IB English Paper 1/2 Grading Workflow for Teachers

IB English Paper 1 and Paper 2 both require close attention to analysis, organization, and language. The challenge is giving feedback quickly without flattening the differences between commentary and comparative essay work.

Paper 1 feedback focus

• Does the student identify a clear interpretive claim about the text?
• Do they analyze authorial choices instead of naming techniques only?
• Does evidence support the claim in each paragraph?
• Is the structure coherent enough for timed exam writing?

Paper 2 feedback focus

• Does the thesis compare works instead of treating them separately?
• Are comparisons organized by idea rather than plot summary?
• Does the student use precise textual knowledge?
• Does the conclusion explain the significance of the comparison?

Fast marking workflow

1. Read the introduction and write one sentence describing the student's argument.
2. Highlight one strong analytical moment and one weak analytical moment.
3. Score against the relevant criteria while the argument is fresh.
4. Write one priority for analysis, one for structure, and one for language if needed.

Reusable feedback stems

• "Name the authorial choice, then explain how it shapes the reader's interpretation."
• "Turn this paragraph into a comparison by linking both works to the same idea."
• "Add a topic sentence that previews the analytical purpose of the paragraph."
• "Use the conclusion to explain what the comparison reveals, not just what each work shows."

Next steps

Use the IB English Paper Grader for teacher-reviewed first-pass comments and the IB Feedback Comment Bank for reusable feedback language.