Question 1

How do I structure an IB essay to meet the criteria for higher marks?

Accepted Answer

IB essays require a clear architecture: a compelling introduction with a nuanced thesis, body paragraphs with topic sentences that directly address the prompt, and evidence integrated smoothly into your analysis rather than simply quoted. The key difference from standard essays is that IB examiners reward sophisticated argumentation—they want to see you engaging with counterarguments, qualifying claims, and building a logical progression toward a conclusion. A tutor can help you identify where your thesis is too broad or vague, show you how to structure paragraphs so each one advances your argument, and teach you to embed textual evidence in ways that demonstrate analytical depth rather than just supporting a point.

Question 2

What's the difference between summarizing a text and analyzing it for IB?

Accepted Answer

Summary tells what happened; analysis explains how and why the author's choices create meaning. In IB Writing, examiners specifically penalize plot summary and reward close reading that examines literary techniques—word choice, imagery, syntax, tone, symbolism—and connects them to theme or argument. Many students struggle with this shift because they've been rewarded for thorough summaries in earlier grades. A tutor can teach you to move past "the character did X" to "the author's use of fragmented sentences conveys the character's psychological state," and help you practice identifying techniques in texts and articulating their effects in a single sentence before building full analytical paragraphs.

Question 3

How do I develop a thesis that's specific enough for IB but doesn't limit my argument?

Accepted Answer

IB theses need to be arguable and specific—not a broad claim like "Shakespeare explores ambition" but something like "Macbeth's descent reveals how unchecked ambition corrodes moral judgment, not through external punishment but through psychological deterioration." The challenge is making it specific enough to guide your essay without boxing yourself in so tightly you can't develop nuance. Tutors help by teaching you to write a working thesis early, then refine it as you gather evidence, ensuring it's complex enough to sustain a full essay. They also show you how to signal your thesis's scope—using language like "primarily," "in part because," or "especially when" to acknowledge complexity while maintaining a clear argumentative position.

Question 4

What should I focus on when revising an IB essay draft?

Accepted Answer

Revision for IB requires multiple passes with different lenses: first, check that your thesis is present and that each paragraph's topic sentence connects directly to it; second, evaluate whether your evidence actually supports your claims or just illustrates them; third, examine your sentences for precision and concision—IB rewards clear, economical prose over flowery language. Many students revise only for grammar, missing the analytical gaps that cost marks. A tutor can teach you to read your own work critically by asking "Does this sentence prove my point or just state it?" and "Would a reader understand why I included this evidence?" They can also provide feedback on whether your voice is appropriately formal and whether your conclusions genuinely synthesize your argument or just repeat it.

Question 5

What are the most common mistakes IB Writing students make on assessments?

Accepted Answer

The biggest pitfalls are: relying too heavily on plot summary instead of analysis, writing a thesis that's too obvious or too vague to guide the essay, failing to integrate evidence smoothly (dropping quotes without explanation), and losing focus by trying to cover too many ideas without developing any fully. Students also often use informal language or clichéd expressions that weaken their credibility, and they sometimes misread the prompt—answering a question about "how" when asked "why," for example. Tutors help you avoid these by teaching you to annotate prompts carefully, practice thesis-writing until it becomes automatic, and develop a checklist for revision that catches these patterns before you submit work.

Question 6

How do I develop an academic voice without sounding stiff or losing my own style?

Accepted Answer

Academic voice in IB Writing means being formal and precise—avoiding contractions, slang, and personal anecdotes—while still maintaining clarity and personality through your word choices and sentence rhythm. The goal isn't to sound like a textbook but to sound authoritative and thoughtful. Many students either write too casually ("The author really shows how..." or "It's obvious that...") or overcorrect by using elaborate vocabulary that obscures their meaning. A tutor can help you find the balance by teaching you to read strong academic writing, showing you how to choose precise verbs over weak ones, and helping you practice writing sentences that are both formal and natural. They can also give you feedback on whether your tone matches your argument—a skeptical claim should sound measured, while a confident one can be more direct.

Question 7

How should I handle citations and references in IB Writing essays?

Accepted Answer

IB Writing typically doesn't require formal citations like MLA or APA in timed essays, but you should always acknowledge sources and quote accurately with page numbers when possible. In coursework essays, follow your school's specific requirements, which may vary. The key principle is transparency: if you're using someone else's words or ideas, signal it clearly so readers know what's yours and what's borrowed. Many students either over-cite (treating every paraphrase as needing a footnote) or under-cite (using ideas without attribution). A tutor can clarify your school's expectations, teach you the difference between paraphrasing (which still needs attribution) and analysis (which doesn't), and show you how to weave citations into your prose so they support rather than interrupt your argument.

Question 8

How can I improve my writing quality when I only have 40 minutes for an IB essay exam?

Accepted Answer

Timed essays demand a different strategy than coursework: spend 5-7 minutes planning (reading the prompt carefully, jotting a quick thesis and paragraph outline), 25-30 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing for clarity and errors. Quality under time pressure comes from having practiced patterns so thoroughly they become automatic—a strong thesis structure, a reliable paragraph template, and go-to transition phrases. Students who struggle with timed essays often spend too long on the introduction or try to write perfectly on the first draft. Tutors can teach you to prioritize: a clear, arguable thesis and well-developed body paragraphs matter far more than a polished conclusion. They can also run timed practice essays with you, timing each section, so you develop the muscle memory to write confidently when the clock is running.

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