IB Language & Literature - Paper 1 Comparative Commentary (HL) Format

INTRODUCTION - Set up the TEXTS & CONTEXTS:

- What are these texts (include text types)?

- Who are the authors/creators?
- When were they written and/or published?
- Context of texts: What was going on at the TIME and in the PLACE (politically, culturally, socially...)?
- Main themes/big ideas the texts discuss
- Audience - Who are the respective audience(s) for these texts?
- THESIS: What is the big issue, and how is it presented in the texts?

TIPS FOR THE THESIS:

- Present the theme(s)/big idea(s)/Issue present in both passages & 3 to 4 main points of comparison you
are going to discuss (the texts use of: Layout, Imagery, Diction, Structure, Tone....)

BODY:
Body
Paragraph 1

Issue developed through point of

comparison 1 (Audience & Text Type?)

Text 1

Body
Paragraph 2

Issue developed through point of

comparison 1 (Audience & Text Type?)

Text 2

Body
paragraph 3

Issue developed through point of

comparison 2

Text 1

Body
Paragraph 4

Issue developed through point of

comparison 2

Text 2

Body
Paragraph 5

Issue developed through point of

comparison 3

Text 1

Body
Paragraph 6

Issue developed through point of

comparison 4

Text 2

Body
Paragraph 7

Issue developed through point of

comparison 4

Text 1

Body
Paragraph 8

Issue developed through point of

comparison 4

Text 2

In the body of the

commentary:
Organize the body by point of
comparison (tone, for example) in
each text - 1 point of comparison and 1
text per body paragraph.
Discuss how the main issue is
developed through your points of
comparison (stylistic and literary
features). Be sure to use specific
examples and link how language and
style relate back to the overall point/
argument, using this format:

P: Point - set up a clear point you

are making about the text
E: Example - give an example from
the text to prove your point
E: Explanation - unpack example
and its purpose & effect on readers
L: Link your explanation back to the
thesis (the big picture/issue) to ensure
that you are developing a strong &
cohesive argument.

Organization: Do not forget to use topic sentences to set up your points, and transitional words
and phrases to highlight points of comparison and contrast, and to give cohesion to your argument.
To Compare
both, just as x, y ... , similarly, like x, y... , similar to, in a
similar way, alike, too, also, in the same way..., as well

To Contrast
unlike x, y ... , conversely, whereas x ---, y --- , while x ---,
y --- , however, instead of, x differs from y in that... , a
difference is, in contrast to...

CONCLUSION:
- Sum up your main points & re-state your thesis (use alternate wording)
- are the texts effective in affecting their target audience? What about other readers interpretations?
- highlight the importance of the texts (bringing up important issues, raising awareness, critique of society/
humanity, lessons to be learned...) and/or your thoughts on the issues and effectiveness of texts