Question 1

What's the difference between IB English A: Literature and Language & Literature?

Accepted Answer

English A: Literature focuses exclusively on literary texts — novels, poetry, drama, and prose. English A: Language & Literature includes both literary and non-literary texts (advertisements, speeches, journalism) and explores how language shapes meaning in different contexts. Our tutors specialise in both courses and adapt their teaching to the specific assessment requirements of each.

Question 2

How important is the Individual Oral (IO)?

Accepted Answer

Extremely important — it's worth 30% at HL and 40% at SL, making it the single highest-weighted component. The IO requires students to choose a global issue, select two extracts from studied works, and deliver a 10-minute presentation followed by questions. Our tutors provide extensive preparation: helping students develop a strong line of inquiry, practise under timed conditions, and build confidence for the Q&A section.

Question 3

Can you help with Paper 1 unseen analysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is one of the areas where tutoring makes the biggest difference. Paper 1 requires students to analyse a text they've never seen before, which feels daunting without a systematic approach. Our tutors teach a structured method for tackling unseen texts: identifying tone and purpose, mapping structure, spotting key literary/linguistic devices, and building a coherent analytical argument under timed conditions.

Question 4

What about IB English B — do you cover that too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. English B is the language acquisition course for students whose first language isn't English. We help with all components: reading comprehension, written tasks, listening skills, and the oral assessment. Our tutors adapt to the student's current proficiency level and focus on the skills that earn marks in each component.

Question 5

My child reads well but can't seem to write strong essays. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — this is one of the most common challenges we see. Many students understand texts well but struggle to translate that understanding into a structured, analytical essay. Our tutors work on thesis construction, paragraph structure (point-evidence-analysis), academic register, and the ability to sustain an argument across an entire essay. We practise with real IB prompts and provide detailed feedback on every draft.

Question 6

How often should my child have English tutoring?

Accepted Answer

One session per week is effective for building analytical and writing skills over time. Students preparing for the IO or working on their HL Essay often benefit from an additional session during those periods. We tailor the schedule to your child's assessment calendar.

IB English A/B Tutoring

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HL vs SL: What's the Difference?

Common Questions About IB English A/B Tutoring

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