IB Literature — Stop “good ideas” from turning into average marks.

Learn to write like the examiner is marking. At Times Edu, students train a repeatable scoring system: close reading → line of argument → selective evidence → literary technique → effect/meaning → timed execution.

→ Get your personal score roadmap

Course Quick Facts

SL Teaching Hours

150

HL Teaching Hours

240

Works Studied

9-13 Works

Focus

Concepts & Skills

Why Students Lose Marks

We address the specific struggles students face in IB Literature that keep them stuck at a Level 4 or 5.

sentiment_dissatisfied

Paper 1

Identifying techniques without explaining their effect on meaning.

compare_arrows

Paper 2

Weak comparison structure and lack of specific evidence from memory.

format_quote

Evidence

“Floating quotations” that aren’t integrated into the grammatical sentence.

record_voice_over

IO

Running out of time or lacking a cohesive Global Issue connection.

history_edu

HL Essay

Topics that are too broad, leading to superficial analysis.

What Improves in 4–12 Weeks?

We focus on high-yield skills that directly impact the rubric criteria.

check

Sharper Thesis

Moving from descriptive statements to argumentative claims.

check

Stronger Analysis

Connecting literary technique directly to authorial effect.

check

Paper 2 Comparision Engine

Systematic approach to comparing works effectively.

check

Confident IO

Mastering the oral presentation structure and timing.

check

HL Essay Depth

Achieving profound literary investigation.

Get Your Free 30′ Diagnostic

Don’t guess where you’re losing marks. Our experts will review your current work and provide a personal roadmap.

pie_chart

Component Breakdown Plan

warning

Top Mark-Loss Habits

map

6-Month Score Roadmap

SL vs HL — What Actually Changes?

Understanding the workload difference is key to success.

Standard Level (SL)

150 Hours

book9 Works studied in total.
descriptionPaper 1: Guided literary analysis (1h 15m).
comparePaper 2: Comparative essay (1h 45m).
micIO: 15 mins (10 min oral + 5 min Q&A).

HIGHER LEVEL

Higher Level (HL)

240 Hours

book13 Works studied in total.
edit_documentHL Essay: 1200-1500 word coursework essay.
descriptionPaper 1: Two guided analyses (2h 15m).
comparePaper 2: Comparative essay (1h 45m).

Assessment Overview

Component

Time

SL Weight

HL Weight

Task

Paper 1: Guided Literary Analysis

1h 15m (SL)2h 15m (HL)

35%

Analysis of unseen passage(s). HL does two.

Paper 2: Comparative Essay

1h 45m

35%

25%

Compare/contrast two studied works based on a prompt.

Individual Oral (IO)

15 mins

30%

20%

Oral presentation connecting two works to a Global Issue.

HL Essay

Coursework

–

20%

1200-1500 word essay on one studied work.

Times Edu Strategy Playbook

We break down every component into a winning formula.

Paper 1: Unseen Analysis

Don’t just summarize. Analyze.

The 5-Step Routine

Most students panic when they see the text. We teach a calm, structured reading process that extracts the “Line of Argument” in the first 15 minutes. Our paragraph frame ensures you hit Technique, Evidence, and Effect in every single point.

Deconstruct the guiding question.
Annotate for patterns, not just features.
Group annotations into 3 conceptual arguments.

Paper 2: Comparative

Structure wins marks.

Comparative Thesis Engine

We replace the “block method” (Essay A then Essay B) with integrated comparison. Learn to write topic sentences that mention BOTH texts immediately. We build “Evidence Banks” so you memorize quotes that are versatile for multiple themes.

IO: Structure Wins

10 minutes to impress.

The 10-Minute Map

The IO is not a conversation; it’s a performance. We help you select a Global Issue that is broad enough to discuss but specific enough to analyze. We map out your 10 minutes bullet-by-bullet so you never run under or over time.

HL Essay: Depth

Coursework excellence.

Topic → Outline → Draft

The biggest mistake is a weak topic. We ensure your line of inquiry is “literary” rather than “sociological”. Get feedback on your outline before you write a single word of the draft.

How Learning Works

Learn Concept

Master a specific literary device or essay structure.

arrow_right_alt

Instruction

Live lesson on a key IB Literature concept.

arrow_forward

Practice

Timed writing or planning drill in class.

arrow_forward

Feedback

Detailed marking based on IB criteria.

arrow_forward

Improvement

Refine the skill before the next unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you cover both SL and HL? expand_more

Yes! Our classes are structured to cover the core skills relevant to both. We have breakout sessions specifically for HL students to focus on the HL Essay and the additional workload.

How are classes conducted? expand_more

Classes are held online via Zoom. We use interactive whiteboards and shared documents to ensure every student is participating, not just listening.

Can you help with my specific school texts? expand_more

Absolutely. While we teach universal skills for Paper 1, our Paper 2 and IO coaching is tailored to help you apply those skills to the specific texts you are studying at school.

What is the Free 30′ Diagnostic? expand_more

It’s a one-on-one session where we review a piece of your past writing or discuss your current grades to identify exactly where you are losing marks and build a plan to fix it.

Ready to improve your IB Score?

Select the resource or class that fits your needs.