How to Achieve Band 7 in the IB Diploma English A: Language and Literature Exam: Mastering the Art of Wordsmithing—Hasan Maruf

Let’s face it: the IB Diploma English A: Language and Literature exam has a reputation. It’s a bit like an intellectual marathon, but instead of aching muscles, it’s your brain that feels like it’s been through a blender by the end. Tackling this exam isn’t just about remembering plot points or analyzing metaphors; it’s about mastering the delicate balance of bravado, linguistic mastery, and the art of persuasion. And yes, it’s entirely possible to score that coveted 90% raw mark—if you know what the examiners want and how to deliver it like a pro.

In this essay, I’ll break down what it really takes to ace the exam, supported by examiner feedback, classroom observations, and wisdom from the world’s top-scoring students. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to tackle this exam with a level of confidence that even your English teacher will envy. And since no one ever scored 90% by being boring, let’s make this as engaging (and dare I say, humorous) as possible.

The Numbers Game: How Many Actually Hit the 90% Mark?

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s look at the cold, hard numbers. According to IB statistics, only around 6-7% of students globally manage to score 7s in English A: Language and Literature. And of those, fewer still hit the 90% raw mark. We’re talking about elite territory here—the kind of space normally reserved for academic unicorns.

So why is it so difficult? Well, the challenge lies in the complexity of the assessment criteria. The IB doesn’t just want you to regurgitate quotes or identify literary devices; they want you to perform linguistic gymnastics, weave a coherent argument, and demonstrate a deep, critical understanding of language, culture, and context—all while sounding like you could casually write the next Booker Prize-winning novel.

No pressure, right?

What the Examiners Really Want: Your Secret to Success

Picture this: your IB examiner has just read 12 papers on the same question, each one offering a slightly different shade of average. Then, they reach your essay. What’s going to make them sit up in their chair, eyes gleaming like they’ve discovered literary gold?

According to years of examiner reports, the secret lies in three key things: insight, originality, and clarity. Here’s the deal: too many students rely on the same tired interpretations, regurgitate the same pre-packaged phrases, or get lost in trying to sound more “intellectual” than they really need to. But the highest scorers? They bring something different to the table.

Key Examiner Feedback

Insight over Repetition: Examiners are tired of students repeating surface-level analysis. What they want is insight—interpretations that demonstrate a deep engagement with the text. For example, don’t just say, “The use of the color red symbolizes danger.” Push it further: “The omnipresence of the color red throughout the narrative not only symbolizes danger but highlights the protagonist’s internal struggle with fear, creating an emotional tension that mirrors the external conflict.”

Clear, Well-Structured Arguments: You don’t need to reinvent the essay format. Examiners appreciate a well-organized, coherent argument. In fact, one IB examiner put it bluntly: “Clarity trumps complexity. A clear, logical argument will always score higher than an essay that’s difficult to follow, no matter how complex the ideas.”

Originality with a Dash of Bravado: Yes, you heard me—be bold! The examiners love a bit of creative risk-taking, especially in Paper 1, where you’re asked to analyze unseen texts. They want to see a confident interpretation. As one top-scoring student said, “Don’t second-guess yourself. If you see something unique in the text, go for it. Just make sure you can back it up with evidence.”

Paper 1: The Unseen Text Challenge (a.k.a. Your Chance to Impress)

Ah, Paper 1—the dreaded unseen text. This section is like walking into a mystery novel halfway through and being asked to write a dissertation on the plot. You’ll face either a literary or non-literary text, and your job is to analyze it like a detective on caffeine.

What the Examiners Want:

Thorough Textual Analysis: This isn’t a time for vague statements. You need to be specific. Focus on how the author uses language, structure, and literary devices to create meaning. As one examiner pointed out, “High-scoring responses demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of how language shapes meaning and manipulates the reader.”

Bravado in Interpretation: Yes, be brave. If you see a subtextual message about societal norms or power dynamics, explore it. But make sure you back it up with concrete evidence from the text. An examiner once mentioned a student who took a bold stance, interpreting a poem about sunset as an allegory for death—and scored top marks because they tied it back to the text convincingly.

The Top-Scorer's Strategy:

One world-class achiever, who scored 7s across the board, shared their strategy: “For Paper 1, I always think of it like telling a story. I set up my argument in the introduction, developed it by analyzing the text in the body paragraphs, and concluded by tying everything together. It’s like building suspense—I don’t give everything away at once. I let my analysis unfold.”

This is key: don’t rush your analysis. Pace yourself. Start with a strong thesis statement and gradually unpack the text’s meaning, bit by bit.

Quick Tip for Paper 1:

Before you start writing, plan your essay. Take 5-10 minutes to structure your ideas. This not only gives you a roadmap but also ensures you’re staying focused. Trust me, 10 minutes of planning can save you 20 minutes of wandering aimlessly through your paragraphs later on.

Paper 2: The Comparative Essay (a.k.a. The Battle of the Texts)

Paper 2 is all about comparing and contrasting two literary works. Sounds easy? Well, hold on—it’s not just about spotting differences and similarities. This is where you need to flex your analytical muscles and demonstrate your mastery over literary themes, narrative techniques, and contextual understanding.

What the Examiners Want:

Insightful Comparisons: Don’t just list similarities and differences. Focus on making meaningful connections between the texts. An examiner once said, “The best essays aren’t just descriptive; they are analytical and offer an argument about how and why the texts engage with similar or different ideas.”

Understanding of Context: Context is king in Paper 2. Whether it’s historical, cultural, or social, you need to show how each text is shaped by its context and how this impacts the themes and characters. For example, if you’re comparing a novel set during the Civil Rights Movement with a postmodern piece, you’d want to explore how each author uses their context to influence the narrative.

The Top-Scorer's Strategy:

A top scorer explained their secret sauce: “I always try to focus on a central theme—whether it’s power, love, or identity—and I build my entire argument around how the two texts treat that theme differently. It keeps me focused and prevents my essay from becoming a list of random points.”

This is genius because it gives your essay a clear purpose. Every paragraph connects back to that central theme, making your analysis coherent and purposeful.

Quick Tip for Paper 2:

When you practice, time yourself. Many students run out of time in Paper 2 because they get caught up in overanalyzing the first text. Divide your time equally between both texts and make sure you leave time for a conclusion that ties everything together.

Concrete Recommendations for Becoming an Adept Reader and Writer

Now, let’s get down to business. How do you actually become a better reader and writer in preparation for this exam? Based on classroom observations, examiner reports, and feedback from top scorers, here are some proven strategies:

Read Like a Critic: Don’t just read texts passively—interrogate them. Ask yourself questions as you read: “Why did the author choose this word?” “What’s the effect of this structure?” “How does this reflect the text’s wider themes?” The more actively you engage with texts, the easier it will be to analyze them in the exam.

Write with Purpose: When you practice writing essays, focus on clarity and purpose. Each paragraph should have a clear point that ties back to your thesis. Avoid rambling. As one examiner hilariously put it, “There’s no prize for most words written.”

Practice Timed Essays: Time management is crucial in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Get used to writing under timed conditions so you don’t panic on exam day. Start with untimed practice, then gradually reduce the time you give yourself.

Use Literary Vocabulary Sparingly: While literary terminology is important, don’t overdo it. Instead of cramming every sentence with words like “juxtaposition” or “motif,” use them where appropriate and focus on explaining their effect. An examiner once said, “It’s not about how many literary terms you can use; it’s about how well you use them.”

Be Brave with Your Interpretations: Top scorers take risks. If you see a bold interpretation in a text, don’t shy away from it—explore it. As long as you can support your ideas with evidence from the text, the examiners will reward your originality.

Final Thoughts: From Bravado to Mastery

Scoring 90% on the IB Diploma English A: Language and Literature exam isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being insightful, bold, and clear in your analysis. It’s about knowing how to play the game, understanding what the examiners are looking for, and delivering it with finesse. If you approach the exam with the right mindset, backed by solid preparation and a bit of creative risk-taking, that 90% raw mark is within your grasp.

And remember, above all: enjoy the journey. Literature is about exploring the human experience, and this exam is your opportunity to show how much you’ve discovered.

The author is a teacher of English Language and Literature (IGCSE, GCSE, A-Level, and IB Diploma); he is also an ardent literary enthusiast, a fiction writer, researcher, poet, and public speaking trainer.