OR, how does the text relate to the identity of the ?
This summary is vague, so let's go in-depth on a couple of these concepts to really show you what you should be doing in the HLE.
Identity is what makes you, YOU. Here are some questions the concern your own personal identity:
Now apply this same logic to characters within your text.
Let's take a look at a concrete example of how we might choose evidence and quotes for a HLE on cultural identity. This example is based on a Vietnamese work in translation “Ru” by author Kim Thúy. For context, “Ru” is an autobiographical fictional account which explores Kim Thúy's move from Vietnam to Canada as an immigrant and her consequent struggles. The structure of her novel is largely lyrical and poetic.
Let's look at a section from her novel that may help us come up with an essay idea based on the concept of Identity. When she returns to Vietnam, she attends a restaurant, however this becomes a major awakening for her in terms of how she views her own personal identity. Kim narrates within her novel:
The first time I carried a briefcase, the first time I went to a restaurant school for young adults in Hanoi, wearing heels and a straight skirt, the waiter for my table didn't understand why I was speaking Vietnamese with him. Page 77, Rú
This is a perfect quote for the Identity concept. Can you see why? Let's think through it together…
Why would the waiter be confused if Kim, a “briefcase”-carrying individual in “heels” and a “straight skirt”, was speaking Vietnamese with him?
What does being “Vietnamese” look like to the waiter? Why does Kim not conform to his expectation? Was it perhaps due to what she was wearing?
Now, if we look at the section which follows this in the novel, we are able to see the impact this had on the character of Kim's sense of identity.
the young waiter reminded me that I couldn't have everything, that I no longer had the right to declare I was Vietnamese because I no longer had their fragility, their uncertainty, their fears. And he was right to remind me. Page 77, Rú
Here, we can clearly see that this character is now questioning her Vietnamese cultural identity. This is just one example that demonstrates the concept of Identity.
Culture seems to be this confusing thing. Does it have to do with religion? Race? Beliefs? What does it mean? Does the monster from Frankenstein fit into a certain culture?
The easiest way to put it is this: Culture is the way someone lives. It is their “way of life.” Think of it as an umbrella term. “Culture” can include so many different things; the list just goes on, for example religion, values, customs, beliefs, cuisine, etc.
Now think, how would I form an essay from this concept?
It seems odd writing an essay about “creativity” because… like… how can anyone definitively say what ‘counts' as being creative–or not? When I say the word creativity , I think of new inventions, or maybe those weird and wacky art installations living inside those ‘modern art' museums. But hey, what's creative to me might not be creative to you!
When formulating a HLE on the concept of creativity we have two main pointers for you. Look for:
Now, for this concept, let's look at how we might select supportive evidence and quotations for a HLE on creativity within the narrative style of author Mary Shelley in “Frankenstein”. The narrative style uses epistolary narration . This is a narrative technique in which a story is told through letters. This was something that I found both interesting and recurring within Frankenstein, which I believe worked to create a personal touch within the novel.
Additionally, Mary Shelley allows different characters to narrate Frankenstein during different volumes. Let's investigate this! I have written out different character profiles of the narrators below:
These 3 characters, each relate a part of the novel Frankenstein. This is an example of a creative authorial choice that allows us, as readers to explore different points of view within the text. This is just one example of a creative aspect of a text which you can analyze for your HLE.
Representation is all about how something is portrayed, conveyed, shown, described, illustrated, depicted . There are many different things that can be ‘represented' within a text, and it doesn't have to be tangible.
For instance, you can look at how a belief, idea or attitude is depicted within a text through different characters or devices.
Again, let's explore a concrete example to make things clear: this time the graphic novel “Persepolis”. We'll consider an HLE on how a text represents the impact of political turmoil on society .
Chapter 10 of “Persepolis” highlights societal changes occurring due to the Iranian Revolution. The panels below list the authorial choices relevant to the negative representation of political change in a society. When looking at the techniques highlighted in the slides below, think about how you feel when you look at the panels below. Can you sense a more positive or negative feeling?
Cool, but what do we do to turn all this into an actual HL essay? Here is a sample response. The introduction might begin like this:
In the captivating graphic novel “Persepolis,” the author Marjane Satrapi explores the social and political impacts of the Iranian revolution. In particular, Satrapi conveys a disapproving viewpoint on political turmoil within the text. Throughout the graphic novel, Satrapi carefully represents how social isolation, hypocrisy and confusion is experienced by a young girl living in Tehran, as a result of political turmoil. Example HLE Introduction
Then, in a body paragraph, on one of the key ideas mentioned above, we could analyze the different literary techniques. For example, Panel 1 is a great representation of the experience of confusion in the midst of political turmoil:
Marji is the younger girl pictured in the panels above. While her parents appear quite concerned by the news on the TV, she appears to not be in full comprehension of the cause for their distress. This is demonstrated by the visual imagery and dialogue, in panel 7, for instance, if you observe the facial expressions by each of the characters. Example of analysis in body paragraph
This is just a short example from one particular text. To help you unpack any text, try look for the following when analyzing chapter to chapter:
If you're having trouble picking your text and line of inquiry, then use this simple 20-minute process to brainstorm potential questions for your HLE:
Choosing a question with good scope is extremely important, and it's one of the biggest challenges in the HLE. Here's why:
So, to help you get the balance just right , here are three examples of HLE questions, specifically for the concept of Identity which we mentioned in the table above (by the way, the example is a made-up novel for illustration purposes).
There are many things that contribute to a 7 in your HLE and your IB English grade overall. But if we had to boil it down to one secret, one essential fact… then it'd have to be this: Get really good at analysis .
Analysis is the key to a 7 in IB English. It doesn't matter if it's Paper 1, Paper 2, HLE, IO… You must learn how to analyze quotes at a deep level, and structure your analysis in a way that flows and delights your teachers and examiners.
Start with the basic foundations of analysis for free inside LitLearn's Learn Analysis course.
Our free and Pro resources have helped IB English students skyrocket their grade in weeks, days and even overnight... Learn Analysis for IB English , the simplest guide to a 7 in IB English.
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Since you're in HL, you'll also be needing Advanced Analysis skills if you want to impress your examiner. We've got all of that covered inside our Pro lessons.
Advanced Analysis
Also, you'll need to find good quotes for your text. Some good sources where you can find relevant quotes include Goodreads , SparkNotes , LitCharts , and Cliffnotes . Of course, you could just find quotes yourself directly–this will ensure your quotes are unique.
An essential step to getting a high mark on the HL Essay is understanding the rubric! It is SO important that you know what IB English examiners are looking for when grading your essay, as this helps you to shape the content of your essay to match (or even exceed) their expectations.
The IB English HL Essay is graded out of 20 marks . There are 4 criteria, each worth 5 marks.
Use the checklist below to make sure you're not making simple mistakes! Note that this is not the official marking criteria, and I strongly recommend that you reading the official rubric provided by your teacher.
Criterion A: Knowledge, understanding, and interpretation
Criterion B: Analysis and evaluation
Criterion C: Focus, organization, and development
Criterion D: Language
Here's everything we discussed:
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor 💪
Questionbank
Paper 1 Practice Exams
Past Paper 1 Solutions
Paper 2 Guide
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Preparation guide, examples and full exemplar script.
Higher Level Essay
Crash course on HLE basics.
Hle assessment criteria, criterion a: knowledge, understanding and interpretation.
Marks | Descriptor |
---|---|
1 | The essay shows knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work. Interpretations are relevant to the topic and supported by references to the work or body of work. |
2 | The essay shows knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work. Interpretations are relevant to the topic and supported by references to the work or body of work. |
3 | The essay shows knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work. Interpretations are relevant to the topic and supported by references to the work or body of work. |
4 | The essay shows a knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work. Interpretations are to the topic and supported by appropriate references to the work or body of work. |
5 | The essay shows knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work. Interpretations are to the topic and supported by convincing references to the work or body of work. |
Marks | Descriptor |
---|---|
1 | The essay shows analysis and evaluation of how uses stylistic and structural features to construct meaning on the topic. |
2 | The essay shows analysis and evaluation of how uses stylistic and structural features to construct meaning on the topic. |
3 | The essay shows analysis and evaluation of how uses stylistic and structural features to construct meaning on the topic. |
4 | The essay shows analysis and evaluation of how uses stylistic and structural features to construct meaning on the topic. |
5 | The essay shows analysis and evaluation of how uses stylistic and structural features to construct meaning on the topic. |
Marks | Descriptor |
---|---|
1 | The essay shows coherence, focus and organisation. |
2 | The essay shows coherence, focus and organisation. |
3 | The essay shows coherence, focus and organisation. |
4 | The essay shows coherence, focus and organisation. |
5 | The essay shows coherence, focus and organisation. |
Marks | Descriptor |
---|---|
1 | The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is accurate, varied and effective. |
2 | The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is accurate, varied and effective. |
3 | The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is accurate, varied and effective. |
4 | The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is accurate, varied and effective. |
5 | The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is accurate, varied and effective. |
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English HL Grade 10 Term 3 Week 1_2020- READING: POETRY
• Key elements of a poem • Poetry essay
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How many quotations should you have in your poetry essay, how many poems should i study for each poet, how many poems should you cover in your lc essay.
Guidance varies on this. Some teachers say 3-4 poems. Our experience suggests that covering 4 in detail and briefly mentioning another 2 works well for students trying for a H1.
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Writing good paragraphs is inevitably an essential element of all good essays, and one that you will spend a good deal of time developing throughout the course. But what does it take to write them consistently and effectively? The answer to that question is not straightforward, and of course there are many different kinds of paragraphs, and many different ways of writing them successfully. Having said that, it probably is true to say that good paragraphs - however varied, and whatever their subject, often have similar technical characteristics. Let's try to identify some of them...
1. Identify one clear topic or subject and stick with it, not meander through several or many.
2. 'Present' the subject of the paragraph in the first sentence - a 'topic sentence'
3. Consist of other points that unpack the topic of the paragraph and explore the way it is presented or developed in the text.
4. Make a variety of different kinds of statement, some descriptive, some analytical, some interpretive.
5. Explore the main topic of the paragraph in and through supporting points, e.g. around 2-4
6. Support each point with reference to the text, sometimes in the form of short quotation, at others in reference to particular moments, scenes or events.
7. Develop: a paragraph will make progression and overall present a development in the argument. In this sense a paragraph can be like a mini essay, with an introductory statement, a main body of exploratory points and then a kind of conclusion which assesses how far the paragraph has developed the argument.
8. Will be neither too long nor too short. If your paragraph is only a coupe of sentences long then the chances are there is not enough material for a paragraph topic to be clearly identified or explored. Equally, if the paragraph goes on for more than, say, half a side, it may well be a sign that it should be split into two (or more) topics instead. Typically, an 'average' A4 page will consist of 2-3 paragraphs.
9. Present points that develop from one into the other, either by finding similarities or points of contrast or opposition.
10. Connect meaningfully with the topic (and the points raised) in the previous paragraph, as well as the one following.
Read through the following model paragraph (taken from an essay on Master Harold and the Boys , by Athol Fugard), with teacher notes alongside, to see how these characteristics can be realised. (Teachers - you could project this table in full screen for students to read).
The ballroom scene is important because it reinforces the idea of Sam in his role as mentor to Hally. 1 At the start of the scene, Hally is reluctant to see the dance as anything more than 'simple' and declares that it has no more significance than "American sodas with ice cream". 2 Through Sam's excited anticipation of the dance competition, however, 3 he manages to convince Hally that it is more: "There's only standing room left. We've got competitors coming from Kingwilliamstown, East London, Port Alfred", he remarks - portraying the extent of its importance throughout the whole of the region, as well as its significance as a voice for the black community. 4 Furthermore, as the scene gains momentum, the dance begins to move towards something of more figurative importance. 5 For Sam, it carries meaning in terms of the relationship between the three men. He states, "Look at the three of us this afternoon: I've bumped into Willy, the two of us have bumped into you..." and then he goes even further to announce its status as a metaphor for the conflict between people and nations. "America", he says, "has bumped into Russia, England is bumping into India, rich man bumps into poor man". 6 Sam is therefore presented as a wise and mature man who possesses considerable insight, and Hal cannot help but be swayed by his persuasive rhetoric. He comments, "You're right. We mustn't despair". However, it is ironic, or perhaps a fitting reminder of the futility of this idea, that the phone rings at precisely at this point. This provides one further example of the play's modulation between hope and despondency. 7
1. The topic statement (first sentence of the paragraph) clearly states the one single issue with which the paragraph is going to be concerned.
2. This is the first point of the paragraph (in support of the topic). It is clearly articulated and notice the way two quotations have been embedded correctly.
3. The use of the conjunction, 'however', here connects the point made in the previous sentence with this new one.
4. Remembering that points are usually structured along the:
...approach, this sentence gives a nice example of the way an 'explanation' of the point-evidence can be made.
5. Here, the word 'furthermore' effectively connects previous points to this third main idea.
6. Note the way that different lengths of quotation are represented here - singular words or phrases embedded, complete lines or sentences preceded with a colon.
7. At the end of the paragraph, the student takes stock of the points s/he has made and moves them forward by coming up with a couple of interpretive ideas. Firstly, what we can learn about the character of Sam in general through this exploration, and second, tying the topic to the play as a whole in the comment about its interest in the interplay between hope and despair.
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Hi, I just wanted to share my HL LangLit essay on photography. It got a 19/20 so I hope it helps other HL English students who are writing their essays :)
Here is the link
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IB English A (Lang & Lit) HL Essay IA examples
IB English, the HL Essay: All You Need to Know
Work hard. Defeat the HLE and allow yourself to beam with pride. Go ahead, you've earned it. IB English - Higher Level Essay - Sample Paper (Dorfman) You've probably noticed that Andrew and Dave love drama. Dialogue, stage directions, props…they're amazing! Watch our student crush this HLE on Death and the Maiden by Dorfman.
The Best IB English Study Guide and Notes for SL/HL
HL Essay. HL Essay - Student Samples. 60'. Here you will find examples of real student HL Essays. Take a read and, using the marking criteria, grade them. You can compare your marks with those of the examiner. Student Samples. Student #1. The Characterization of Luis Alberto Molina through the use of Films, Dialogue and Stream of Consciousness ...
English A Literature HL Essay Ideas. Femininity and fear: Looking at this topic, you could explore how Keats constructs images of femininity to express fear in his Odes. Religious imagery: Within this analysis, you can explore how Kafka utilises religious imagery to reject ideas of human superiority in "The Metamorphosis".
English HL - literature essays - advice & tips (Mrs T. Matthews) 2. The rest of the body should use specific examples from the actual poem/passage to show how the device plays an important role in revealing a character's complexity, revealing the narrator's
Sample HL Essays. Below are a range of sample essays that are all "good" to "excellent" and would be marked in the 5-7 range. At the end of each essay are holistic comments by criterion that identify the strengths and limitations of the essay against each of the IB Language A HL Essay assessment criteria. Woman at Point Zero HL Essay.
CIAN HOGAN. The Institute of Education 79-85 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 1 661 3511 Email: [email protected] www.instituteofeducation.ie. Plath makes effective use of provocative imagery to highlight the intense emotions in her poetry. Plath's imagery serves to highlight the intense emotions in her poetry.
Sample HL essay responsesLinked from this page are some Higher Level essay sample responses with teacher marks and comments. We will be looking to add more examples, covering a range of different questions and different literary forms. ... Responses to poetry; Paper 1 sample response #1; Paper 1 sample responses #4 and #5; Paper 1 sample ...
HL Essay - IB ENGLISH A: LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (HL)
IB English Higher Level Essay (HLE) Explained
Group 1 English A: literature Higher level and standard level
Exemplar PDFs. Exemplar Mock HL Essay 1. Demonstrating the Ability & Disruptive Power of Photography Giles Peress Challenges the Underlying Causes of Global Complacency & Ignorance Through the Use of Photographic Journalism. Exemplar Mock HL Essay 2. How Does the Amanda Knox Documentary Highlight the Way in Which the Media Manipulates Legal Cases?
The following HL Essay aims to answer the line of inquiry: In what ways does Shakespeare comment on the interdependence of love and jealousy through the portrayal of Iago and Othello in "Othello" ? Read the essay carefully. Apply the HLE assessment criteria and discuss the marks you would award the script before reading the examiner's marks ...
IB English A (Lit) HL Essay IA examples
Descriptor. 1. The essay shows little analysis and evaluation of how the author uses stylistic and structural features to construct meaning on the topic. 2. The essay shows some analysis and evaluation of how the author uses stylistic and structural features to construct meaning on the topic. 3. The essay shows adequate analysis and evaluation ...
An example of this structure is found in Monbiot's essay 'The Problem is Capitalism' (2019). Here, Monbiot argues that capitalism involves a grossly unequal and unfair distribution of the planet's resources and is, ultimately, unsustainable, leading to "environmental catastrophe".
Free. Download. Type: pdf. Size: 1.25MB. Share this content. English HL Grade 10 Term 3 Week 1_2020- READING: POETRY. • Key elements of a poem • Poetry essay.
1. Subject matter, aka themes, simply what the poetry is about. 2. Imagery, or language, style, symbols, metaphors, poetic techniques, or simply how the poem is written. And when you've practiced past papers, used our notes and finally become an absolute ninja, you will get good at explaining how the imagery (1) enhances the delivery of the ...
1. Identify one clear topic or subject and stick with it, not meander through several or many. 2. 'Present' the subject of the paragraph in the first sentence - a 'topic sentence'. 3. Consist of other points that unpack the topic of the paragraph and explore the way it is presented or developed in the text. 4.
Download. Notes. English A (Lang & Lit) - HL. Like it? 199. 95. an example of a hl essay based on the book Persepolis.
Hi, I just wanted to share my HL LangLit essay on photography. It got a 19/20 so I hope it helps other HL English students who are writing their essays :) Here is the link. Congratulations and thank you so much! Reading example essays has been really helpful and I'm grateful you decided to share yours.