IB ENGLISH LITERATURE

PAPER 2 - SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. “The past is forever in the present.” By comparing the use of narrative

techniques in at least two of the works you have studied, demonstrate whether or
not this statement is valid.

2. Setting can often reflect the underlying ideas in a play. In the light of this statement
consider the importance of and use of setting in two plays you have studied.

3. In what ways and to what extent does characterisation in the works you have studied
depend on the use of dialogue? Compare and contrast at least two works in your
answer.

4. Symbols and/or motifs are essential conventions of many novels and short
stories. Compare the ways either or both of these devices have been used and,
in your opinion, how successfully, in at least two of the works you have studied.

5. Explore how visual imagery contributes to meaning in poems you have studied. You
must compare the work of at least two poets in your answer.

6. The opening of any literary work needs to incite the interest of the reader or
audience. Compare the openings of two plays you have studied and discuss the
ways in which they engage the reader or audience.

7. Explore how and to what extent two literary works you have studied offer insight
into another culture.

8. Explore the ways in which two or more literary works you have studied offer
multiple perspectives of a single issue, topic or theme.

9. Compare the ways in which two or more literary works you have studied explore a
sense of geographical and emotional displacement.

10. Compare the ways in which two or more literary works you have studied adhere to
or deviate from the conventions associated with the literary genre they belong
to.

11. Discuss the ways in which two literary works you have studied explore the aspects of
human experience across time that enduring heroes appeal to.

12. Explore the ways in which the structure of two or more works you have studied affect
meaning.

13. Explore the ways in which two or more works you have studied use
“ungrammatical” or elliptical language to create a specific effect.
14. Explore the ways in which two or more literary works you have studied make detail
contribute to the presentation of characters.

15. Explore the ways in which two or more literary works you have studied use
description to create a humorous effect.

16. Explore the ways in which two or more literary works you have studied use sarcasm
to create a humorous effect.

17. Explore the ways in which two or more literary works you have studied use language
to represent social distinctions.

18. Explore the ways in which two or more literary works you have studied use language
to represent power dynamics / differences.

19. Explore the ways in which two or more works you have studied use ambiguity to
create a specific effect.

20. Explore two or more works you have studied where the treatment of time is central to
a specific effect.