English A L&L · Lesson 4 of 6 · Paper 2

Closed-book writing: precise references and the 1 hour 45 minutes

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Paper 2 is a 1 hour 45 minute closed-book examination where you compare two literary works you have studied without having the copies in front of you. Mastering precise textual references without relying on long memorized quotations—while managing your time and academic register—directly secures top marks across Criteria A, B1, C, and D.

By the end you’ll be able to

Make detailed, accurate references to both works without the texts, using precise paraphrase and only quotations you are sure of.
Plan the 1 hour 45 minutes across choosing a question, planning, writing and checking.
Write in clear, accurate, formal language with apt literary terminology (criterion D).
Avoid the common losses: retelling the plot, two separate mini-essays, a memorized essay that misses the question and misremembered quotations.

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Core ideas (continued)
Worked examples
Exam technique
Common mistakes
Quick recap
Check your understanding (3 questions)

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What the exam asks

In Paper 2, you choose one of four general questions and write a comparative essay on two literary works studied in your course. Because the exam is closed-book, the IB says you are not expected to include direct quotations. Examiners reward detailed, accurate references to specific moments, structural shifts, and authorial choices.

Your essay is marked out of 25 on four criteria. Criterion B has two halves, B1 and B2, so you get five scores of 5 marks each:

Criterion A (Knowledge, understanding and interpretation): Tested through accurate, relevant references to both works and the interpretation you build from them to answer the question.
Criterion B1 (Analysis and evaluation of textual features and/or authorial choices): Tested by how well you unpack how specific choices create meaning and judge how well they work, even when paraphrased.
Criterion B2 (Comparative analysis): Tested by how far the similarities and/or differences you analyse deepen your reading of both works (the quality of the comparison, not the number of links).
Criterion C (Focus and organization): Tested by how clearly you stay on the question, balance the two works and connect your ideas; planning and pacing your 105 minutes is what makes this possible.
Criterion D (Language): Tested by your formal register, clear sentence structure, and precise terminology.

Core ideas

Precise references vs memorized quotations

Many candidates think they must memorize dozens of full sentences to reach the top band. In fact, a misremembered or awkwardly forced quotation hurts your essay more than no quotation at all. Instead, use micro-quotations (one to three exact words woven into your sentence) combined with precise paraphrase (pinpointing the exact scene, structural position, and technique).

Evidence Type	How it works	What it earns
Vague recall	“Near the end of the play, Torvald gets angry at Nora about the letter.”	Keeps Criterion A low (too vague to show detailed knowledge) and starves Criterion B1.
Precise reference (no quotes)	“In the Act 3 climax, Ibsen uses Krogstad’s first letter as a dramatic catalyst, stripping away Torvald’s protective persona to expose his obsession with public reputation.”	Reaches 4–5 in Criterion A and Criterion B1 by naming the structural placement (Act 3 climax), technique (dramatic catalyst, persona), and meaning.
Micro-quotation + reference	“When Torvald calls Nora his ‘squirrel’ in Act 1, Ibsen establishes a patronizing domestic hierarchy that makes her final exit at the sound of the slamming door all the more radical.”	Top band in A, B1, and D—weaves a one-word quote you can be sure of into analysis of structure and characterization.