Paper 1(Commentary)Practice

Mock Paper 1

•Semester Final = Paper 1 Practice•To prepare: Mock Paper 1 Tomorrow!!•Ensures you get feedback from me prior to the Semester Final

What to Expect

• Past IB exam – a poem and a prose passageTIME MANAGEMENT:

• Procedure: • 5 minutes• Read both:• “Reading period” of the exam

• 15-30 minutes• Reread your chosen extract for understanding• Do a close reading• Create a brief outline (worth 5 percent of your grade)

THEN…• Begin writing your commentary, working on it until the last

few minutes of class…• You will not have time to finish and that’s OK• The REAL paper 1 exam is 2 hours long

Review and Reminders

WHAT’S A COMMENTARY AGAIN?• Commentary = Close reading & interpretation of a

passage presented in Essay Form.• You need to demonstrate• Understanding of thought and feeling of the passage• Support your points with detailed references to the

passage (quotations)• Analyze and show appreciation of how the passage

achieves its effects

Ways to Structure

•2 common approaches

Linear

• Moves sequentially• PROS:• Can work well when an extract has a clear

sense of development• Topic statements (1st sentences) can focus on

points of transition• CONS:• Danger of falling into retelling

Conceptual

• Organized by different aspects of content and language (Key Aspects/Ideas/Techniques)• EXAMPLE: • Par. 1: Character of Narrator• Par. 2: Her Relationship with her parents• Par. 3: Setting• Par. 4: Controlling Metaphor• Par.5: Etc..Look at language/techniques as you go to support points

Conceptual

•PROS: •More holistic•Allows you to show more control

over your thesis, and develop your ideas more coherently

Remember…

•No formula guarantees success•Careful thinking for yourself about

the best way to structure your commentary is key

Plan for a Commentary

• What kind of “reading” have you come up with? • Does it highlight a particular aspect of content or style?• Does it ask from where the poem gains its main strength? • Does it focus on a contrast or conflict, or a significant

development?

• What kinds of structure might you follow? • One that traces the linear development of the poem, or perhaps

one that breaks the poem’s features down into concepts?

• Once you’ve decided, create your outline

Assessment Criteria

•See Handout

Introduction to your commentary•Go straight to the literature•Write 2-3 sentences explaining what

the poem or passage is about•Write your thesis stating a clear

argument about dominant effect

Middle of your commentary

•Well-paragraphed•Clear development of argument – clearly linking one idea to the next

Conclusion of your commentary

•Don’t repeat•Briefly sum up what you’ve said•DRAW A CONCLUSION – so what?

Student Example