Losing marks on IB Paper 1 introductions? Learn why examiners reject summaries, what analysis actually looks like, and how to fix your opening fast. You don’t lose marks in Paper 1 because you “don’t get the text.” You lose them because your writing reports instead of interrogates. When an introduction begins with “This text is about…” or lists techniques without purpose, it signals to the examiner that you’re observing from the surface, not analysing from within. High‑scoring responses make a different move: they interpret how visual and verbal choices construct meaning, position the audience, and expose the ideology beneath the message. Paper 1 rewards scrutiny, not summary—and your introduction is where that distinction becomes immediately visible.

Advertising is built on the art of persuasion, and one of the most effective ways brands achieve this is through carefully crafted advertising appeals. These techniques tap into our emotions, values, curiosities, and even our senses to shape how we interpret a message—and ultimately, how we respond to it. Whether an ad aims to warm our hearts, spark our imagination, or stir our appetite, each appeal is designed to make a product or idea feel more meaningful and memorable. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the most common appeals used in modern advertising, paired with visual examples that bring these strategies to life.

I analyse Taylor Swift’s new song “The Fate of Ophelia” which tells the story of someone feeling lost and overwhelmed, stuck in sadness and isolation, until someone comes along and completely turns things around. Using Ophelia from Hamlet as a metaphor, the song is about being saved from a cycle of heartbreak and finding hope and strength through a powerful connection (ahem, with Travis Kelce). 

The Language of Graphics in The Gate Theatre’s Manifesto (IB May 2025 past paper 1)

When we think of manifestos, we often focus on their words—the bold declarations, urgent calls to action, and visionary ideals. But what if the visuals are speaking just as loudly? In this post, I dive into the graphic language of a contemporary theatre manifesto, from The Gate, unpacking how its color palette, texture, and pattern work in concert with its text to communicate its core values: inclusivity, empathy, transformation, and collective imagination.

Writers show relationships in drama by using different techniques to reveal how characters connect, feel, fight, or grow. These techniques help the audience understand the emotions, conflicts, and changes in the characters’ relationships. Below are some of the key ways writers explore relationships in plays, with clear explanations and examples. As you read through these points, remember that there’s an exemplar IB Literature essay in response to the May 2024 exam waiting for you at the end to help tie everything together and showcase how these ideas can be applied effectively.

The New York Times Magazine article “Food; India's Soul Food,” an excerpt from Julie Sahni’s book India’s Soul Food, is a compelling piece of culinary journalism and cultural storytelling. Through vivid personal narrative, historical insight, and practical guidance, Sahni not only introduces readers to the art of tandoori cooking but also positions it as a symbol of Indian identity and tradition. The text functions as more than just a food article, it bridges cultures, educates readers, and invites them into the heart of Indian cuisine. This essay will analyze three key features of the text type, establishing relatability through comparison, educating through myth-busting and historical context, and democratizing cooking with accessible instruction, using rhetorical and stylistic devices such as metaphor, juxtaposition, sensory imagery, and descriptive language.

🔥 Ace Your IB English Paper 1 Analysis! 🔥

In this video, I break down how to analyze tone in Samuel Pepys' diary entry about the Great Fire of London, featured in the IB English November 2014 past paper. Learn how to craft insightful body paragraphs that will impress your examiner and boost your Paper 1 score! I’ll cover:
✅ How to identify the tone in a passage.
✅ Techniques to analyze tone effectively.
✅ Structuring body paragraphs for maximum impact.

Whether you're preparing for your IB English exams or simply want to explore one of history's most famous events through literature, this video is for you!

The text consists of four letters to the editor, written in response to James Hansen’s Op-Ed, Game Over for the Climate. Hansen argues that burning tar sands oil will lead to irreversible climate damage, urging immediate action to transition to a clean energy economy. Each letter addresses Hansen’s claims from different perspectives, employing various rhetorical strategies and persuasive devices. The letters are united by their focus on Hansen’s warnings, yet they differ in tone, purpose, and rhetorical techniques. This analysis will explore the salient features of the text, including tone, audience, and key persuasive devices, as well as the arguments presented by each writer.

This Madam & Eve comic by Stephen Francis and Rico, about low math scores, humorously critiques systemic problems in education, such as poor teaching practices and a lack of accountability, by exaggerating the contrast between the junior girl’s seriousness and the boys’ carefree attitudes. Through characterization and humor, the comic highlights societal complacency toward academic failure, emphasizing the conflict between responsibility and apathy. The junior girl is portrayed as serious and frustrated, the boys as indifferent and dismissive, their interaction as a clash of values, and the absent teachers as symbols of systemic failure. By combining language, visuals, and humor, the comic effectively critiques the shortcomings of the educational system in an engaging and entertaining way.

Today, we’re diving into a Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz to explore how humor, role reversal, and visual storytelling highlight the quirks of human-pet relationships. Need quick tips for analyzing texts? This video’s got you covered! Share it with classmates or friends studying—and don’t forget to subscribe for more concise, actionable insights. Let’s ace those exams together! 📚✨

Through five contrasting tones - from mocking satire to battle-ready calls to action - Brkic's opinion article criticizes fellow journalists who embrace digital practices, calling them to return to traditional reporting values. His intense language contrasts deliberately with the cartoon's cheerful portrayal of digital engagement, using this stark difference to challenge journalists who have traded serious reporting for superficial social media practices.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you write it right. Mastering the IB English Paper 1 involves more than just understanding a text; it requires the ability to analyze language, structure, and meaning with precision. This blog walks you through the essential elements of crafting a compelling analysis, focusing on how to approach the introduction, body, and conclusion. Using an example editorial about climate change, we’ll explore how to identify key techniques, evaluate their impact, and build a response that is both insightful and well-organized.

In "Ka Ho'i 'Ana," a young Hawaiian man's return home after nearly killing a sacred shark reveals his separation from his cultural heritage. Through setting, symbolism, and silence, the author shows how familiar spaces become sites of judgment. The passage demonstrates how breaking cultural laws can make home feel foreign. This transformation of home into a space of judgment begins with the way ordinary objects take on accusatory life.

The PSA aims to raise awareness about homeless youth and inspire action, targeting socially conscious adults who value empathy and social justice. Its most striking feature is the use of evocative imagery, with an abandoned chair symbolizing the dehumanization of homeless youth. Other features, such as emotional storytelling and a somber color palette, further enhance its ability to provoke reflection and convey the gravity of the issue.

In this comic strip, David Roman critiques how parents often dismiss their children’s passion for comic books. Using techniques like characterization, panel layouts, speech bubbles, irony, and narrative, Roman illustrates how a dismissive parental attitude can stifle a child’s joy and self-expression.

The International Baccalaureate's English A Paper 2 is undergoing significant changes for 2026. Here's your comprehensive guide to mastering the new assessment format. Note that more changes are to come in 2026.

Tackling IB English Paper 2 can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase your literary analysis skills. This guide will walk you through the essentials, from key objectives to tips for crafting a strong comparative essay.

In this explanatory article, “No, the Lensa AI app technically isn’t stealing artists’ work – but it will majorly shake up the art world,” Brendan Murphy explores the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the art world. Writing for an audience of educated readers who may not be experts in technology or art, Murphy skillfully employs figurative language—such as metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and vivid imagery—to simplify abstract concepts. Through a reflective and cautiously optimistic tone, Murphy encourages a balanced perspective that values the coexistence of human creativity and technological innovation.

Tips for Crafting Your Own IO Introduction

To emulate this high-quality introduction, keep these pointers in mind:

• Focus on a Strong Global Issue: Choose an issue that is both abstract and specific, showing its relevance across your texts.

• Identify Your Texts Clearly: Name the works you’re discussing. Avoid plot summaries or vague descriptions.

• Compare Creators and Methods: Show how the creators approach the global issue differently. Highlight techniques and draw contrasts.

• Be Analytical, Not Descriptive: Focus on how the works tackle the issue and why those methods are effective.

• Keep It Concise: Stick to the essentials. A clear and direct introduction is more impactful than one filled with filler.