IB English Literature Paper 1: Unseen Commentary

Top Tips:
 Opening sentence: what is the key idea?
 Frequent use of writer’s name and mentions of their choices.
 Don’t lead with a literary feature. “This poem has many metaphors” -Bad topic
sentence.
 Focus on the effect on the reader.
 Transitions between paragraphs should develop arguments.
o Intricate topic sentences
 Topic sentences: what (effect on reader) and how.
 Diction should be preceded by adjective.
o There is a lot of temporal diction. (Diction about time)
 Don’t use the word “theme” instead use “key idea” or “concept” or “convey”
 Short quotations, reference using brackets and line number
 Personal effect on reader in conclusion.
 Conclusion should not introduce new material.

Opening sentence:
 Begin with writer and title
 Followed by verbs such as
o Examines
o Explores
o Investigates
o Reflects on
 “MacNeice’s soap suds……”
 “In the poem, MacNeice explores the memories caused by sensory triggers in order
to convey the character’s feelings towards the progression of life.”
