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 passage TIME MANAGEMENT: Procedure: 5 minutes Read both: “Reading period” of the exam 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 (1 st 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