Private IB English Literature Tutors

IB English Literature is demanding due to its emphasis on detailed textual analysis, abstract thinking, and essay writing. Students must engage deeply with texts and articulate their interpretations clearly, making it intellectually rigorous but highly rewarding.

May 2023 Grade Boundaries:

Standard Level (SL):

7: 80–100

6: 70–79

5: 60–69

4: 50–59

3: 40–49

2: 30–39

1: 0–29

Higher Level (HL):

7: 82–100

6: 72–81

5: 62–71

4: 52–61

3: 42–51

2: 32–41

1: 0–31

Achieving a 7 requires mastery of literary analysis and writing under timed conditions. In recent years, around 4–5% of HL and 7–8% of SL students received a 7. With focused preparation and structured feedback, it is achievable.

The course is centered around the close reading and analysis of literary texts across genres and periods.

Key areas of study include:

Readers, Writers and Texts: The role of the reader, the purpose and construction of texts, and the relationship between texts and their contexts.

Time and Space: Literary traditions, historical contexts, and cultural significance.

Intertextuality: Connections between texts and the ways texts reference or reflect each other.

Students explore a variety of works including prose, poetry, and drama, developing critical reading, analytical, and comparative skills.

Tutors help students refine close reading skills, structure essays effectively, and explore complex literary theories. They guide the development of critical and comparative thinking required for the IA and exams. With focused support, students can better articulate their insights and manage workload. This not only improves grades but prepares students for university-level analysis and communication.

The Internal Assessment is the Individual Oral, a 10-minute oral analysis comparing one literary work and one non-literary text or extract (for SL) or two literary works (for HL), based on a global issue. It is recorded and externally moderated. This assessment counts for 30% (SL) and 20% (HL) of the final grade.Our tutors help students select texts, develop arguments, and practice delivery for a polished performance.

Standard Level (SL):

Paper 1 (1 hour 15 minutes): Literary commentary on unseen prose or poetry (20 marks).

Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes): Comparative essay on two studied works responding to a question from a set of prompts (30 marks).

Higher Level (HL): Paper 1 (2 hours 15 minutes): Literary analysis of two unseen texts (40 marks).

Paper 2 (2 hours 15 minutes): Comparative essay as in SL but with higher complexity (30 marks).

HL Essay: A 1,200–1,500 word essay on one literary work studied, focused on a line of inquiry developed by the student (20 marks).

Our tutors provide targeted exam prep and guided writing practice for all components.

We begin by identifying the student's strengths and areas for growth. Sessions focus on improving interpretation of texts, developing analytical writing, and preparing for oral and written assessments. Tutors also assist with internal assessment planning and practice.Each session builds skills incrementally to ensure readiness for all assessment tasks.