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If you're wondering how to structure your English IO, you've come to the right place. In this post we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the English IO format and structure so that you can satisfy all the requirements and score top marks.
English A IO Format and Structure
Please note that the structure proposed bellow is a suggestion and that students may also score top marks following slightly different structures.
Introduction (1 – 1.5 minutes)
- Include a description of the global issue you will be focusing on. Make sure to be precise. Global issues must be of global significance, transnational, and relevant today. So, for example, instead of simply choosing “gender'' as your global issue, frame it as: “Societal expectations surrounding gender roles and how they impact self-identity.”
- Then clearly identify the two texts you will analyze. Provide the title and author of your texts, as well as any relevant context (e.g. time period, setting, author background).
- Explain why this global issue is appropriate for your two chosen texts. Briefly mention how the issue emerges in both.
- Lastly, formulate a thesis statement (the overall argument of your IO).
A strong introduction can be seen in this and this exemplar.
Analysis (6 – 8 minutes)
Text 1
- Whether you're a Lang&Lit or Lit student, you should focus the first part of your analysis on the literary text.
- Divide this section into two parts: the first should concentrate on the selected literary extract, while the second should explore the broader body of work.
- For both, introduce the text and specify the extract you’re analysing.
- Analyse the text using both the macro (overall structure, tone, etc.) micro analysis (focus on specific fragments, motifs, etc.). Focus on how language, structure, tone, imagery, symbolism, or visual features contribute to the representation of the global issue. Make sure to use specific examples/quotes.
- Explain how these features shape meaning. What effect do they have on the audience? What message or impression do they leave? How do they reinforce or challenge the global issue?
- It is also beneficial to draw comparisons between the extract and body of work.
- Make sure you consistently connect your points to your chosen global issue throughout your analysis.
Text 2
- If you're doing Lang&Lit, you'll focus on a non-literary text in this part and if you're doing English A Lit, you'll move onto the analysis of your second literary text.
- Divide this section into two parts: the first should concentrate on the selected extract, while the second should explore the broader body of work.
- For both, introduce the text and specify the extract you’re analysing.
- Analyse the text using both the macro and micro analysis. Focus on how language, structure, tone, imagery, symbolism, or visual features contribute to the representation of the global issue. Make sure to use specific examples/quotes.
- Explain how these features shape meaning. What effect do they have on the audience? What message or impression do they leave? How do they reinforce or challenge the global issue?
- Make sure you consistently connect your points to your chosen global issue throughout your analysis. Don't just identify features – explain how each one deepens the representation of the issue.
- It is also essential to conduct a thorough comparison of Text 1 and Text 2, focusing on how each explores your chosen global issue. This comparison should go beyond a brief overview. It should highlight specific similarities and differences and support your analysis with detailed evidence from both texts.
A strong analysis section can be seen in this and this exemplar.
Conclusion
- Restate your global issue, thesis, and summarise the key findings from your analysis of both texts.
- Make sure you do not include any new information in this section.
A successful conclusion has been included in this and this sample IO
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
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