IB EnglishEssay WritingTop Scoring
How to Write a Top-Scoring IB English Essay
7 min read
10 July 2025Introduction
IB English is one of the most analytical and writing-heavy courses in the program. Whether you're working on your HL Essay, Paper 1 commentary, or Paper 2 comparison, structure and clarity are everything.
Here's how to improve your IB English essays - and how Study Marker can help you get there faster.
1. Understand What Each Paper Wants
Paper 1: Unseen commentary - analyse a literary or non-literary text
Paper 2: Comparative essay on two works studied
HL Essay: 1,200-1,500 word literary analysis
2. Use a Clear Essay Framework
For Paper 1, use this flow:
Introduction with thesis
Body Paragraphs (with one key idea per paragraph)
Textual evidence
Authorial techniques
Commentary on meaning
Conclusion that returns to the thesis
3. Avoid Common Mistakes
Don't retell the text - always analyse
Don't skip structure - unclear arguments = lost marks
Don't forget techniques - imagery, tone, structure matter
4. Get Feedback Before It Counts
Before you submit a final essay (or practise for Paper 1), run it through Study Marker.
You'll get:
Real-time feedback on structure and language
Suggestions for improving argument depth
Instant, targeted advice - no waiting for a teacher
Final Thoughts
IB English is about more than ideas - it's about how clearly and confidently you express them. Practice is key, but feedback is what improves marks.
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