Two-text Paper 1 analysis
Develop an independent, well-organised analysis of each unseen non-literary passage while managing evidence selection and time across both responses.
IB Group 1 - Language A • HL
IB English A Lang & Lit HL
Use this IB English A Lang & Lit HL study guide to browse the syllabus topic structure, study materials, and practice resources.
Structured practice
IB English A Lang & Lit HL Question Bank
Jump straight into grouped unit practice without losing your place in the syllabus overview.
Everything You Need to Know About Analysis
Analysis 101
Surface Techniques: The Scene
Suggestive Techniques: The Clues
Structural Techniques: The Patterns
Layered Techniques: The Motive
Synthesized Techniques: The Full Picture
Paper 1 Lang & Lit
English Lang & Lit Paper 1 Tablestakes
Planning Your English Lang & Lit Paper 1 Essay
Writing Your English Lang & Lit Paper 1 Essay
English Lang & Lit Paper 1 Exemplar
Paper 2 Lang & Lit
English Lang & Lit Paper 2 Tablestakes
Planning Your English Lang & Lit Paper 2 Essay
Writing Your English Lang & Lit Paper 2 Essay
Paper 2 Exemplar
Individual Oral (IO)
Presenting Your IO
IO Exemplar
Higher Level Essay
Planning Your HLE Essay
HLE Exemplar
Overview
Course overview
How to study IB English A Lang & Lit HL
IB English A: Language and Literature HL requires sustained analysis across literary works and non-literary bodies of work, with greater breadth of study and the additional HL Essay. Strong revision develops adaptable arguments about how authorial choices shape meaning for audiences in context rather than relying on memorised technique lists. Use this hub to connect syllabus topics with exam, essay, and Individual Oral preparation.
Paper 2 and HL Essay
Build comparative literary arguments for Paper 2 and sustain a focused line of inquiry in the 1,200–1,500 word HL Essay.
Individual Oral focus
Analyse how a focused global issue is presented in one literary work and one non-literary body of work, balancing extract-level and whole-work discussion.
Assessment at a glance
For the current Language A: Language and Literature course first assessed in 2021, HL combines two external papers, a 1,200–1,500 word HL Essay, and an internally assessed Individual Oral. The oral is externally moderated by the IB.
| Component | Format | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Guided analysis of two unseen non-literary passages | 35% |
| Paper 2 | Comparative essay on two studied literary works | 25% |
| HL Essay | 1,200–1,500 word essay on one studied work or body of work | 20% |
| Individual Oral | 10-minute response plus 5 minutes of teacher questions | 20% |
Sources: current IB subject guide and IB Language A: Language and Literature course page.
Revision plan
- 1.Complete regular unseen-text plans that identify purpose, audience, text type, structure, and a defensible interpretation.
- 2.Organise studied-work evidence by analytical claim, authorial choice, context, and possible comparison.
- 3.Test HL Essay lines of inquiry for focus, textual support, and room for sustained analysis before drafting.
- 4.Practise Individual Oral delivery from concise bullet points without scripting or memorising the response.
Exam strategy
Prioritise a coherent interpretation over a catalogue of devices. Use precise evidence, explain how choices work together, qualify claims about audience response, and keep comparison or line of inquiry visible throughout.
Practise IB English A Lang & Lit HL questionsPrepare for the IB English Individual OralFrequently asked questions
What does IB English A: Language and Literature HL study?
The course studies literary works and non-literary bodies of work through questions of language, representation, culture, audience, and context. HL adds greater breadth of study and the independently written HL Essay.
How is IB English Language and Literature HL assessed?
Paper 1 is worth 35%, Paper 2 is worth 25%, the HL Essay is worth 20%, and the internally assessed Individual Oral is worth 20%. The oral is externally moderated by the IB.
What is Paper 1 in IB English LangLit HL?
Paper 1 requires separate guided analyses of two previously unseen non-literary passages. Students need to manage time across both responses and develop a coherent interpretation supported by precise analysis of authorial choices.
What is the IB English LangLit HL Essay?
The HL Essay is a 1,200–1,500 word formal essay based on one studied literary work or non-literary body of work. It should sustain a focused line of inquiry through well-selected evidence and analysis.
What is the IB English LangLit Individual Oral?
The Individual Oral analyses how a focused global issue is presented in one literary work and one non-literary body of work. It consists of a 10-minute response followed by five minutes of teacher questions.