Tips for IB English Classes

Read the book.

If you don’t like the book, the teacher should not care, so you don't need to pretend to like it in order to get a good grade.

Reading the book will help you to be well-equipped to discuss the book in class or write an essay on it at a later time.

If you need to write about a book you have read in class, remember that the essay is not about how much you enjoy the book or what the author did well, it is simply about the content of the book and how the author communicates the storyline and ideas of the book.

Use a variety of specific vocabulary. Ensure that you only use words that you know the meaning of and that also make sense in context.

Ask your teacher for suggestions on improving your writing. They can give you feedback on how well they understand your writing and whether your structure and word choices are effective.

This class is structured around analysis of books, plays, and poetry. Ensure that you give yourself enough time to read and understand the text.

Get your own copy of the book so you can annotate it if necessary.

Although grammar is not the main thing you will be scored on, it is important that you remember and use all grammatical rules so that your work is understandable and your communication is effective.

Don’t use generic words such as “shows,” “tells,” or “says” in regards to the author’s communication of an idea. Utilize specific terms such as “demonstrates,” “illuminates,” or “portrays,” because there are many ways for an author’s writing to depict a concept or story element.