How to Revise for IB English Literature

Effective revision is essential when preparing for IB English Literature (Language A: Literature) — a subject that challenges you to engage deeply with a huge number of texts, while at the same time developing critical analytical skills. 

Not only that, there is an oral presentation to prepare for, unseen texts to analyse in the exam, and (at Higher Level) a 1,200-1,500-word essay to write. 

To cover that much content, you’re going to need some effective (and efficient) revision strategies. In my 15 years as an English Literature teacher, I have guided hundreds of students through their exams, and developed some great revision strategies that really work. 

This guide presents 10 key revision strategies that set out how best to revise IB English Literature, tailored specifically for IB Literature A students.

1. Understand the exam structure

I’ve always said to my students that knowing the exam format is the cornerstone of effective revision; that way, you’ll know exactly what to revise for, and you won’t waste any time on things that won’t be covered in the exam.

The IB Language A: Literature assessment is divided into external and internal components, with key differences between SL and HL:

Understanding these distinctions will help you allocate your revision time appropriately and focus on the specific requirements of your level.

2. Get to know the mark scheme

Like understanding the exam papers, it’s vital to get familiar with the IB mark schemes. This way, your revision will be even more targeted, and you’ll even begin to learn how to improve independently. 

Key assessment objectives across both SL and HL include:

• Interpreting and understanding texts: demonstrate deep comprehension and contextual insight.

• Analysing and evaluating: critically assess language, style, structure, and the interplay of texts

• Effective communication: develop clear, coherent, and persuasive written and oral responses

As an HL student, you’ll be assessed on other things too, so it’s important to review past examiner reports and official IB guidelines to understand what distinguishes a top-scoring response.

3. Create a revision schedule

A great tip to managing your revision time is to map it all out. My best students always created well-structured revision timetables that helped them cover all components of the course efficiently. 

When creating a revision schedule, consider:

• Prioritising weaker areas: students always want to focus on areas they feel comfortable with, but for the best marks, you’ll need to address those things that you find most challenging

• Segment your study: break your revision into focused, short sessions with clear objectives and mix up your revision of set texts with unseen practice

• Set realistic goals: establish daily or weekly targets to keep track of your progress, and tick them off once you’ve completed them

• Include breaks: regular intervals help maintain concentration and prevent burnout

For more great advice on creating a revision schedule, check out our article on the best ways to create an exam timetable.

4. Find revision strategies that work for you

In my experience over the years, I’ve found that different techniques work for different learners. Some of my students loved self-directed study, while others preferred working with a study buddy, or in a study group. 

There are some revision techniques that are really ineffective (highlighting and re-reading are two that should be avoided), but feel free to experiment with other revision methods that are backed by cognitive science, such as:

• Active recall: quiz yourself (or each other, if you’re working in a study group) on themes, characters, and key quotations

• Spaced repetition: don’t cram, but review your notes periodically to reinforce long-term memory

• Dual coding: combine visual aids like mind maps or diagrams with textual notes — you could even do this collaboratively with other students

• Elaborative interrogation: ask “why” questions about character motivations, themes, and stylistic choices — this works brilliantly for set text revision in a study group

Tailor these strategies (and use a variety of these techniques) to fit your learning style for a more engaging, varied and effective revision process.

5. Give yourself lots of time to prepare your oral presentation

The individual oral is a crucial part of your internal assessment and can, for many students, be a daunting prospect. However, with a clear plan and a good amount of practice, you can approach the oral with confidence. Here are some tips to excel:

• Link texts to a global issue: choose a global issue that resonates across both texts and prepare clear, evidence-based examples

• Redraft your presentation: try to give yourself plenty of time to draft, and then revise, your oral. Coming back to a draft a few days later allows you to see it with fresh eyes, and refine it to make the argument even stronger

• Practice aloud: rehearse your presentation several times, ideally in front of peers or a teacher, to refine your delivery

• Time yourself: ensure your presentation fits within the 10-minute limit and leaves room for the follow-up discussion. You could even record yourself on your phone and play it back to yourself!

Again, having a study group can be really useful for the oral presentation. Not only can you give each other constructive feedback, but you’ll get plenty of practice performing it in front of other people, which builds confidence.

6. Don’t put off your unseen revision

For a lot of students, the unseen element of the IB Language A: Literature course is the part of the exam that fills them with the most anxiety. You’ll be presented with texts that you’ve never seen, so won’t be able to rely on your notes.

However, you can still revise for it — unseen text analysis is a skill that improves dramatically with practice. 

Consider the following approaches:

• Active reading: practise annotating unseen texts to quickly identify literary devices, themes, and tone

• Familiarity with command words: understand instructions such as “analyse,” “discuss,” or “compare” to guide your response (looking at model answers is a great way of doing this)

• Timed practice: simulate exam conditions by practising with past unseen texts under time constraints

• Reflect on feedback: ask your teacher to mark your timed practice questions, and then act on their feedback

Regular practice with these techniques can build your confidence and ensure you’re ready to tackle any text that comes up in the exam!.

7. Know your texts thoroughly

One of the biggest difficulties when facing IB English Literature revision is knowing how to revise all of your set texts — SL students study 9 works and HL students explore 13 texts. Given the sheer number of texts you must study, a systematic approach to your revision is essential. 

Again, I always recommend using science-backed strategies to manage your workload:

By organising your revision around these tried-and-tested methods, you can efficiently cover the extensive reading list and deepen your understanding of each work.

8. Practise IB exam-style answers

As you get closer to your final exams, it’s time to practice whole questions (and even whole papers) in timed conditions. There really is no substitute for this in terms of building your readiness for the real exams. 

Align your writing practice with the specific requirements of IB assessments:

• Analyse exam questions: break down past paper questions to understand what each command word demands

• Timed practice: simulate exam conditions by writing responses within set time limits

• Review exemplar answers: compare your work with high-scoring sample essays to identify areas for improvement

• Integrate feedback: seek constructive criticism from teachers or peers to refine your analytical writing

Your school may even offer “after-hours” sessions to do extra whole-exam practice in timed conditions; make the most of this if it is on offer!

9. Ask for help

There’s nothing worse than struggling with your IB revision on your own. The good news is that the most effective revision is often a collaborative effort. Don’t hesitate to:

• Consult teachers: request feedback on essays or clarifications on complex texts

• Join study groups: discussing themes and interpretations with peers can broaden your perspective, and help with motivation and self-testing

• Utilise online resources: explore official IB materials, past papers, and academic journals

• Leverage your support network: family and friends can help quiz you on key concepts or provide moral support

Asking for help when needed is never a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and commitment to your learning.

10. Stay positive and balanced

Approaching your exams at 100 miles per hour, constantly full of nervous energy, is simply counter-productive. Research suggests that maintaining a balanced approach is crucial to exam success:

• Take regular breaks: short breaks during study sessions can enhance productivity; your brain can only cope with so much in one go

• Prioritise sleep: adequate rest is essential for effective memory retention and concentration

• Exercise and relax: physical activity and relaxation techniques can reduce stress and improve focus

• Eat well: a balanced diet supports overall well-being and cognitive performance

Burning out doesn’t lead to good grades, so look after yourselves. By keeping a positive mindset and balancing your study schedule, you’ll be better equipped to manage the demands of the course and perform your best on exam day.

For more information on staying stress-free during your revision, check out our Free Exam Anxiety Relief Kit.

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Check out our wide range of IB revision resources written by subject experts and examiners:

IB Revision Resources

References

IB Language A: Literature subject brief

“Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques”, 2013, Dunlovsky et al, Association of Psychological Science