argument and thesis statement .

Establish the Basis for Comparison 

The basis for comparison is the ground for you to compare the subjects. In most cases, it is assigned to you, so check your assignment or prompt.

Furthermore, the main goal of the comparison essay is to inform the reader of something interesting. It means that your subject must be unique to make your argument interesting.  

Do the Research 

In this step, you have to gather information for your subject. If your comparative essay is about social issues, historical events, or science-related topics, you must do in-depth research.    

However, make sure that you gather data from credible sources and cite them properly in the essay.

Create an Outline

An essay outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, organizing key elements into a structured format.

With your topic, list of comparisons, basis for comparison, and research in hand, the next step is to create a comprehensive outline. 

Here is a standard comparative essay outline:

How to Write a Comparative Essay?

Now that you have the basic information organized in an outline, you can get started on the writing process. 

Here are the essential parts of a comparative essay: 

Comparative Essay Introduction 

Start off by grabbing your reader's attention in the introduction . Use something catchy, like a quote, question, or interesting fact about your subjects. 

Then, give a quick background so your reader knows what's going on. 

The most important part is your thesis statement, where you state the main argument , the basis for comparison, and why the comparison is significant.

This is what a typical thesis statement for a comparative essay looks like:

Comparative Essay Body Paragraphs 

The body paragraphs are where you really get into the details of your subjects. Each paragraph should focus on one thing you're comparing.

Start by talking about the first point of comparison. Then, go on to the next points. Make sure to talk about two to three differences to give a good picture.

After that, switch gears and talk about the things they have in common. Just like you discussed three differences, try to cover three similarities. 

This way, your essay stays balanced and fair. This approach helps your reader understand both the ways your subjects are different and the ways they are similar. Keep it simple and clear for a strong essay.

Comparative Essay Conclusion

In your conclusion , bring together the key insights from your analysis to create a strong and impactful closing.

Consider the broader context or implications of the subjects' differences and similarities. What do these insights reveal about the broader themes or ideas you're exploring?

Discuss the broader implications of these findings and restate your thesis. Avoid introducing new information and end with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression.

Below is the detailed comparative essay template format for you to understand better.

Comparative Essay Format

Comparative Essay Examples

Have a look at these comparative essay examples pdf to get an idea of the perfect essay.

Comparative Essay on Summer and Winter

Comparative Essay on Books vs. Movies

Comparative Essay Sample

Comparative Essay Thesis Example

Comparative Essay on Football vs Cricket

Comparative Essay on Pet and Wild Animals

Comparative Essay Topics

Comparative essay topics are not very difficult or complex. Check this list of essay topics and pick the one that you want to write about.

  • How do education and employment compare?
  • Living in a big city or staying in a village.
  • The school principal or college dean.
  • New Year vs. Christmas celebration.
  • Dried Fruit vs. Fresh. Which is better?
  • Similarities between philosophy and religion.
  • British colonization and Spanish colonization.
  • Nuclear power for peace or war?
  • Bacteria or viruses.
  • Fast food vs. homemade food.

Tips for Writing A Good Comparative Essay

Writing a compelling comparative essay requires thoughtful consideration and strategic planning. Here are some valuable tips to enhance the quality of your comparative essay:

  • Clearly define what you're comparing, like themes or characters.
  • Plan your essay structure using methods like point-by-point or block paragraphs.
  • Craft an introduction that introduces subjects and states your purpose.
  • Ensure an equal discussion of both similarities and differences.
  • Use linking words for seamless transitions between paragraphs.
  • Gather credible information for depth and authenticity.
  • Use clear and simple language, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
  • Dedicate each paragraph to a specific point of comparison.
  • Summarize key points, restate the thesis, and emphasize significance.
  • Thoroughly check for clarity, coherence, and correct any errors.

Transition Words For Comparative Essays

Transition words are crucial for guiding your reader through the comparative analysis. They help establish connections between ideas and ensure a smooth flow in your essay. 

Here are some transition words and phrases to improve the flow of your comparative essay:

Transition Words for Similarities

  • Correspondingly
  • In the same vein
  • In like manner
  • In a similar fashion
  • In tandem with

Transition Words for Differences

  • On the contrary
  • In contrast
  • Nevertheless
  • In spite of
  • Notwithstanding
  • On the flip side
  • In contradistinction

Check out this blog listing more transition words that you can use to enhance your essay’s coherence!

In conclusion, now that you have the important steps and helpful tips to write a good comparative essay, you can start working on your own essay. 

However, if you find it tough to begin, you can always hire our college paper writing service .

Our skilled writers can handle any type of essay or assignment you need. So, don't wait—place your order now and make your academic journey easier!

Frequently Asked Question

How long is a comparative essay.

FAQ Icon

A comparative essay is 4-5 pages long, but it depends on your chosen idea and topic.

How do you end a comparative essay?

Here are some tips that will help you to end the comparative essay.

  • Restate the thesis statement
  • Wrap up the entire essay
  • Highlight the main points

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Barbara P

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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IB Film Studies

2018 – 20, planning & structuring the comparative study.

how to write a comparative essay ib english

So, recap what you have learnt so far:

What have you learnt from your research into:.

  • Genre & Style
  • Your Film Movement
  • Your Film Theory

How does this learning apply to your 2 films (macro):

  • Representation of character, places and events
  • Use or challenge to generic conventions
  • Use of motif
  • Narrative & themes
  • Significance in terms of a ‘new’ style of film making

What have you learnt about your films’ contexts

  • Institutional
  • Historical…

How you link these big ideas (context and research) in the films’ micro:

  • Screenplay (lines of dialogue and structure)
  • Directing (blocking, characterisation, intention and style)
  • Cinematography (lighting, framing, movement & composition)
  • Editing (rhythm, style, pace, positioning…)
  • Sound (diegetic and non diegetic)

Planning Part 1

Take a copy and complete this structure document.

The more specific you can be the better. So include quotes, key scenes, characters, themes, micro examples

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Examples

Comparative Analysis Essay

Comparative analysis essay generator.

how to write a comparative essay ib english

In school, we are asked to write about different forms of essay. It can be descriptive essay , comparative literature essay , experience essay and more. Some essays would allow you to compare and contrast two different things, terms, figures, process and the like. Some things have crucial differences, while others really have something in common. Sometimes, we are faced with surprisingly unrelated similarities and differences which makes it difficult for us to begin with the topic. We may feel confused and often ask ourselves about how do we start constructing a paper. In this article, you will know what a comparative analysis essay is all about and how to write one.

10+ Comparative Analysis Essay Examples

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Comparative Analysis Contrast Essay

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Comparative Assignment Analysis Essay

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3. Comparative Analysis Essay

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4. Comparative Analysis Essay Rubric

Comparative Analysis Essay Rubric

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6. Comparative Source Analysis Essay

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7. Comparative Analysis Worksheet Essay

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8. Basic Comparative Analysis Essay

Basic Comparative Analysis Essay

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9. Comparative Analysis Essay Template

Comparative Analysis Essay Template

10. Comparative Analysis Essay Writing

Comparative Analysis Essay Writing

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11. Student Comparative Analysis Essay

Student Comparative Analysis Essay

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What is a Comparative Analysis Essay?

A comparative analysis essay is a type of essay that involves comparing and contrasting two things. This is a higher level of analysis in an essay. In this essay, you may be asked to compare or contrast different positions with regards to a particular issue, theories, figures, events or texts in literature. This assumes to consider both the similarities and differences of what you have compared and contrasted.

When comparing and contrasting two things, make sure that you can come up with the basis for comparison. Once you are able to know the basis for comparison, you should be bale to think critically between the things that you are comparing.

How to Conduct a Good Comparative Analysis Essay?

You might have brilliant ideas about your essay , but you lack knowledge about what does comparative mean. The first thing you should do is research about your topic and know about the principle of compare and contrast. Below are some tips on how to conduct a comparative analysis essay.

Identify your basis of comparison

First on the list is to develop a basis for the comparison. It is usually that the question that will provide the basis of comparison, but there are are times that the author has to develop one. For example, a question may ask you to compare between the philosophical principles of Immanuel Kant and John Locke. This already has a very clear objective. You don’t to look for something else.

Plan for the content of your essay

You should be able to identify the features of your essay in which it mainly involves comparing and contrasting. List down the similarities and differences of two different subjects. This will help you develop an initial plan for your comparative essay . After listing, evaluate it and make sure that it is only the main points are considered in your essay.

Come up with a thesis

Every essay needs a good thesis statement that enables the author to easily identify which part he or she currently is during the writing process. Before you finalize your thesis statement, assess if the your list has more similarities than differences. Your thesis statement reflects how the subjects written in your list share more of the similarities than the differences or vice versa.

Develop a structure for your essay

All of the essays have a specific structure to follow. Every comparative essay must be written in an organized way just like any essay should be. In that way, it would be easier to the readers to understand.

What are the methods to be used in making a comparative analysis essay?

You may use either of the three methods: the alternating method, mixed paragraphs method or the block method. The alternating method makes the entire aspect of comparison contained only in one paragraph. The mixed paragraphs method devotes a single paragraph in providing for an explanation about the way subjects are being compared. The block method is the easiest method, yet the dangerous one. This divides the essay into two parts in which the first part is devoted into one subject and the second part is devoted to another subject.

When to use alternating method, mixed paragraphs method and block method?

You are going to use the alternating method when you are going to provide cases where detailed comparison is needed. Use mixed paragraphs method when you have to deal with long comparative analysis essay. Use block method when you are short essays and simple subjects.

Does a comparative analysis still follow the three basic parts of an essay?

Yes. This three basic parts of an essay are referred to as the introduction, body of paragraphs and the conclusion.

A comparative analysis essay has a primary purpose of allowing you to compare two different subjects. It may be people, events, objects, theories, etc. Its main focus is to identify the similarities and differences. Having the skills for essay writing , you are good to go in writing your comparative analysis essay.

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Compare and contrast two different leadership styles in the context of a Comparative Analysis Essay

Analyze the impact of social media vs traditional media in a Comparative Analysis Essay

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Annotate the following quote from the passage.

Sarah hesitated at the base of the tree. She glanced up with wide eyes at the familiar giant. She'd never climbed it without her brothers. Her movements were awkward at first. But as her fingers gripped the third branch and her foot found its hold, she began to flow like a dancer on stage. High above, the leaves rustled like an audience's soft applause, and beneath her, the patchwork of greens and yellows danced in the summer sun, each patch holding its own whispered tale.

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Step-by-step guide on how to ace the IB English Paper 2 comparative analysis essay.

Preparation is key to success. This fact is even more true for IB English Paper 2.

In Part 1 of the study guide, you'll be asked to complete the 4 levels of Missions, which will rigorously prepare you for any Paper 2 prompt.

Unlike Paper 1, IB English Paper 2 requires more planning and brainstorming because you have to compare two texts.

In Part 2 of the study guide, you'll learn how to optimally structure your essay. You'll also learn the concrete framework to quickly plan and brainstorm under exam conditions.

We'll also show you how to write a thesis statement that will impress your examiner.

The conventions of comparative analysis are different from Paper 1.

Part 3 of the study guide teaches you the detailed building blocks that make excellent comparative analysis that will blow your examiner away.

You'll learn how to write a powerful introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

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We'll first cover the basics of the Individual Oral, including the format, choosing a global issue, and how to prepare.

Students often struggle to find insightful links to the Global Issue, leaving their Individual Oral stuck at the IB4 to 5 range.

In the IO study guide, we show you four detailed examples of how to link to the Global Issue in a way that leaves your teacher amazed.

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We recommend starting with the Learn Analysis module. Having strong analysis skills is the key to succeeding in all IB English assessment, including Paper 1, Individual Oral, Paper 2 & Higher Level Essay.

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IMAGES

  1. Comparative Essay

    how to write a comparative essay ib english

  2. PPT

    how to write a comparative essay ib english

  3. How To Teach Comparative Essay Writing in ELA

    how to write a comparative essay ib english

  4. Comparative Essay

    how to write a comparative essay ib english

  5. Comparative Essay

    how to write a comparative essay ib english

  6. How To Write A Comparative Essay: Your One-Stop Guide In 2022

    how to write a comparative essay ib english

VIDEO

  1. Tips on writing essays in the IB and IGCSE

  2. Quiz on "Comparative Essay"

  3. Comparative Study -- Musical Genre

  4. Comparative Study 6: Musical Genre

  5. Comparative Study 4: Queer Theory

  6. Comparative Study 3: Film Noir

COMMENTS

  1. IB English Paper 2 Explained

    In these 1000 to 1300 words, your task is to write a comparative essay, ... In the Paper 2 study guide, we have an exemplar IB English Paper 2 essay from a past exam: See the exemplar essay. Paper 2. Exemplar IB7 Past Paper 2 essay response. Pro members only.

  2. IB Lang Lit SL/HL Paper 2 Comparative Essay: Journey

    A critical commentary responding to a IB Lang Lit Paper 2 prompt comparing Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and Henrik Ibsen's A Doll House on their use or presentation of journey/s.The Question: Journey Referring to two works you have studied, discuss how the writers portray the significance of a journey.Some tips! • Some questions will have philosophical quotes to open the question ...

  3. How to Write Comparative Analysis

    Practical strategies to write impressive comparative analysis for your IB English Paper 2 main points. litlearn. Resources. Learn Analysis for IB English. Master analysis with Foundations, Techniques & Advanced. ... Paper 2 Essay Writing. Writing Introductions Free. Comparative Analysis Part 1

  4. IB English Higher Level Essay (HLE) Explained

    The HL Essay (HLE) is a 1200-1500 word essay about a text studied in the IB English course. For Lang Lit, the work you choose to analyze can be literary or non-literary, but for IB English Literature the text must be literary. The HLE will make up 25% of your final IB English HL grade, and it is graded externally.

  5. HOW TO SCORE 7 IN IB LIT PAPER 2: a guide to comparative essays (with

    Hi everyone! This video is the part 3 in my ultimate guide to the IB lit course and it covers everything there is to know on how to write a comparative es...

  6. Mrs. MacFarland

    In response to one question, students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. Students are required to answer one question only.(30 marks) 35%. The only difference between HL and SL is that HL Paper 2 is weighted less at 25% while SL Paper 2 is weighted at 25%. Comparative essay on literary texts. Paper Two Explained

  7. Literary Compare and Contrast

    Whether you are a standard or higher level student, Paper 2 tests your ability to compare and contrast the literary works you have studied on your course. In fact, the paper is the same for both higher level and standard level students. You will be give a choice of four 'open' questions and you will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to compare and ...

  8. IB English Paper 2 Completely Explained

    This guide will explain IB English Paper 2 and what you need to ace the exam come May or November, when the IB Gods throw you this (seemingly) insurmountable task. If you don't know all about Paper 1 already, do check out LitLearn's amazing guide for IB English Paper 1. Paper 1 is all about on-the-spot thinking and adrenaline-pumping analysis .

  9. Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

    Making effective comparisons. As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place. For example, you might contrast French ...

  10. The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas

    Conclusion. References and bibliography. Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories, or IB subject groups, which are as follows: Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature. Group 2: Language Acquisition. Group 3: Individuals and Societies. Group 4: Sciences.

  11. Paper 2 English Guide

    When it comes to Paper 2 for IB English Lit/Lang and Lit, there are several things that students often find challenging. Some common reactions to seeing a Paper 2 for the first time include: ... In a nutshell, the IB asks you to write a comparative essay in response to a prompt. Over the course of the year, whether you are a Lit or a Lang/Lit ...

  12. EA: Paper 2: Comparative Essay

    Duration: 1 hours 45 minutes. Weighing: 25%. Paper 2 contains four questions of a general nature which require students to write a comparative essay referring to two works studied during the course. Students are required to answer one question only. The format of paper 2 and the four questions are the same for both Standard Level (SL) and HL ...

  13. Preparing your comparative essay script

    By the beginning of next week (Monday 6th July) you must have completed a first draft of your script. This will probably be in the form of a rough essay - approx 1,000 words. If you have followed the planning document I introduced last week, it should look something like this: Introduction, justification and context. Comparative Point 1.

  14. DP English A Literature: Paper 2: making comparisons

    Making comparisons. After two years with no paper 2 due to the pandemic, it is now back for current first year DP students. To help prepare students - and teachers - for the return of this examination in 2023, we have started to develop a guide to paper 2 for students. A new page about comparing texts has been added and can be found below.

  15. Comparative Essay

    The foremost step in writing a comparative essay is to choose a suitable topic. Choose a topic or theme that is interesting to write about and appeals to the reader. An interesting essay topic motivates the reader to know about the subject. Also, try to avoid complicated topics for your comparative essay. Develop a List of Similarities and ...

  16. Summary IB English paper 2 notes

    Course. Ib. Institution. Ib. These short notes briefly explain the basics of how to write your English IB paper 2 comparative essay! Included: notes with tips when writing the essay, notes that explain everything you must include in your essay and a short plan overview.

  17. Planning & Structuring The Comparative Study

    Planning & Structuring The Comparative Study. Written by Mr G on November 19th, 2019. Leave a comment. Before we start scripting the essay we need to develop a structure that allows you to illustrate your research, understanding of the whole films, their context and how these big ideas and revealed in the cinematic style (micro).

  18. DP English A Literature: Paper 2: Comparative essay

    Paper 2: Comparative essay. One of the exciting features of the Literature course relates to the way in which students are given free choices about the texts on which they want to write for some of the assessments. This, the second of two terminal examination papers, allows students to choose two works of any genre, from any place in the course ...

  19. DP English A: Language & Literature: Sample essays

    Sample essays. As you prepare the extended essay, you will want to study several sample essays. This will help give you an impression of the final product and an understanding of what is expected. You can do a lot with a good sample. For example you may want to focus on one specific criterion. You may want to study its use of citation.

  20. Comparative Analysis Essay

    A comparative analysis essay has a primary purpose of allowing you to compare two different subjects. It may be people, events, objects, theories, etc. Its main focus is to identify the similarities and differences. Having the skills for essay writing, you are good to go in writing your comparative analysis essay.

  21. IB taking 'appropriate and timely measures' to remove leaked exam questions

    IB says investigation has found 'students engaged' in 'time-zone cheating' activities but did not disclose how many were involved; Those responsible will receive no marks for their exams ...

  22. Premium IB English Resources

    Structure and Write Analysis Essays like a Pro, taught by IB45 instructors. IB English lessons, questions & practice papers. Voted #1 IB English study resource for 2022. ... Step-by-step guide on how to ace the IB English Paper 2 comparative analysis essay. Learn the practical Paper 2 strategies used by IB45 and IB7 graduates.