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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