English Lit SL – Complete Guide for IB Standard Level Students

The IB English Literature SL course is an intellectually engaging program designed to develop students' ability to analyze literary texts from diverse cultures, eras, and genres. Whether you’re preparing for internal assessments or final exams, building a solid understanding of the course structure, assessment criteria, and study strategies is essential.

This guide to English Lit SL will help you grasp what’s expected, how to approach key components of the course, and how to prepare efficiently using effective revision techniques.

What is IB English Lit SL?

English Literature SL (Standard Level) is one of the Group 1 subjects in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The course focuses exclusively on literary analysis, offering students a chance to deeply explore novels, plays, short stories, and poetry.

Students are expected to:

• Analyze language, structure, and style

• Understand cultural and historical contexts

• Compare and contrast texts

• Develop original interpretations supported by textual evidence

• Write well-structured literary essays and present oral commentaries

Course Structure

The IB English Lit SL curriculum typically includes:

• Texts studied in translation (works originally written in a different language)

• Texts written in English from different periods and cultures

• A range of literary forms: prose, poetry, and drama

You’ll study 9 texts at SL (compared to 13 at HL), but you’ll still need to develop the same core skills.

Assessment Overview

Here’s a breakdown of the English Lit SL assessments:

🔸 Paper 1: Literary Commentary (35%)

• Unseen prose or poetry

• 1 hour 15 minutes

• Students write a guided literary analysis

• Requires close reading and deep textual analysis

🔸 Paper 2: Comparative Essay (35%)

• Comparative analysis of two studied works

• 1 hour 45 minutes

• Focuses on themes, characters, and literary devices

• Requires structured argumentation and strong thesis development

🔸 Internal Assessment – Individual Oral (30%)

• 10-minute oral commentary

• Based on one work in translation and one written in English

• Focus: How a global issue is presented through the works

• Includes 5 minutes of Q&A with the teacher

Tips for Success in English Lit SL

1. Annotate as You Read

• Highlight key themes, motifs, and literary techniques

• Take margin notes on tone shifts, character development, and structure

• Write brief summaries at the end of each chapter or act

2. Master Literary Terminology

• Know how to identify and explain:

  • Imagery

  • Irony

  • Symbolism

  • Juxtaposition

  • Allusion

• Always link techniques back to meaning and effect

3. Practice with Past Papers

• Regularly write timed essays for Paper 1 and Paper 2

• Practice developing thesis statements and structuring essays

• Compare your work to sample high-level responses

4. Prepare for the Individual Oral

• Choose a strong global issue and prepare detailed notes on how it appears in each text

• Select powerful extracts that clearly reflect the issue

• Practice delivering your commentary with confidence and clarity

5. Use Comparative Tables

• When preparing for Paper 2, use charts or tables to compare texts based on:

  • Themes

  • Characters

  • Literary style

  • Setting and context

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying too much on plot summary – analysis and interpretation are key

• Forgetting to use evidence – always support claims with quotes

• Ignoring context – consider the time, place, and purpose of each text

• Neglecting planning – a well-structured essay starts with a clear outline

How to Revise for English Lit SL

• Create quote banks organized by theme or character

• Write practice essays and seek feedback from teachers or peers

• Record yourself reading oral commentary drafts to improve fluency

• Review key literary devices and their functions

• Join study groups for discussion and idea exchange

Final Thoughts

The IB English Lit SL course may be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By engaging deeply with diverse texts, students sharpen their analytical thinking, critical reading, and expressive writing skills—valuable assets not just in exams but in all areas of life.

Stay consistent with your reading, build strong notes, and practice writing regularly. With discipline and curiosity, you can approach your assessments with confidence and clarity.