Guided Literary Analysis Model Answers (DP IB English A: Literature: HL): Revision Note

Marks

Descriptor

5

• The response demonstrates a thorough and perceptive understanding of the literal meaning of the text

• There is a convincing and insightful interpretation of larger implications and subtleties of the text

• References to the text are well chosen and effectively support the candidate’s ideas

Common mistakes to avoid

Misunderstanding the text

• Avoid relying on memorised or pre-written responses:

  • Your argument must be shaped by the specific wording of the question 

Making general comments without evidence

• Avoid vague or unsupported points:

  • Always support your ideas with specific references or examples from the texts

Describing or summarising instead of interpreting and analysing

• Do not simply retell, summarise or describe the text:

  • The examiner can see it too and does not need you to do this

• Push past a surface description and think about what is going on and why

Focusing on understanding instead of interpretation

• Avoid simply showing that you understand the literal meaning of the text:

  • Interpretation means thinking about the wider implications and subtleties

Overusing quotations

• Avoid long or excessive quotations:

  • Use short, precise references and focus on explaining their significance

  • For textual references, choose the specific word or phrase you are referring to instead of quoting the whole sentence

Marks

Descriptor

5

• The response demonstrates an insightful and convincing analysis of textual features and/or authorial choices

• There is a very good evaluation of how such features and/or choices shape meaning

Common mistakes to avoid

Identifying techniques without analysing them

• Avoid simply spotting features:

  • Always explain how the technique works and what it reveals

  • Explain why the writer uses it and what effect it has on the reader

Ignoring some important authorial choices

• Avoid focusing only on language features:

  • Structure and layout also matter

Not including evaluation 

• Avoid only giving an analysis:

  • Evaluating is key to this criterion, and this means considering the significance, effectiveness and level of impact of the writers’ choices

Marks

Descriptor

5

• The presentation of ideas is effectively organised and coherent

• The analysis is well focused

Common mistakes to avoid

Losing focus on the text and/or guiding question

• Avoid drifting away from the text under discussion

• Use the guiding question to focus on relevant aspects of the text

Lack of a clear argument

• Avoid writing a response that does not have a clear line of reasoning

• The best way to do so is by formulating a strong thesis statement:

  • Write topic sentences that stem from this thesis

  • Use connective phrases to establish links between each of your points

Over-reliance on memorised formats

• Avoid using a rigid essay structure:

  • Always adapt your essay to the specifics of the text under analysis and the guiding question 

Marks

Descriptor

5

• Language is very clear, effective, carefully chosen and precise, with a high degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction

• Register and style are effective and appropriate to the task 

Common mistakes to avoid

Using an informal or inappropriate register 

• Avoid casual language:

  • Aim for a formal but natural academic style

  • Register refers to elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence structure and terminology 

Unclear or awkward expression

• Avoid using overcomplicated phrasing:

  • Prioritise clarity and accuracy over complexity

Frequent grammar and syntax errors

• Avoid errors that affect readability:

  • Aim for accuracy, even if your language is simple

Lack of sentence variety

• Avoid using the same sentence structure repeatedly:

  • Vary your sentence structure to improve fluency  

Exam question

How is the relationship between the two characters established in this extract? 

Diana and Evelyn’s relationship in this extract from Absent Friends is established as socially polite but distant. This underlying tension is suggested through dialogue, stage directions and the controlled use of humour.  Ayckbourn uses the carefully described setting of a “modern executive-style house” filled with “wrought iron” and “frosted glass” to reflect the lack of warmth between the two women.The setting is described as affluent (“it all cost a great deal of money”) but also quite cold and empty, which suggests that the relationship between Diana and Evelyn takes place on a superficial level, rather than representing real closeness. This idea is reinforced through their dialogue. Diana speaks in longer, more polite and conversational sentences, while Evelyn replies with monosyllabic statements like “Yes” and “He’s all right”. This juxtaposition shows that Diana is trying to keep the conversation going and build a connection, whereas Evelyn seems distant and uninterested. As Evelyn does not give much detail in her responses, it makes the conversation feel awkward and one-sided. Ayckbourn also develops their relationship through how they talk about their husbands. Diana complains about Paul’s obsession with “squash”, repeating the word “Squash, squash, squash” which makes her sound slightly frustrated, even though she presents it in a humorous way. This hints there may be tension in her marriage. In contrast, Evelyn gives very little information about John, saying only “He doesn’t play anything” which shows she does not engage much in personal discussion. The humour in Diana’s speech, especially when she talks about her father, makes the conversation feel light on the surface, but it also highlights how uncomfortable and unnatural their interaction really is. Even Evelyn’s actions, such as chewing and singing to herself, suggest she is not fully engaged in the conversation, which further adds to the distance between the two women.