IB DP English Language and Literature

Paper 1: Analysis Outline

Paper 1 Analysis Outline

This outline provides a structured approach for analyzing non-literary texts in IB DP English Language and Literature Paper 1. It is designed to help students develop a comprehensive and insightful analysis that addresses all four assessment criteria.

Pre-Analysis Steps

Initial Reading and Annotation

  • Read the text carefully, highlighting key features
  • Identify the text type and its conventions
  • Note your initial impressions and reactions
  • Mark significant language features, structural elements, and visual components
  • Annotate connections between different elements of the text

Identify Context and Purpose

  • Determine the likely source/publication of the text
  • Identify the target audience
  • Consider when the text was produced (if indicated)
  • Establish the primary purpose (to inform, persuade, entertain, etc.)
  • Note any contextual factors that might influence interpretation

Understand the Guiding Question

  • Analyze what the question is asking you to focus on
  • Identify key terms in the question
  • Consider what aspects of the text are most relevant to the question
  • Formulate a preliminary thesis that addresses the question
  • Plan your approach to ensure your analysis remains focused

Analysis Framework

Content and Context Analysis

  • Subject matter: What is the text about?
  • Purpose: What is the text trying to achieve?
  • Audience: Who is the intended audience and how does the text address them?
  • Context: How do contextual factors influence the text?
  • Genre conventions: How does the text follow or subvert conventions of its type?

Structural Analysis

  • Organization: How is the text structured and why?
  • Layout: How does the physical arrangement contribute to meaning?
  • Progression: How do ideas develop or build upon each other?
  • Balance: How is space allocated to different elements?
  • Visual elements: How do images, typography, and design features function?

Language Analysis

  • Tone and register: What attitude does the text convey and what level of formality is used?
  • Diction: What word choices are significant and why?
  • Syntax: How do sentence structures create effects?
  • Rhetorical devices: What figurative language or rhetorical techniques are employed?
  • Sound patterns: How do rhythm, alliteration, or other sound devices contribute?

Critical Analysis

  • Effectiveness: How successfully does the text achieve its purpose?
  • Implications: What are the broader implications or messages?
  • Assumptions: What assumptions does the text make?
  • Perspectives: Whose viewpoints are represented or excluded?
  • Connections: How do different elements work together to create meaning?

Essay Structure

Introduction

An effective introduction should:

  • Identify the text type, title (if given), author (if known), and source (if provided)
  • Briefly describe the subject matter and context
  • State your thesis that directly addresses the guiding question
  • Outline the main aspects or techniques you will analyze
  • Be concise (approximately 10% of your response)

Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should:

  • Begin with a clear topic sentence that connects to your thesis
  • Focus on a specific aspect or technique
  • Provide specific textual evidence (quotations or descriptions)
  • Analyze how this evidence creates meaning or achieves effects
  • Explain why these choices are significant in relation to purpose and audience
  • Connect back to the guiding question

Recommended PEEL structure for paragraphs:

  • Point: State your analytical point
  • Evidence: Provide specific textual evidence
  • Explanation: Analyze how and why this creates meaning
  • Link: Connect back to your thesis and the question

Conclusion

An effective conclusion should:

  • Restate your thesis in different words
  • Summarize your main analytical points
  • Provide a final evaluation of the text's effectiveness
  • Consider broader implications or significance
  • End with a thoughtful closing statement

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Summarizing Instead of Analyzing

Focus on how and why the text works, not just what it says. Avoid retelling the content without analysis.

Ignoring the Guiding Question

Keep your analysis focused on addressing the specific question. Regularly refer back to ensure relevance.

Listing Techniques Without Analysis

Don't just identify techniques; explain how they create meaning and why they're effective.

Neglecting Visual Elements

For multimodal texts, analyze visual components as thoroughly as textual ones.

Overusing Quotations

Select brief, significant quotations rather than extensive passages. Your analysis should outweigh quotations.

Making Unsupported Claims

Every analytical point should be supported by specific textual evidence.

Tips for Excellence

Develop a Nuanced Thesis

Create a thesis that acknowledges complexity rather than making simplistic claims.

Analyze Patterns and Contrasts

Look for recurring elements or deliberate contrasts that create meaning across the text.

Consider Multiple Interpretations

Acknowledge that texts can be interpreted in different ways, showing depth of analysis.

Examine Subtle Techniques

Look beyond obvious features to identify more subtle or sophisticated techniques.

Integrate Context Thoughtfully

Consider how contextual factors influence both the creation and reception of the text.

Use Precise Terminology

Employ accurate literary and rhetorical terms to demonstrate sophisticated understanding.