IB English A/B Tutoring
IB English demands close reading, analytical thinking, and writing precision. Whether it's Literature, Language & Literature, or English B, our tutors guide you through essays, orals, and exam strategies that earn top marks.
What You'll Master in IB English A/B
Comprehensive coverage of all key topics and skills required for SL and HL success.
Close reading, literary devices, authorial choices, and guided analysis (Paper 1)
Paper 2 essay technique — comparing works, thesis construction, and argument structure
Global issue selection, extract analysis, presentation skills, and Q&A preparation
1,200-1,500 word literary essay on a studied work — topic selection, drafting, and revision
In-depth study of 4-6 works across genres, periods, and cultural contexts
Receptive and productive skills, written tasks, listening comprehension, and oral assessment
HL vs SL: What's the Difference?
Our tutoring covers both levels with targeted strategies for each.
Our students' average: 6.0/7
Our students' average: 5.6/7
Common
Questions.
English A: Literature focuses exclusively on literary texts — novels, poetry, drama, and prose. English A: Language & Literature includes both literary and non-literary texts (advertisements, speeches, journalism) and explores how language shapes meaning in different contexts. Our tutors specialise in both courses and adapt their teaching to the specific assessment requirements of each.
Extremely important — it's worth 30% at HL and 40% at SL, making it the single highest-weighted component. The IO requires students to choose a global issue, select two extracts from studied works, and deliver a 10-minute presentation followed by questions. Our tutors provide extensive preparation: helping students develop a strong line of inquiry, practise under timed conditions, and build confidence for the Q&A section.
Yes — this is one of the areas where tutoring makes the biggest difference. Paper 1 requires students to analyse a text they've never seen before, which feels daunting without a systematic approach. Our tutors teach a structured method for tackling unseen texts: identifying tone and purpose, mapping structure, spotting key literary/linguistic devices, and building a coherent analytical argument under timed conditions.
Yes. English B is the language acquisition course for students whose first language isn't English. We help with all components: reading comprehension, written tasks, listening skills, and the oral assessment. Our tutors adapt to the student's current proficiency level and focus on the skills that earn marks in each component.
Absolutely — this is one of the most common challenges we see. Many students understand texts well but struggle to translate that understanding into a structured, analytical essay. Our tutors work on thesis construction, paragraph structure (point-evidence-analysis), academic register, and the ability to sustain an argument across an entire essay. We practise with real IB prompts and provide detailed feedback on every draft.
One session per week is effective for building analytical and writing skills over time. Students preparing for the IO or working on their HL Essay often benefit from an additional session during those periods. We tailor the schedule to your child's assessment calendar.
Ready to Excel in IB English A/B?
Book a free consultation and we'll match your child with a specialist ib english a/b tutor who can make a real difference.