How to score top marks in your Paper 1 Commentary (IB English A Language and Literature)

The Paper 1 Commentary requires a unique set of essay writing skills, particularly given the tight time constraints. Read Tim’s top tips to ensure that you are adhering to the strict criteria. Many of these have been compiled from previous marking experience.

We’ll start at the beginning and work through the commentary. Remember that if you are working at Standard Level, you only have to answer on one text (so you can choose which one to respond to), but if you are working at Higher Level, you need to answer on both texts. There is an extra assessment objective for High Level which requires you to compare both texts. 

If you are working at Standard Level and deciding which question to answer, do it quickly, and don’t change your mind once you’ve started writing. 

Thesis

Your thesis is next and should be within the same paragraph as your introduction. This requires some planning as it must make clear reference to a wider idea. A safe template to use is, ‘This extract engages with the idea of … through the use of … , … and … .’ You must identify the extract’s key literary features, which you feel are working together to convey the wider idea.

The point of the thesis is to answer the question ‘so what?’ – if it does not, then what is the point of the examiner reading further? You are making no argument. Be wary of bandying about huge terms like imagination, beauty and nature – they are non-specific and won’t help you construct an argument.

Topic Sentences

These are used at the start of your paragraphs and signal to the examiner that you are moving on to your next idea, or topic. Your topic sentences must be ‘stepping stones’ in developing your argument (and must cover the literary features that you mentioned in your introduction).

A good tip is to write these topic sentences out in your planning time, and ask yourself whether they constitute a coherent, developed commentary plan. If you are able to swap any two topic sentences, and it makes no difference to your commentary, then you have a list (not an argument). Your argument is like a thread and develops throughout the essay, with one topic leading on to the next. Use connecting words to make a link between paragraphs.

Paragraphs

Your paragraphs must be well-planned, and centred around the points you wish to make.

Long paragraphs (anything over three quarters of a page) suggest a lack of planning, and increase the likelihood of drifting far from your topic sentence. Similarly, watch out for the introduction of new material mid-paragraph, which also suggests a lack of planning. Points do occasionally need reinforcing, but unnecessary repetition undermines development.

Structure

You have a choice between a linear and a thematic structure, but your choice must be dictated by the nature of the passage. It is also worth keeping in mind the limitations of each structure – linear commentaries can resemble a list of points, with ideas piled upon ideas (and thus suggest less planning), whilst thematic commentaries can extend way beyond the remit of the initial extract.

Analysis

Superficial analysis will never score more than 3 for criterion B. Avoid extensive plot retelling or description – the examiner already knows the passage(s). Make sure you don’t miss opportunities to discuss key devices – if there is an extended metaphor running through the poem, you are showing limited understanding and analytical insight if you fail to discuss it. All points must be supported by evidence and analysis. You are strongly encouraged to make reference to the overall structure and shape when discussing a prose passage. Think about a change of pace, or a moment of climax.  Equally, think about how images work together across stanzas when writing about a poem – the poems in Paper 1 are usually chosen because they develop in some way.

Finally, there is usually a speaker or narrator. Think about the effect of such a narrative device. 

Spelling, punctuation and grammar all equate to an easy 5 marks in a commentary, but do not forget that your register must also be appropriately formal and engaging.

Good luck!

The best preparation for the IB English Paper One Commentary is essay planning and practice, marked by and discussed with an experienced, well-qualified teacher or tutor. Do get in touch if we can help. 

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