18/25 Persepolis and The Bluest Eye

Read the following Paper 2 exam and the student's response to it, which was written in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Apply the assessment criteria and discuss the marks that you would award the essay before reading the examiner's marks and comments. How different were your marks and comments from the examiner's marks and comments? What improvements could be made to achieve better results?

Essay question: In what ways do two of the literary works that you have read act as a voice for the oppressed?  

Paper 2 exam #5, question #3
Student Response
Paper 2 SL/HL assessment criteria
Examiner's comments and marks

Assessment

Criterion B2 is arguably the most difficult criterion. Most students find it difficult to truly compare the works at a deeper, more analytical level. The IB is looking for 3 types of comparison: a comparison of the themes, authorial choices and readers' responses (or the effects of language on the audience). Watch out for analysing the works in parallel, and instead address why their similarities or differences matter. 

Related pages
  • P2 prepare and compare
  • P2 Do's and Don'ts
  • P2 feedback