How to Move from Basic to Level 7 Analysis — Paper 1

How to Write a Level 7 Paper 1 Paragraph

This blog is based on an IB English A Language and Literature Paper 1 essay analysing an open letter urges President Biden not to enter environmental agreements with Brazil unless deforestation is reduced and Indigenous rights are protected.

Using this text, I’ll show you how to move from basic device-spotting to high-level analysis that meets Criterion A (interpretation) and Criterion B (analysis and evaluation).

Below is the 3-step structure that strong Paper 1 paragraphs follow.

The 3-Step Structure That Hits Criterion A & B

Every strong paragraph should include:

Interpretation → What is the writer doing and why?

Analysis → How is meaning created?

Evaluation → How does this persuade the target audience?

[1] TOPIC SENTENCE (Interpretation)

Weak: The letter uses ethos to persuade the reader.

❌ Just names a device ❌ No meaning ❌ No purpose ❌ Too general

Strong: The letter builds credibility to present environmental protection as a test of the President’s leadership.

✔ Explains meaning ✔ Shows purpose ✔ Moves beyond device spotting ✔ Meets Criterion A

[2] ANALYSIS (How meaning is created)

Weak: The writers use statistics like “tripled” to show deforestation is increasing.

❌ Descriptive ❌ Obvious ❌ No deeper explanation ❌ Sounds like summary

Strong: By stating that deforestation rates have “tripled,” the writers emphasise the speed of environmental decline, presenting the crisis as worsening under current leadership.

✔ Explains effect of word choice ✔ Connects technique to meaning ✔ Meets Criterion B

[3] EVALUATION (Effect on audience)

Weak: This makes the argument persuasive.

❌ Vague ❌ No audience ❌ No explanation ❌ Common mark-loser

Strong: This makes any agreement without safeguards seem irresponsible, putting pressure on the President to act consistently with his climate promises.

✔ Mentions the target audience ✔ Explains how it persuades ✔ Shows awareness of context ✔ High-band Criterion B

The Golden Formula

Instead of writing: They use ___.

Write: The writer uses ___ to frame ___ as ___, which pressures/persuades ___ because ___.

Final Reminder

Never stop at: “This shows…”

Always finish with: “This persuades the audience because…”