English A: Literature · IB SL
IB English A: Literature SL — papers & markbands
Guided literary analysis (Paper 1) and a comparative essay on studied works (Paper 2). Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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English A: Literature SL chapters
12 topics · free- 1.1Guided literary analysis (Paper 1)
- 1.2Literary features and authorial choices
- 1.3Analysing unseen poetry (Paper 1)
- 1.4Analysing unseen prose (Paper 1)
- 1.5Tone, voice and perspective
- 2.1Comparative essay — works in translation
- 2.2Comparative essay — structure and thesis
- 2.3Selecting and pairing works for comparison
- 2.4Embedding literary context and reception
- 3.1Individual Oral — global issue
- 3.2Individual Oral — extract analysis
- 3.3Choosing a global issue for the Individual Oral
Papers in English A: Literature SL
- Paper 1SL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2SL
Drill 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 →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB English A: Literature SL?
- IB English A: Literature at SL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, plus internal assessment. Guided literary analysis (Paper 1) and a comparative essay on studied works (Paper 2).
- How is IB English A: 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 Literature SL past papers?
- Browse every recent English A: Literature SL exam series on our IB English Literature past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB English A: Literature course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB English A: Literature course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB English A: Literature resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.