Focus and Organization in IB Language and Literature

Focus and Organization is the title for Criterion C of all IB Language and Literature assessments, as well as most written assessments for Language A. While “organization” might seem straightforward, it specifically refers to how your text is structured from start to finish. Your analysis should flow coherently from one argument or analysis to the next. Simply examining different parts of the text independently or exploring literary devices separately can lead to a disorganized text.

Organization is not just about having an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It’s about structuring your text into sections that sequentially explore the guiding question. The example below shows how to organize your Paper 2 response based on a guiding question.

Example Title Question:

Referring to two works you have studied, how, and to what effect, do the different points of view expressed influence the reader?

Structure of the response

Introduction

• Briefly introduce both works and their thematic relevance (oppression, autonomy, etc.).

• Mention the different narrative perspectives (first-person, third-person, etc.).

• Clearly state the thesis statement: how these differing points of view influence the reader’s emotional engagement and understanding of the themes and characters.

Body Paragraphs

Point of View in Work A

• First paragraph:

  • Discuss the narrative perspective in Work A

  • Focus on the narrator’s (unreliable, soothing, etc.) narration and how it creates a sense of (isolation, curiosity, etc.) and (limits, expands, etc.) the reader’s knowledge, shaping the emotional connection and engagement.

  • Explain the effect of the narrator’s perspective on the reader’s understanding of the theme.

• Second paragraph (Comparative):

  • Compare Work B with Work A, discussing how the narrator’s (third-person) point of view allows the reader to see the other character’s thoughts and actions.

  • Explore how this external (third-person) focus creates (dramatic irony, or other relevant devices), giving the reader insight into the other character’s (self-deception) and enhancing the emotional complexity.

Thematic Influence of Point of View in Work A

• First paragraph:

  • Analyze how the narrator’s (first-person) narration emphasizes themes such as control, surveillance, and personal agency (or any relevant theme).

  • Discuss how the subjective/objective perspective underscores the themes (of oppression and limited freedom), and how it influences the reader’s understanding of the text.

• Second paragraph (Comparative):

  • In comparison, explore how the (third-person) perspective in Work B contributes to themes (of self-deception, societal pressure, and gender roles).

  • Discuss how the broader perspective allows the reader to see the contrast between the other character’s (perception and reality), enhancing the critique of gender expectations.

Character Development in Work A

Emotional Engagement and Irony in Both Works

Conclusion

• Restate your thesis

• Synthesis

  • Do not only summarize the points you analyzed, but synthesize them based on the main points of the title question.

• Extension beyond the texts

  • Explain and expand the discussion beyond the works you explored toward a global social relatable issue.

I hope this example structure clarifies what is meant by organization in a paper 1 and 2 text.

Another important element of Criterion C is focus. You may have doubts about the clear and exact meaning of focus here and might ask, “Focus on what?” The text should remain centered and focused on the main line of inquiry, which is based on the keywords of the guiding question.

In the example question I chose from the May 2023 session, the keywords are “how,” “to what effect,” “different points of view,” and “influence the reader.” There shouldn’t be a single paragraph in your text that cannot be traced back to these keywords. Let me explain how to achieve this regarding these keywords, one by one. And if you feel you need personalized guidance to improve your writing for IB Lang Lit assessments, get in touch with us.

“How” implies an expected explanation. Remember to avoid unnecessary description. If you only mention that the author has used literary devices and techniques A, B, and C, it does not explain “how.” Make an effort to show the reader (examiner) the way or ways the author employs these techniques and devices.

“To what effect” is essentially the same as “why.” After explaining the ways the author uses literary techniques and devices by choosing certain words and sentence structures (which is in fact exploring “authorial choices”) you should clarify the reasons for these choices. Tell your reader what the author aimed to achieve and analyze whether they succeeded in reaching those goals.

“Different points of view” and “influence the reader” are specific to this question. As discussed in the example structure we reviewed earlier, these keywords focus on narration and how it shapes the reader’s feelings and understanding of the text. First-person or third-person narration can influence the understanding and emotions of the reader in different ways. Third-person narration usually gives us an “outsider” view of the character and first-person narration mainly gives us an insight into the character’s thoughts and emotions. You should never lose focus on analyzing the narration and how it impacts the reader’s understanding and overall impression of the text.

To receive the maximum mark for this criterion, do not begin writing without first listing the points of analysis and creating an outline for your text. This will help you write a well-organized response. Do not lose sight of the guiding question by ensuring that all your paragraphs consistently explore and analyze the keywords throughout the text.

IB Language and Literature