Official IB Store
The most reliable source is the IB's official store (store.ibo.org), which sells past examination papers and markschemes for recent sessions.
IB English Paper 1 asks you to analyse an unseen text under timed conditions. Whether you are studying English A: Language and Literature or English A: Literature, working with authentic past papers is the most direct way to build the analytical skills the exam rewards.
Paper 1 is the guided textual analysis component for both English A: Language and Literature and English A: Literature. At Standard Level you analyse one unseen text; at Higher Level you analyse two. The task tests your ability to read closely, identify authorial choices, and write a coherent, criterion-focused response in exam conditions.
Language and Literature Paper 1 uses non-literary texts such as articles, speeches, advertisements, or infographics. Literature Paper 1 uses literary texts — poetry, prose extracts, or drama passages. Both courses share the same four assessment criteria and the same core skill: turning close reading into a structured written argument.
One unseen text with a guiding question. Set time for reading, annotating, planning, writing, and brief review.
Two unseen texts, no guiding question. Choose one text to analyse in a longer window.
Allocate a portion for reading and planning, the remainder for writing and review. No dictionary or reference materials allowed.
Texts allow meaningful analysis of language, structure, and context. SL guiding question offers a way in; HL requires self-chosen focus.
The most reliable source is the IB's official store (store.ibo.org), which sells past examination papers and markschemes for recent sessions.
Many schools maintain internal repositories on their learning platforms — ask your teacher or librarian for access.
Subject-specific forums or school networks can supplement official papers, but always verify the session, paper type (SL/HL), and course before practising.
Check session, level, and course match. Avoid sites without markschemes or that alter texts.
Only use papers from the current syllabus. Older papers have different text types, guiding questions, and markschemes that do not match current criteria.
Tutors assign full timed papers matching your course and level, replicating exam conditions.
Written feedback shows exactly where analysis, structure, or language need work against each criterion.
Improvements are specific and measurable when sessions target a narrow set of criteria.
Students rewrite flagged sections, building a portfolio of progressively stronger responses.
Begin with a diagnostic paper this week. Source an official past paper matching your course and level, sit it timed, and self-mark using the markscheme and four criteria. Record your criterion scores and the one skill you will target first.
Gather several authentic past papers from the IB store or your school repository. Schedule a weekly practice slot and a review slot. If you want structured feedback mapped to the criteria, IB Tutoring Academy offers guided practice sessions — submit the consultation form on the site to discuss a plan.
Language and Literature uses non-literary texts (articles, speeches, ads, infographics). Literature uses literary texts (poetry, prose extracts, drama). Both share the same four criteria and timed format.
Aim for several full timed papers spread across your preparation period. Quality of review matters more than quantity; each paper should target a specific criterion improvement.
Only use papers from the current syllabus. Older papers have different text types, guiding questions, and markschemes that do not match current criteria.
Tutors map feedback to the four marking criteria, showing exactly where analysis, structure, or language need work. Students then rewrite targeted sections, building measurable improvement across cycles.
Begin regular weekly cycles in the first term. Use school holidays for full timed papers. Align intensive practice with your mock exam schedule — typically several weeks before mocks.
Submit the consultation form to discuss a guided practice plan aligned to the marking criteria. Tutors will review your diagnostic, set a weekly cycle, and give criterion-mapped feedback on every paper.