Master IB English
Language & Literature

We provide expert tutoring for IB English A: Language & Literature (both SL and HL), IB English A: Literature (both SL and HL), and IB English B (language acquisition). Our tutors are experienced with all components: Paper 1 (textual analysis), Paper 2 (comparative essay), Individual Oral (IO), and the HL Essay.

IB English A: Literature studies literary works only (9 works for SL, 13 for HL). IB English A: Language & Literature studies both literary works (4 for SL, 6 for HL) and non-literary bodies of work (media texts, speeches, articles, etc.). Both courses share similar assessment components (Paper 1, Paper 2, IO, HL Essay), but the tasks differ because Literature focuses entirely on literary works while Language & Literature explicitly involves analysis of both literary and non-literary texts.

HL requires 240 teaching hours vs 150 for SL. HL students complete an additional HL Essay (1,200-1,500 word independent academic essay worth 20% of final grade). HL also requires deeper engagement with texts and more sophisticated analysis. Some universities or programs may prefer or require HL English A depending on the country and faculty—always check program-specific admissions requirements for your target schools. Use our IB credit transfer tool to see how IB English A scores transfer to universities.

They're different rather than objectively 'harder.' IB English A includes externally assessed papers (Paper 1, Paper 2) plus internally assessed components (Individual Oral, and HL Essay for HL students) with ongoing coursework throughout DP Years 1-2. AP English is primarily assessed by a single standardized exam (MCQ + free-response questions). IB emphasizes oral presentation, global issues, and the seven IB concepts; AP focuses on rhetorical/literary analysis and timed argumentative writing under exam conditions. Read our AP vs IB comparison guide for more details. We offer both IB and AP tutoring across North America.

Paper 1 is worth 35% and involves unseen textual analysis. We teach systematic approaches to analyzing prose, poetry, and non-literary texts, covering structure, literary devices, authorial choices, and global issues. Students practice timed writing, learn sophisticated annotation techniques, and develop strong thesis statements that demonstrate conceptual understanding. We use official IB assessment criteria to provide targeted feedback on practice analyses.

The IO is a 15-minute assessment (10-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A) worth 30% for SL and 20% for HL. Our comprehensive IO preparation helps students select compelling global issues (aligned with IB fields of inquiry), choose effective text pairings, develop strong comparative arguments, and practice delivery. We provide detailed feedback on structure, analysis depth, extract selection, and use of IB concepts. Students receive multiple timed practice sessions with question preparation and confidence-building techniques.

Choose a global issue that is clearly relevant across contexts and shows up meaningfully in both works you're comparing. Align it with an IB field of inquiry (commonly five broad fields including culture/identity/community, politics/power/justice, beliefs/values/education, art/creativity/imagination, and science/technology/environment). This kind of conceptual thinking is closely related to what you learn in Theory of Knowledge (TOK). We help students identify issues that allow for sophisticated analysis and demonstrate conceptual understanding while avoiding issues that are too broad or too narrow.

Paper 2 is a comparative essay on two works you've studied in class. Best preparation includes: creating theme banks that link your texts, memorizing key quotes with page numbers, practicing timed comparative writing (under exam conditions), and mastering comparative essay structures. We teach students how to develop sophisticated comparative arguments that demonstrate deep textual knowledge and analytical skills aligned with IB assessment criteria.

Yes! The HL Essay is worth 20% and must be 1,200-1,500 words. For Literature, students write on a literary work studied. For Language & Literature, text type options may vary by current guide version. Our HL Essay support includes topic selection, research guidance, thesis development, structural planning, and iterative feedback through multiple drafts to ensure academic excellence and sophisticated argumentation that meets all IB criteria. Many of the same academic writing strategies apply to both the HL Essay and the Extended Essay.

Absolutely. We tutor both Standard Level and Higher Level IB English. HL students receive additional support for the HL Essay (extended 1,200-1,500 word essay) and deeper textual analysis requirements. Both levels receive comprehensive support for Paper 1, Paper 2, and the Individual Oral with criterion-specific feedback.

Achieving a 7 requires: mastering IB assessment criteria for each component (understanding what Criterion A, B, C, D assess), practicing timed analyses regularly under exam conditions, reading widely beyond your set texts (explore our free IB resources for additional materials), seeking detailed criterion-specific feedback on written and oral work, developing sophisticated vocabulary and literary terminology, and understanding examiner expectations. Our tutors provide targeted feedback and teach proven strategies that have helped students achieve top grades through consistent practice and strategic preparation. Check our tips for IB students for more success strategies.

Often, one key cause is not fully understanding what IB examiners are looking for in each assessment criterion. Students may work hard but focus on plot summary instead of analysis, or lack awareness of how the seven IB concepts should frame their responses. Our tutors teach IB-specific techniques: how to apply the concepts (identity, culture, creativity, communication, perspective, transformation, representation), use assessment criteria strategically, practice under timed conditions, and receive targeted feedback that directly addresses criterion-level gaps.

It varies significantly by country, institution, faculty, and program. Some competitive programs (especially humanities, law, or English-related degrees) may prefer or require HL English A. Many universities also accept IB English A scores (typically 5+) as proof of English language proficiency (similar to TOEFL/IELTS exemption), though specific thresholds vary. Always check the admission requirements and English proficiency policies for your specific target universities and programs. Use our IB credit transfer tool to see how your scores convert.

Starting in DP Year 1 allows maximum time to build analytical skills, complete practice assessments, and develop confidence across all components. However, students can benefit at any stage—even intensive support before final assessments. We recommend starting several months before major assessments (IO, Papers) to allow adequate time for skill development, multiple practice attempts, and refinement based on detailed feedback. Learn more about preventing exam anxiety through early preparation. Contact us to discuss your tutoring needs.

Look for tutors with genuine IB teaching or examining experience—they understand assessment criteria intimately and know exactly what examiners are looking for. Tutors with IB examiner experience can be particularly valuable because they've marked hundreds of student responses using official mark schemes and understand common pitfalls. All our tutors hold university degrees in English (minimum Bachelor's, many with Master's or PhD) and have extensive IB English teaching experience. We do not use university student tutors. See our comparison of top IB tutoring services in North America.

Absolutely. The IO is worth 30% (SL) or 20% (HL)—a significant portion of your final grade. Our tutors provide structured IO preparation: helping you identify compelling global issues, select effective text pairings and extracts, build comparative arguments using IB concepts, and practice presentations with detailed feedback on timing, structure, conceptual depth, and delivery. Multiple practice sessions help build confidence and ensure you're fully prepared for the actual assessment.

Yes. Our tutors can mark your practice papers and oral presentations using official IB assessment criteria, run mock IOs and timed Paper 1/2 assessments, and provide criterion-specific feedback showing exactly where marks are gained or lost. This helps you understand examiner expectations even if school feedback is limited. We break down each criterion (Criterion A, B, C, D) to show how to maximize your score on each component.

Move beyond simply identifying literary devices—focus on analyzing their effects and purposes. Instead of 'the author uses a metaphor,' write 'the metaphor reveals the tension between...' or 'the metaphor reinforces the theme of...' Avoid plot summary; connect every observation to authorial purpose, thematic significance, and the seven IB concepts. Master literary terminology, practice close reading with sophisticated annotation, and always tie analysis back to deeper meanings. Our tutors provide structured feedback on practice analyses to build these skills systematically.

Timed writing success requires fast planning and practiced structures. We teach: rapid text annotation and planning (first 10 minutes), essay templates that ensure you hit all IB criteria, developing a quote bank for instant recall, thesis statement drills that demonstrate conceptual understanding, and body paragraph formulas that integrate evidence effectively. Regular timed practice under exam conditions builds writing stamina and reduces exam anxiety. We run timed drills during sessions and provide strategies for managing pacing on exam day.

All our IB English tutors hold university degrees in English Literature or English Language (minimum Bachelor's degree, many with Master's or PhD). They have extensive experience teaching IB English, understand the assessment criteria thoroughly, and stay current with IB curriculum changes. We ensure native-level English proficiency and proven tutoring success. We do not use university student tutors—only professional educators with teaching maturity, pedagogical expertise, and depth of knowledge. Read about what makes our tutoring different.

Yes! We provide online IB English tutoring to students across Canada—Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, and beyond. We also serve students in the USA, including Seattle and California. Our online sessions use interactive platforms for real-time annotation, document sharing, and collaborative analysis. All tutors are based in North America. We also offer in-person tutoring in Toronto and Vancouver for students who prefer face-to-face sessions. We also provide IB Math, IB Chemistry, and IB Physics tutoring in Toronto.