IBDP English A Paper 1 Criterion

There are 4 assessment criteria based on which you score in Paper 1. Some students struggle to keep an eye on these 4 criteria while writing the analysis. To overcome this, we have invented a metaphorical representation of these 4 criteria using the example of a Melon. First, let’s look at the 4 criteria:

1. Criterion A – Understanding & Interpretation.
2. Criterion B – Analysis & Evaluation.
3. Criterion C – Focus & Organization.
4. Criterion D – Language & Clarity.

Criteria and Marks

A Understanding and Interpretation

This criterion evaluates how well you understand the text’s explicit meaning (what is being said) and implicit meaning (what is suggested or implied). It also examines your ability to interpret the writer’s message, identify themes or issues, and explain how these ideas are developed throughout the text. A strong response shows not only what the text says but also why it says it in that way, and how this contributes to its overall impact.

In the 2017 Nike ad, the message of perseverance is conveyed through the repetition of the phrase “You’re not meant to…” followed by defiant visuals of athletes breaking barriers. This reflects the theme of challenging societal expectations, especially for women and people of color in sport.

What it assesses:

• How well you understand the text’s purpose, context, and meaning
• Whether your interpretations are justified and supported
• Depth of understanding of implicit ideas and messages

Examples of Strong Criterion A Performance

• Purpose understanding: “The text aims to persuade parents to vaccinate their children, using fear-based imagery and statistical evidence.”
• Audience identification: “The target audience appears to be young Indian voters, as shown through colloquial Hindi phrases and references to local elections.”
• Implicit idea recognition: “The image of the cracked hourglass in the ad subtly implies time is running out for the planet, evoking urgency.”
• Cultural context awareness: “The ad uses the Ramadan crescent symbol, tapping into Muslim traditions to promote a product ethically during fasting season.”
• Tone interpretation: “The sarcastic tone critiques blind patriotism, especially in the line ‘Because questioning makes you less Indian?'”
• Recognizing irony: “Though it appears to praise consumerism, the blog post satirically mocks influencers who promote shallow lifestyles.”
• Understanding symbolism: “The oversized lock in the image symbolizes censorship and the silencing of journalists in authoritarian regimes.”
• Textual coherence: “The slogan, layout, and statistics work together to create a cohesive anti-smoking message.”
• Point of view clarity: “The first-person voice creates intimacy, making the reader empathize with the speaker’s trauma.”
• Message clarity: “The core message is clear: environmental degradation is irreversible without urgent action—conveyed through apocalyptic visuals.”

B: Analysis and Evaluation

This criterion assesses your ability to analyze how authorial choices—such as structure, style, and literary or visual techniques—convey meaning and achieve effects. It also rewards your ability to evaluate the effectiveness of these choices in relation to the text’s purpose and audience. Strong responses do more than just name techniques (like metaphor, juxtaposition, or font choices); they explain how and why those techniques shape the reader’s understanding or emotional response. Effective analysis often connects specific details to broader themes or intentions, offering insight into the how and why of communication.

What it assesses:

• Depth of analysis of authorial choices.
• Evaluation of how stylistic, structural, and visual features contribute to meaning
• Effectiveness of textual evidence used.

Examples

• Language analysis: “The repetition of ‘you’ places responsibility on the reader, creating a confrontational tone.”
• Tone analysis: “The melancholic tone is constructed through lexical choices like ‘wilted,’ ‘forgotten,’ and ‘dusty.'”
• Visual design: “The use of red in the top corner draws immediate attention to the call to action.”
• Structural evaluation: “The two-column format separates myth from fact, reinforcing the credibility of the message.”
• Syntax and pacing: “The short sentences mimic panic, echoing the speaker’s mental disintegration.”
• Imagery analysis: “The metaphor ‘the city slept under a toxic blanket’ suggests suffocation and helplessness.”
• Layout and placement: “Placing the baby in the center with bullet points around it ensures immediate emotional engagement.”
• Hyperbole: “The exaggerated claim that ‘one straw can kill a turtle’ shocks the viewer into awareness.”
• Contrast: “The juxtaposition of smiling children with polluted surroundings emphasizes the loss of innocence.”
• Intertextual reference: “The image echoes Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, suggesting an ideal human—yet this version is covered in waste, critiquing modern man.”

C: Focus and Organization

What it assesses:

• Clear structure with logical progression of ideas
• Consistent focus on the task
• Use of paragraphs, transitions, and thesis clarity

Examples of Strong Criterion C Performance

• Effective introduction: “This commentary explores how the UNICEF advertisement appeals to emotion through layout and color.”
• Clear thesis: “The ad uses fear appeals and child imagery to convince its audience to donate immediately.”
• Organized structure: “Paragraph 1: Visual elements. Paragraph 2: Language. Paragraph 3: Overall effect.”
• Smooth transitions: “Furthermore, the background choice complements the message of isolation.”
• Focused topic sentences: “The textual features used by the author deepen the reader’s emotional involvement.”
• Coherence: “Each paragraph builds logically toward the conclusion that the ad is successful in evoking action.”
• Avoiding digression: “Instead of discussing vaccine science, the commentary focuses strictly on the ad’s persuasive techniques.”
• Balanced development: “Each element—image, headline, body text—is analyzed with equal depth.”
• Conclusion: “In conclusion, the advertisement’s combination of shocking imagery and heartfelt language makes it highly effective.”
• Consistent tone: “Throughout, the language remains analytical, avoiding personal bias or narrative.”

D: Language

What it assesses:

• Style appropriate to literary analysis
• Clarity and precision of language
• Vocabulary range and sentence control
• Grammar and mechanics

Examples

• Precise diction: “The juxtaposition of hope and despair reinforces the emotional gravity of the image.”
• Academic tone: “This suggests an ideological subtext beneath the superficial commercial tone.”
• Varied sentence structure: “While the text appears minimalistic, it hides a deep structural complexity.”
• Control of tense: “The writer employs past tense to reflect on historical injustice.”
• No spelling/grammar issues: “Its use of ellipses… reflects a fading voice, not a careless omission.”
• Sophisticated connectors: “Moreover, the banner’s placement contributes to the viewer’s visual path.”
• Word economy: “Each word is chosen for maximum visual or emotional impact.”
• No slang or informalities: “The speaker’s use of colloquialism is deliberate and culturally anchored.”
• Proper register: “The analysis remains objective, avoiding exaggerated or emotive language.”
• Fluency: “The commentary flows smoothly, transitioning from visual to verbal techniques seamlessly.”

How you lose your Marks?

Lack of Understanding of the Text’s Meaning (Basic Errors)

1. Misinterpreting the main message – The response misunderstands the core idea or theme of the text.
2. Ignoring the context – Failing to consider the historical, cultural, or situational background of the text.
3. Summarizing instead of analyzing – Simply restating what happens instead of explaining the significance.
4. Not recognizing the author’s intention – Failing to identify why the author wrote the text and what they aim to convey.
5. Superficial interpretation – Only discussing the obvious meaning without deeper insights.

Weak Identification of Themes & Ideas

6. Overlooking key themes – Not identifying central ideas such as power, identity, or injustice.
7. Forcing an irrelevant theme – Bringing in unrelated ideas that do not match the text’s meaning.
8. Only mentioning one theme – Failing to explore multiple layers of meaning.
9. Not considering the audience – Ignoring how different audiences might interpret the text.
10. Failing to recognize contradictions or complexity – Over-simplifying the text and missing deeper nuances.

Lack of Textual Support (Weak Evidence)

11. Not using enough textual evidence – Making claims without quoting or referring to the text.
12. Choosing weak or irrelevant examples – Selecting evidence that does not strongly support the interpretation.
13. Misquoting or misrepresenting the text – Incorrectly citing or distorting the meaning of the passage.
14. Ignoring tone and mood – Not discussing how the text’s emotional feel contributes to its meaning.
15. Failing to explain evidence – Quoting a passage without explaining its significance.

Weak Depth and Connection of Ideas

16. Ignoring alternative interpretations – Assuming there is only one correct way to read the text.
17. Not connecting ideas logically – Jumping between points without a clear argument.
18. Overgeneralizing or making vague claims – Using phrases like “this makes the text interesting” without specifying how.
19. Not linking techniques to meaning – Mentioning literary features (like metaphors) but not explaining their effect.
20. Lack of originality or critical thinking – Repeating basic ideas without offering fresh insights.

How to Improve?

• Always support interpretations with evidence (E).
• Avoid basic summaries—focus on why the author makes certain choices.
• Consider multiple perspectives and nuances in the text.
• Make sure every quote or example is explained clearly.