How Many IB English Literature Papers Are There?

Key Takeaways

• Standard Level (SL) students and Higher Level (HL) students sit 2 external exam papers

  • Paper 1 tests your ability to analyse unseen literary texts

  • Paper 2 asks you to write a comparative essay on studied texts

• Both SL and HL students deliver an internal oral assessment

• HL students complete an additional written essay

Overview of the IB English Literature Exam Structure

Are you thinking about taking IB English Literature? Maybe you’ve already begun. Either way, you’re in the right place to find out about the course itself, and how many IB English Literature papers there are. 

There are two exams. They assess your analytical and comparative skills on a range of literary texts. You’ll write about the production and reception of novels, plays, and poems across cultures and throughout history. The exams test you on context, critical perspectives, and literary traditions. Essentially, you’ll analyse how language creates meaning and effect. 

IB English Literature sits within Group 1 of the IB Diploma Programme (language and literature studies). You might choose to fulfil your Group 1 requirement with this course if you love novels, plays, and poetry.

But there’s more to find out. Exam structures vary according to the level you take (Higher Level or Standard Level). HL students complete an extra essay (the HL Essay) and have longer exams. You’ll also want to consider other assessments that count towards your final grade. We’ll go through the details. 

How Many Papers Are There for IB English Literature?

You'll sit two IB English Literature exams (opens in a new tab) for both SL and HL. You’ll also complete internal assessments (marked by your teacher and moderated by IB).

Here's the breakdown:

Standard Level (SL):

• Paper 1: Guided Literary Analysis

• Paper 2: Comparative Essay

• Internal Assessment: Individual Oral

Higher Level (HL):

• Paper 1: Guided Literary Analysis (extended version)

• Paper 2: Comparative Essay

• Internal Assessment: Individual Oral

• HL Essay (coursework)

IB English Literature SL Assessments

IB English Literature HL Assessments

What Does Each IB English Literature Paper Involve?

Your studied texts will include works from different time periods, genres, and cultural contexts. 

• HL students study around 13 texts

• SL students study around 9 texts

The exact texts vary, but you'll usually study a mix of novels, plays, poetry collections, and short stories. Teachers will tell you which specific authors and texts you’ll do. 

The skills being assessed include:

• close reading

• literary analysis

• understanding context

• making connections between texts

• expressing yourself in clear, well-organised writing

• supported argument with well-chosen evidence from the texts.

Paper 1: Guided Literary Analysis (SL and HL)

In Paper 1, you’re given unseen passages with guiding questions. These questions help you structure your analysis and point you towards particular features. 

What kind of “guided” questions will they ask?

IB has a few sample papers (opens in a new tab).

Some examples are:

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

• How is narrative perspective used to create meaning and effect? 

The key is to analyse literary and structural techniques (like symbolism, imagery, tone and mood, and form). You’ll explain how these deliver themes and interpret how the writer creates meaning.

Paper 2: Comparative Essay (SL and HL)

Paper 2 draws on the texts you've studied throughout the course. You'll have a choice of essay questions. The secret is choosing a question that allows you to make meaningful connections and identify differences. You’ll write a comparative essay using at least two studied works. 

What kind of questions will they ask? 

Here are some examples:

• Literature is often said to be timeless. To what extent is this true of two literary works?

• How do two works depict men and women struggling to resolve problems and not succeeding very well?

• Work together or stand on your own two feet. How do two literary works comment on collaboration or independence?

At both levels, this paper tests your memory of the texts, your understanding of literary concepts, and your ability to construct a coherent argument under time pressure.

Internal Assessments

The Individual Oral is your chance to show off your speaking skills. I know - my students all feel the same way about public speaking! But teachers understand you might feel nervous. In fact, you’re assessed on your research and the organisation of your speech, too - not just how confidently you deliver it. It’s marked by your teacher, but externally moderated. 

The great thing about this task is that you can choose one literary work and one non-literary text (like a film, article, photograph, or advertisement). 

Here are some tips:

• Pick texts that you find interesting

• Talk about a global issue that means something to you

• Make your question specific and analytical (eg ask “how and why”, not “what”)

Some of my students have picked topics like propaganda, discrimination against a particular group, or the way personal identity is represented. 

Once you’ve delivered your speech, your teacher asks questions that’ll develop your analysis further. This isn’t meant to trick you; it aims to gain you marks. 

If the idea of exams or giving a speech gives you sleepless nights, get some help with our Save My Exam Anxiety Relief Kit (opens in a new tab). 

HL Essay (HL only, non-exam)

The HL Essay is your chance to explore one text without time pressure. You write 1200-1500 words on a focused topic of your choice. The prompt looks like this: “Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the content and form of two of the works that you have studied”.

The best HL Essays explore a specific aspect of a text rather than trying to cover everything.

Don’t worry, you’ll have guidance from your teacher. You'll have time to edit based on feedback from your teacher. This task rewards students who develop a sophisticated argument with careful planning and revision. 

For example, you could choose a question like:

• How is the identity of a particular character or group of characters represented?

• How do the texts relate to a particular culture/cultural perspective?

How Much Does Each Paper Contribute to Your Final Grade?

Understanding the weightings helps you prioritise your revision time and work to your strengths. Our resident English Literature expert, Nick Redgrove, has some helpful tips for how to revise for IB English Literature.

Here's how everything adds up:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the HL essay timed like the papers?

No, the HL Essay isn't timed or completed under exam conditions. You work on it throughout the course with guidance from your teacher. You'll have time to plan, draft, revise, and polish your work. Think of it as a coursework essay rather than an exam paper.

Can I bring texts into IB English Literature exams?

No, you cannot have texts or materials in the exams for Paper 2. You need to know your texts well! Paper 1 uses unseen material. However, for your Individual Oral, you're allowed to use cue cards. 

Final Thoughts

Your question was: how many IB English Literature papers are there? Our answer is that you'll sit two exam papers for Standard Level and Higher Level. Both levels also complete an Individual Oral. If you're taking HL, you'll write an essay during the course.

Now you know how you’re assessed, you’ll be ready for IB exam day, and you’ll be more effective when it comes to revision. You’ll know exactly what's coming, how long you'll have, and what percentage of your grade each component represents. The IB English Literature course isn't just about memorising texts – it's about developing analytical skills and expressing thoughtful interpretations. So, get ready to explore a range of fascinating novels, plays, and poems!

Want to know a little more? Find out where IB English Literature ranks in our article on the hardest IB subjects and read through our guide to the IB Diploma. 

References: 

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Subject Brief (opens in a new tab)

Sample IB English Literature papers (opens in a new tab)