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

Introduction

U2FsdGVkX19W33j0XCCviPU0h972cndg41621RpCPSw=

The Great Gatsby - Context and Historical Background

U2FsdGVkX1/H8ovsXsZB0ryvBcu08aChjJ/LykSq4yI=

The Great Gatsby - Characters

U2FsdGVkX18h9kBC4zL99bSAoW1zE4cEyEIdPNwEqxQ=

The Great Gatsby - Setting and Atmosphere

Working through challenging MCQs is a great way for IB English students to think deeply about their text while deepening the analysis and interpretation skills needed for all aspects of Language and Literature. Each response includes an accompanying explanatory paragraph that builds the insight needed for Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE success.


Multiple Choice Questions

Boost your knowledge of “The Great Gatsby”! All you need to know about Context and Historical Background, Setting and Atmosphere, and the Characters of this novel.


Literary bootcamps provide a deep dive into the themes, characters, and authorial choices needed for IB English assessment mastery. In these modules, the introduction, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions serve as an overview of the text and an exploration of key details. For Individual Oral support, the passage analysis section will help you craft a strong Global Issue statement as well as interpret the text with insight. For Paper 2, the literary hotspot section will explore key moments from the works with an eye on building the analysis skills needed for Paper 2 success. When you're ready, the final assessments will allow students to evaluate their learning and determine the next steps for revision.

Master the literary classics as you work through the introduction, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Develop your Global Issue statement, nail your IO, and do a deep dive for Paper 2 revision!

The IB English Literature Standard Level Questionbank is your perfect companion to sharpen your analytical skills and improve your academic writing. Each case study uses a stimulus text and a guiding question in the IB English Literature Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. The overall answer to the guiding question is scaffolded in carefully designed smaller steps that will help you understand the nuts and bolts of the text. Each question has a comprehensive list of useful ideas, an outstanding sample answer, and a step-by-step solution video. All materials are written and developed by the most experienced IB Eng teachers and examiners, making it an invaluable asset to refine key skills.  

Develop your analytical skills through in-depth study of a variety of texts. No pre-reading required!

IB English Guys videos help IB English Literature SL students master close reading and writing skills needed for Paper 1 and Paper 2 success. These step-by-step videos discuss key skills and assessment criteria while exploring sample student writing. For students looking for Individual Oral support, a range of videos and samples prepare students to speak persuasively with insight. Ultimately, the videos, tips, and tricks will boost scores and confidence regardless of the assessment.

Paper solutions, samples, and analytical skills explanations curated by the IB English guys to pump up your scores.

Literature SL

Novels offer rich material for IB English analysis. This section’s activities and exercises develop key skills for the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE, guiding you in crafting Global Issue statements, Paper 2 responses, and Lines of Inquiry.


Prose Fiction

The Great Gatsby

It’s important for IB English students to ground themselves in a novel's major plot points, characters, and themes before moving on to deep analysis and interpretation. This section provides a broad overview of the text and the big ideas students can expect to discuss as they dive deeper into Individual Oral, Paper 2, or HLE practice.


Before you begin working your way through the activities, review the key plot points, characters, and themes of "The Great Gatsby".


IB English students can leverage flashcards for a quick yet important review of key concepts and skills needed for all assessments. Each card is designed to challenge students yet support them with powerful explanatory paragraphs. Working through decks of flashcards is excellent practice for the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and Higher Level Essay.


Flashcards

Explore and study Symbols, Literary Devices, and Key Quotes in “The Great Gatsby” with these flashcards.


Choosing the right extract is a critical step for IB English students looking to ace the Individual Oral assessment. This section leads students through three powerful passages, all of which would make great IO extracts or “work as a whole” moments. Upon completion of this module, Language and Literature students will have a strong Global Issue statement and the rich analytical and interpretative skills necessary to master the IO.


Passage Analysis - IO Practice

All you need to know to ace your Individual Oral! Analyze sample passages, develop Global Issues, and improve your interpretation.


We define “literary hotspots” as critical moments of a text with rich authorial choices communicating key themes of a work. It is precisely these moments that IB English students need to master to answer a range of Paper 2 questions. Regardless of the Paper 2 question, students are likely to come back to these moments of the text. So, work carefully through this module to earn the score you covet on Paper 2.


Hotspots - Paper 2 Practice

Master analysis for Paper 2! Study in detail three relevant sections of the work - Hotspots. Focus on the Hotspots to improve your analysis and interpretation of authorial choices in “The Great Gatsby”


IB English students can test their overall knowledge, analysis, and interpretation by working through this section. Students looking to sharpen their IO will link their “extract” to the “work as a whole” while practicing vital skills necessary to reach top scores. Paper 2 students will be challenged to leverage all three “literary hotspots” and answer a challenging Paper 2 question. This is excellent practice for both IB assessments and in-class summative assessments.


Final Assessment

Are you ready? Test yourself with this Final Assessment.


The Handmaid's Tale

Watch the video, answer the questions, and read the overview content about key plot points, characters, and themes of "The Handmaid's Tale."


Tackle and master three decks of flashcards on the broad authorial choices, symbols, and allusions of "The Handmaid's Tale."


Working through challenging MCQs is a great way for IB English students to think deeply about their text while deepening the analysis and interpretation skills needed for all aspects of IBDP English A. Each response includes an accompanying explanatory paragraph that builds the insight needed for Individual Oral, Paper 2, and Higher Level Essay success.


Work through these multiple choice questions to sharpen your analysis and interpretation of "The Handmaid's Tale."


Choosing the right extract is a critical step for IB English students looking to ace the Individual Oral assessment. This section leads students through three powerful passages, all of which would make great IO extracts or “work as a whole” moments. Upon completion of this module, IBDP English A students will have a strong Global Issue statement and the rich analytical and interpretative skills necessary to master the IO.


Three powerful passages are provided with practice questions, explanations, and all you need to master the IO.


Work through three powerful moments of the text and master each "literary hotspot." This is Paper 2 gold!


Try the questions to check your mastery of the key plot points, characters, and themes of this powerful literary work.


The Stranger

Beloved

Chronicle of a Death Foretold

Graphic novels require visual literacy, while memoirs demand unique analysis of authorial choices. This module builds skills for the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE, ensuring success with both text types.


Prose Non-Fiction

Persepolis

Graphic novels and memoirs are great options for IB English assessments. This section provides a broad overview of "Persepolis," and the big ideas students can expect to discuss as they dive deeper into Individual Oral, Paper 2, or HLE practice.


Before you begin working your way through the activities in this Bootcamp, review the key characters, themes, and essential authorial choices in "Persepolis"


Master the most relevant aspects of “Persepolis” with these flashcards! Each card is designed with powerful explanatory paragraphs to help you master the content. Working through decks of flashcards is excellent practice for the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and Higher Level Essay.


Working through these flashcards for "Persepolis. The Story of a Childhood" to master the broad authorial choices, symbols, and the most important quotes of this text.


Boost your knowledge of “Persepolis. The Story of a Childhood”! Go over important themes, characters, and events.


Get ready to rock your IO! In this module you will analyze sample passages, develop Global Issues, and improve your interpretation of “Persepolis” to score your best.


Master analysis for Paper 2! Study in detail three relevant sections of the work - Hotspots. Focus on the Hotspots to improve your analysis and interpretation of authorial choices in  “Persepolis. The story of a childhood”


Born a Crime

Maus

Barefoot Gen

Plays offer rich material for IB English, with stage directions, props, and dialogue ripe for interpretation. This section provides activities to excel in the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE.


Drama

A Doll's House

It’s important for IB English students to ground themselves in a play's major plot points, characters, and themes before moving on to deep analysis and interpretation. This section provides a broad overview of the text and the big ideas students can expect to discuss as they dive deeper into Individual Oral, Paper 2, or HLE practice.


Before you begin working your way through the activities, review the key plot points, characters, and themes of "A Doll's House"


Explore and study symbols, broad authorial choices, setting, and characters in "A Doll's House" with these flashcards.


Work your way through the 3 acts of "A Doll's House" with the Multiple Choice Questions to boot your knowledge and understanding of the play.


All you need to know to ace your Individual Oral. Analyze sample passages, develop Global Issues, and improve your interpretation.


Master analysis for Paper 2! Study in detail three relevant sections of the work - Hotspots. Focus on the Hotspots to improve your analysis and interpretation of authorial choices in "A Doll's House"


Antigone

Death and the Maiden

Poems, with their rich figurative language and ideas, are perfect for analysis. This section offers close reading and writing exercises to excel in the Individual Oral, Paper 2, and HLE.


Poetry

Wilfred Owen

Carol Ann Duffy

Wisława Szymborska

Emily Dickinson

In her autobiography, Meow the cat, shares her experiences when she was adopted and taken to her new home, where she faced both internal and external challenges.

How does the type of text enable the author to convey themes in a unique way to the reader? 

Patteson — Pussy Meow: The Autobiography of a Cat

"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is a novel written in the first-person narrative by Sherman Alexie. The protagonist, Arnold Spirit Jr., is a 14-year-old Native American teen known as "Junior" who lives  in the Spokane Indian Reservation.

How does the text convey ideas about poverty?

Alexie — The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

In this extract from the novel ¨Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, the narrator reflects on their own life and the stark duality of their nature in Victorian society. 

How does the use of language help convey the complexities of the narrator’s internal struggles and reflections on human nature?

Stevenson — Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 

The passage from "Little Red Cap" explores themes of deception, danger, and the consequences of straying from the path. 

How do traditional fairy tale elements enrich the narrative and aid in the exploration of its themes?

Brothers Grimm — Little Red Cap

"The Great Gatsby," by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925), unfolds during the Jazz Age in the vicinity of New York City. Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, the narrative explores his entanglements with the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby.

How does the author's language and style express themes of wealth, social class, power, and public vs. private life ?

Fitzgerald — The Great Gatsby

In this passage the narrator contemplates loss and the careful order imposed in Gilead and finds solace in the simple, symbolizing her constrained existence and the sparse pleasures permitted in her life.

How does the text use allusions and symbolism to depict the role of women in dystopian Gilead’s society? 

Atwood — The Handmaid's Tale 

‘Memoirs of a Yellow Dog’, written by O. Henry in 1905, is the story of the friendship between man and dog narrated by a yellow dog ‘himself’. In this extract, ‘he’ hints at his love for his master and his dislike for his master’s wife. 

How does the writer create a humorous tone in the extract? 

O'Henry — Memories of a Yellow Dog

“The Yellow Wallpaper”, originally published in 1892, tells the story of a woman and how her mental health deteriorates while on a “rest cure.” She slowly descends into a psychotic state, marked by a heavy obsession with a yellow wallpaper in her room.

In what way does the text reveal the state of mind of the narrator?

Perkins Gilman — The Yellow Wallpaper

“Rappaccini’s Daughter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a story that revolves around an Italian scientist, Rappaccini, who lives with his daughter, Beatrice, who has become poisonous.

How does the writer draw a parallel between the stories to reflect on the dangers of human experimentation?

Hawthorne — Rappaccini's Daughter

In this passage from “Wuthering Heights” the intense emotions and tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine are intricately woven into the passionate dialogue to create a powerful and dramatic moment.

How does the author manage to present dialogue in this extract to create a heightened sense of drama?

Bronte — Wuthering Heights

In this is an extract, the narrator argues that holidays for slaves are a manipulative tactic by slaveholders to prevent rebellion, as they make freedom appear degrading and undesirable.

How does the deliberate use of control and manipulation in the text serve to accentuate and underscore the theme of dehumanization?

Douglass — Narrative of the Life of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

Extract from Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, "Persepolis", about her coming-of-age experience in Iran, both before and after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Analyze how the extract uses authorial choices to portray the protestors and the authorities.

Satrapi — Persepolis

In the diary, kept from June to October 1897, during a trip from England to Australia, with her husband Sir Charles A. Nicholson, Evelyn Nicholson gives a picture of domestic life.

To what extent is the perspective of the Victorian Empire towards the colonies portrayed in Evelyn Nicholson´s personal journal?

Nicholson — Diary of a Honeymoon Trip to Australia in 1897

“American Indian Stories” assembles short stories, autobiographical reflections, and political essays that offer poignant reflections on the author’s sense of being stranded between the white and Native American worlds.

How does this story highlight the power struggle of the characters and their transformation over time?

Zitkala-Sa — The Cutting of My Long Hair

"I've Been to the Mountaintop", is one of the most iconic speeches in American history, delivered by civil rights leader and pastor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 3, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Analyse how the writer uses techniques and diction to evoke an emotional response in the readers.

King — I've Been to the Mountaintop

"The Girl Who Survived Her Mother", a memoir written by Moshitadi Lehlomela, retells her traumatic relationship with her mother and reflects upon it through a transgenerational journey. 

How does the extract exemplify the typical conventions of memoirs as reflective and emotional texts?

Lelhomela — The Girl Who Survived Her Mother

"Woman at Point Zero", originally published in Arabic in 1977, is a frame narrative that tells the story of an inmate prostitute at a prison in Egypt, called Firdaus.

How does the writer use conventions of frame narrative in a creative way in the passage? 

El Saadawi — Woman at Point Zero

In this pivotal passage from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" we witness a tumultuous exchange between Prince Hamlet and Ophelia, the object of his affection.

How does the author use language and interactions to present characters and themes?

Shakespeare — Hamlet

“A Doll’s House”, by Henrik Ibsen, written in 1879, is a Three-Act play that revolves around a typical   19th century housewife who is in search of her own independence. 

How does the writer use techniques to empower the main character?

Ibsen — A Doll's House

“Pygmalion” is a timeless play that explores the transformative power of education and the complexities of class and identity in Edwardian England.

What do the dynamics and interactions of the characters reveal about the broader societal context?

Shaw — Pygmalion

“The Importance of Being Earnest”, by Oscar Wilde, written in 1899, is a humorous play that mocks Victorian society and that centres around two friends, Jack and Algernon.

How are status and power manifested in these exchanges?

Wilde — The Importance of Being Earnest

¨Macbeth¨ by William Shakespeare, first performed in 1606, the playwright skillfully delves into the complexities of human ambition, power, and the consequences of one's actions. 

In what ways does the text reveal the thoughts and feelings of the character? 

Shakespeare — Macbeth

Carol Ann Duffy's poem "Little Red Cap", offers a fresh perspective on the familiar Red Riding Hood story, exploring themes of female empowerment, the journey from innocence to experience, and the reclaiming of one's voice.

To what extent does the poet offer a different perspective to the original fairy tale of Little Red Cap? 

Duffy — Little Red Cap

"Freedom", by Langston Hughes expresses the poet's unwavering yearning for liberation from the chains of oppression and injustice

What role do language and literary technique play in exploring thematic elements in poetry, and how does this affect the reader's interpretation of these themes?

Hughes — Freedom

This poem explores the themes of misjudgment and true wealth. The speaker reveals inner richness and creativity, challenging societal views on poverty and race and celebrating spiritual abundance.

To what extent does the poem portray the speaker's timeless sense of belonging to African American Culture?

 Walker — When You Thought Me Poor

Extract from Walt Whitman's poem, "Song of Myself," where the poet takes a deep dive into the inner workings of the human self, exploring its intricate relationships with nature, other people, and the universe at large. 

How does the author’s writing style contribute to the overall impact of the work on the reader?

Whitman — Song of Myself

In 1874, while waiting for her husband to return from a military assignment in the British Colonies, Juliana Horatia Ewing wrote her poem Madrigal, which explores how social conventions deeply shape individuals.

To what extent does "Madrigal" explore the struggle of women to be understood in oppressive societies through time and space?

Ewing — Madrigal

 “Dulce et Decorum est” by Wilfred Owen, written in 1918 and published posthumously in 1920, is about the suffering of soldiers during WWI. 

How is a particular group portrayed in this poem to criticise pro-war leaders?

Owen — Dulce et Decorum est

“The Blacker The Berry” by Kendrick Lamar is a poignant exploration of racial identity within America's societal conflicts.

How does the author employ narrative perspective and structure in the text to highlight the complex inner conflict and cultural identity crisis experienced by the lyrical I?

The Blacker The Berry — Lamar

Perfect your literary analysis for Paper 1!

Paper 1: Guided Literary Exploration

In this extract from “Ethan Frome”, the main character reflects about the events of the previous night regarding Mattie, his “object of affection” and his wife, Zeena.

In what ways do physical and emotional distance manifest in the relationships depicted in the extract?

Wharton — Ethan Frome

The 1994 novel "Breath, Eyes, Memory" by Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat is a bildungsroman that explores the complexities of diaspora identity and the strengths and challenges of womanhood. 

How does the author use characterisation and imagery to present themes of generational trauma and the strength of women?

 Danticat — Breath, Eyes, Memory

In this extract from “The Pool of Memory”, the author describes the trials and tribulations he and his family survived while waiting to be rescued from Cannes during the war.

How does the narration create a sense of anxiety in this extract?

Oppenheim — The Pool of Memory

Jackson Pollock’s father, LeRoy, wrote a memorable letter of support and advice to his 16-year-old son, a future visionary artist, the American painter who became a leading exponent of Abstract Expressionism.

How and why does the father's letter to his son foster self-knowledge and independent thought?

LeRoy Pollock — Letter to to Jackson Pollock

The play “Overtones” by Alice Gerstenberg was written in 1913 and first performed in 1915. It deals with the suppressed emotions and behaviours of women in upper-class New York society.

How are symbolism and characterisation used to convey themes in the extract?

Gerstenberg — Overtones

The extract is taken from the beginning of the play.  The story is set on  a Saturday afternoon and it starts with Bentley’s arrival at a wealthy man’s country home to meet his fiancée Hypatia.

How is the character of Bentley presented at the beginning of the play?

Shaw — Misalliance

The poem describes the author’s desire to lead a peaceful life close to nature.

How does the writer create contrast between reality and desire?

Millay — Journey

Ocean Vuong’s “Aubade with Burning City” is set in the fall of Saigon in the Vietnam War. It details two lovers sharing intimacies while the city is evacuated amid chaos and tragedy.

How do the poem’s form and language work to convey meaning? 

Vuong — Aubade with Burning City

Paper 1: Building a Full Response

Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen (Prose: Fiction) & Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery (Prose: Fiction)

How do the authors use allusions in an ironic way?

Austen & Montgomery

Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka (Prose: Fiction) and Miss Brill, Katherine Mansfield (Prose: Fiction)

Explore the ways in which alienation is represented in the passages.

Kafka & Mansfield 

Frankenstein or, the Modern Prometeus, Mary Shelley (Prose: Fiction) & The Fall of the House of Usher, Edgar Allan Poe (Prose: Fiction)

How do authors of two of the literary works you have studied use imagery to create an effective sensory experience for the readers?

Shelley & Poe 

The Great Gatsby, Scott Fitzgerald (Prose: Fiction) & Araby, James Joyce (Prose: Fiction)

Analyze the authors’ use of narrative elements to convey the socio-economic conditions of the two settings.

The Great Gatsby
Multiple Choice Questions

Introduction

The Great Gatsby - Context and Historical Background

The Great Gatsby - Characters

The Great Gatsby - Setting and Atmosphere

#1 IB Math Resource

34% Grade Increase

80% of IB Students

More IB English Literature SL Resources

Questionbank

Practice Exams

IB English Guys

Past Papers

Bootcamps

The Great GatsbyMultiple Choice Questions

Introduction

The Great Gatsby - Context and Historical Background

The Great Gatsby - Characters

The Great Gatsby - Setting and Atmosphere

#1 IB Math Resource

34% Grade Increase

80% of IB Students

More IB English Literature SL Resources

Questionbank

Practice Exams

IB English Guys

Past Papers

Bootcamps

The Great Gatsby
Multiple Choice Questions