IB · Group 1 · Studies in Language and Literature
English A: Language and Literature
SL · 2 papers
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English A: Language and Literature SL chapters
11 topics · free- 1.1Readers, writers and texts — introduction
- 1.2Analysing non-literary texts (Paper 1 skills)
- 1.3Analysing visual and multimodal texts
- 2.1Time and space — textual representations
- 2.2Comparative analysis of literary works (Paper 2)
- 2.3Power, language and representation
- 3.1Intertextuality — connecting texts
- 3.2Literary conventions and authorial choices
- 4.1Individual Oral — global issue and extracts
- 4.2Individual Oral — analysis and delivery
- 4.3Selecting a global issue and pairing texts
Papers in English A: Language and Literature SL
- SLPaper 1Practise under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- SLPaper 2Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback ->IB English A: Language and Literature SL — papers & markbands
Analyse non-literary texts (Paper 1) and literary works (Paper 2) through guided textual and comparative essays. Above are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB English A: Language and Literature SL?
- IB English A: Language and Literature at SL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, plus internal assessment. Analyse non-literary texts (Paper 1) and literary works (Paper 2) through guided textual and comparative essays.
- How is IB English A: Language and Literature marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB English Lang & Lit SL past papers?
- Browse every recent English A: Language and Literature SL exam series on our IB English Lang & Lit past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB English A: Language and Literature course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB English A: Language and Literature course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB English A: Language and Literature resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.