IBDP English Language and Literature – Guided Textual Analysis -

Paper 1 Checklist

Criterion A: Understanding and interpretation

• How well does the candidate demonstrate an understanding of the text and
draw reasoned conclusions from implications in it?
• How well are ideas supported by references to the text?
Have I written a proper thesis statement in my introductory paragraph and not just
made an abrupt beginning?

Have I made inferences and deductions about the text rather than summarising it?
Are my comments about less obvious points and aspects? Have I been specific?
Are these interpretations based on evidence from the extract?
Have I used quotations from the text to underpin my points?
Are these quotations explicitly linked to my interpretations? Have I used relevant
connectives to do the same?
Have these quotations been precisely selected and not copied down chunks of whole
lines or sentences?
Have I considered how my points are connected to consider the ‘bigger picture’?
Are these comments related to the question or my thesis?

Criterion B: Analysis and evaluation

• To what extent does the candidate analyse and evaluate how textual features
and/or authorial choices shape meaning?
Have I identified features used or choices made by the writer, such as language,
form and structure?
Have I explained how these help to support my interpretations or the meaning of the
text?
Have I explored why this might be important and the larger impact of this?
Are these comments related to the question or my thesis?
Have I used appropriate terminology? (it is better, though, to focus on effects rather
than remembering the name of the technique!)

Criterion C: Focus and organisation

• How well organized andfocused is the presentation of ideas?

Have I planned out my ideas, including the order I will write about them in?
Do I have a clear introduction that identifies the purpose, audience, context and text
type of the extract?
In my introduction, have I identified my interpretation of the question and my thesis
statement (have I moved from the generic to the specific)?
Do I maintain focus on this thesis or line of argument throughout my response?
Do I have my points in separate paragraphs?
Have I used connectives to link my ideas together?
Do I have a clear conclusion that sums up my argument without repeating my points?

Abhinandan Bhattacharya November 2020

 Criterion D: Language
• How clear, varied and accurate is the language?
• How appropriate is the choice of register and style (“Register”refers, in this
context, to the candidate’s use of elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence
structure and terminology appropriate to the essay.)
Have I used a suitably formal style in keeping with the academic understanding?
Is this style maintained throughout my response?
Have I used a wide range of vocabulary?
Have I used the right words when I am trying to explain myself?
Is my spelling correct?
Have I checked through my response?

Abhinandan Bhattacharya November 2020