IBDP Extended Essays

Supporting students in developing ideas for the Higher Level Essay (HLE) in IBDP English A can be both stimulating and challenging. Teachers often use a combination of strategies and prompts to help students explore texts from various angles, encouraging deeper analysis, critical thinking, and the generation of meaningful inquiry questions. Here are some effective strategies and activities that can help students develop HLE ideas:

1. Guided Textual Exploration

• Close Reading Prompts: Encourage students to look at specific passages, analyzing key language features, themes, and stylistic choices. Ask students to examine how certain phrases or words contribute to larger thematic concerns.
• Sample Prompt: “Select a passage that exemplifies the tension between appearance and reality in The Great Gatsby. How does Fitzgerald’s use of imagery or symbolism in this passage convey the novel’s broader critique of the American Dream?”
• Narrative Perspective Exploration: Have students investigate the impact of narrative voice or point of view on the interpretation of the text.
• Sample Prompt: “How does the narrative structure in Beloved shape our understanding of trauma and memory?”

2. Thematic Mapping

• Thematic Webs: Ask students to create mind maps that link various themes, characters, symbols, or motifs. Encourage them to see connections across the text and analyze how they interrelate. This helps students identify potential angles for inquiry questions.
• Activity: Create a thematic web for Frankenstein, linking themes such as ‘science vs. nature,’ ‘isolation,’ ‘ambition,’ and ‘parental responsibility.’ What insights emerge about the novel’s portrayal of ethical boundaries?

3. Comparative Analysis

• Comparing with Other Works or Theories: Encourage students to think about how the text under consideration compares with another work of literature, or how it interacts with a particular critical theory (e.g., Marxism, Feminism, Postcolonialism).
• Sample Prompt: “How does the concept of power in The Crucible compare to its portrayal in A Streetcar Named Desire? What does each text suggest about authority and social order?”

4. Perspective and Global Issues

• Lens-Based Analysis: Ask students to examine the text through different theoretical lenses such as Feminism, Marxism, or Psychoanalysis. This approach can open up fresh avenues for understanding characters, narrative choices, or themes.
• Sample Prompt: “Analyze Jane Eyre through a feminist lens. How does Brontë critique or uphold patriarchal structures through the characterization of Jane and Bertha?”
• Global Issues Connections: Encourage students to reflect on how a text engages with global issues like justice, power, migration, or identity.
• Activity: “Identify and analyze one global issue (e.g., inequality) present in The Nickel Boys. How does Whitehead use historical context to comment on modern social justice concerns?”

5. Interrogating Authorial Intent and Context

• Historical and Cultural Context: Help students consider the historical, social, or cultural context in which the text was written and how this context influences its themes and meanings.
• Sample Prompt: “How does A Doll’s House reflect the socio-political attitudes toward gender roles in 19th-century Norway, and to what extent does Ibsen subvert those attitudes through Nora’s journey?”

6. Character and Symbol Analysis

• Character Dissection: Ask students to focus on one character and explore their motivations, conflicts, and development. Have them connect this analysis to broader themes or symbols in the text.
• Sample Prompt: “Examine the character of Lady Macbeth in relation to the theme of ambition. How does Shakespeare use her as a symbol of unchecked power, and what is the broader moral commentary?”

7. Framing Inquiry Questions

Framing Prompts: After students have explored a range of ideas, help them refine their inquiry questions. Provide them with a framework for writing strong, focused questions that are analytical and debatable.

Sample Framework:

• How does the author use [literary technique] to explore [theme]?
• In what ways does the representation of [character/symbol] reflect [global issue]?
• To what extent does [text] challenge or reinforce [critical theory]?

8. Drafting and Feedback Cycles

• Brainstorming Sessions: Organize group discussions where students share ideas and critique each other’s perspectives. This can spark new insights and encourage them to refine their topics and questions.
• Teacher Feedback: Provide formative feedback during the development phase, particularly on the scope and feasibility of inquiry questions.

Favorite Prompts/Activities for Idea Development:

• “What If” Scenarios: Ask students to imagine alternative outcomes or shifts in perspective. This opens up creative ways of thinking about the text.
• Sample Activity: “What if The Handmaid’s Tale was told from the perspective of one of the Commanders? How would the story’s portrayal of power and gender shift?”
• “Deeper Dive into Symbols”: Focus on symbolic elements or recurring motifs and push students to unpack their multiple meanings within the text.
• Sample Prompt: “Explore the symbol of water in Beloved. How does it function on both a literal and metaphorical level?”

These prompts and activities encourage students to engage with texts in meaningful, diverse ways, fostering their analytical skills and guiding them toward developing insightful Higher Level Essay topics and questions.

The 3 Categories

The categories of the IBDP English Extended Essay (EE) fall under Studies in Language and Literature, and they are divided into three main areas:

1. Category 1: Studies of a Literary Work(s)This category involves an analysis of one or more literary works originally written in the language in which the essay is presented. The analysis should demonstrate a deep understanding of the literary text(s) and focus on elements such as themes, character development, literary techniques, and narrative structure.
2. Category 2: Studies in LanguageSubcategories of Category 2 include:

   This category involves exploring aspects of language as communication. It could focus on how language is used in a particular context, language and identity, the power of language, language change, or the influence of media or culture on language. These essays might analyze advertisements, political speeches, media representation, or other language forms in a specific social, cultural, or historical context.

   • 2a: Language and Culture – How language reflects, constructs, or influences cultural identities.
   • 2b: Language and Mass Communication – The use of language in media or its role in mass communication.
3. Category 3: Studies of a Literary Work(s) in TranslationIn this category, the focus is on one or more literary works originally written in a language different from the one in which the essay is presented. The essay analyzes how translation affects the interpretation of the work and looks into cultural and linguistic challenges. This category allows for a comparative study of the original work and its translation.

Preparing for an English Extended Essay (EE) involves several key steps to ensure a thorough and successful research process. Here’s a guide to help you get started and stay on track.

1. Choose a Subject and Topic

Subject Selection: Since your EE will be in English, consider focusing on literature, language, or cultural studies. Your topic should be related to one of these areas.

Topic Selection: Identify a specific aspect of English literature or language that interests you. This could be an analysis of a particular author, a comparison of literary works, or an exploration of a theme or technique.

Example Topics:

• Analyzing the use of symbolism in Shakespeare’s plays.
• Comparing the portrayal of social issues in two novels from different cultures.
• Exploring the evolution of a particular literary genre over time.

2. Formulate a Research Question

Crafting the Question: Your research question should be clear, focused, and researchable. It should allow for in-depth analysis within the 4,000-word limit.

Example Questions:

• “How does the use of unreliable narration in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ affect the reader’s perception of Holden Caulfield?”
• “To what extent does Jane Austen’s portrayal of social class in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ reflect the historical context of early 19th-century England?”

3. Conduct Preliminary Research

• Literature Review: Start by reading primary texts and relevant secondary sources. Take notes on key themes, critical perspectives, and scholarly arguments.
• Source Evaluation: Ensure that your sources are credible and relevant. Look for academic books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and reputable literary criticism.

4. Create a Research Plan

• Timeline: Develop a timeline for your research and writing process. Include milestones for completing research, drafting, revising, and finalizing your essay.
• Outline: Create a detailed outline to organize your ideas and structure your essay. Include sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion.

5. Write the Essay

• Introduction: Present your research question, provide background information, and outline the significance of your topic.
• Body: Develop your arguments with evidence from primary texts and secondary sources. Analyze literary elements, themes, or language use as relevant to your question.
• Conclusion: Summarize your findings and reflect on the implications of your analysis. Address how your research question has been answered and any broader insights.

6. Revise and Edit

• Drafting: Write multiple drafts of your essay. Focus on clarity, coherence, and depth of analysis.
• Feedback: Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers. Incorporate their suggestions to improve your essay.
• Editing: Check for grammatical errors, proper citation, and adherence to the IB’s formatting guidelines. Ensure your essay follows the assessment criteria.

7. Reflect and Finalize

Reflection: Write a reflective statement on your research process, challenges faced, and how you addressed them.

Final Submission: Ensure that your final essay is polished, properly formatted, and submitted according to IB guidelines.

8. Prepare for the Viva Voce (Optional)

Oral Defense: If required, prepare to discuss your essay and research process with your supervisor. Be ready to answer questions and reflect on your work.

By following these steps and staying organized, you can create a well-researched and well-written Extended Essay that meets IB requirements and showcases your analytical skills.

Organization

Extended Essay: “Broken Identities in Nadine Gordimer’s Works”

Research Question: “How does Nadine Gordimer’s portrayal of broken identities in her works reflect the socio-political landscape of apartheid South Africa?”

Introduction

Nadine Gordimer, a Nobel laureate in Literature, is renowned for her incisive explorations of the socio-political landscape of apartheid South Africa. Her works often grapple with themes of identity, particularly how these identities are fragmented and reshaped under the oppressive regime. This essay examines Gordimer’s portrayal of broken identities, focusing on how her characters’ struggles with their sense of self mirror the broader socio-political turmoil of their environment. By analyzing key texts such as “Burger’s Daughter,” “The Conservationist,” and “July’s People,” this study aims to uncover how Gordimer uses the theme of broken identity to critique the impacts of apartheid on personal and collective consciousness.

Body

1. Contextual Background

• Nadine Gordimer’s Biography and Historical Context:
  • Briefly outline Gordimer’s background and her role as a writer during the apartheid era.
  • Explain the historical and socio-political context of apartheid South Africa and its influence on Gordimer’s writing.
• Overview of Selected Texts:
  • Provide summaries of “Burger’s Daughter,” “The Conservationist,” and “July’s People,” highlighting their relevance to the theme of broken identities.

2. Analysis of Broken Identities in “Burger’s Daughter”

• Character Analysis:
  • Examine the protagonist, Rosa Burger, and her struggle with her identity in the wake of her father’s political activism and subsequent repression.
  • Analyze how Rosa’s fragmented sense of self reflects the larger societal fragmentation caused by apartheid.
• Themes and Symbols:
  • Explore themes of alienation, loss, and political disillusionment.
  • Discuss the symbolism used to represent broken identities, such as Rosa’s relationships and her involvement in the anti-apartheid movement.
• Narrative Techniques:
  • Analyze Gordimer’s use of narrative voice and structure to convey Rosa’s internal conflict and the impact of political oppression on personal identity.

3. Broken Identities in “The Conservationist”

• Character Analysis:
  • Analyze the protagonist, Mehring, and his disconnection from his own identity as he navigates the socio-political landscape of South Africa.
  • Examine how Mehring’s identity is disrupted by his position as a wealthy landowner and his relationship with the land and its people.
• Themes and Symbols:
  • Explore themes of colonialism, environmental degradation, and class conflict.
  • Discuss symbols such as the farm and its wildlife, which represent the broader disintegration of personal and societal identities.
• Narrative Techniques:
  • Assess Gordimer’s portrayal of Mehring’s psychological state and how it reflects his broken identity through shifts in narrative perspective and language.

4. Examination of “July’s People”

• Character Analysis:
  • Analyze the character of July and his transformation from a servant to a central figure in the post-revolutionary context.
  • Explore the impact of political upheaval on July’s sense of self and his relationships with the Smales family.
• Themes and Symbols:
  • Discuss themes of displacement, power dynamics, and the reversal of social roles.
  • Examine symbols such as the Smales’ house and its gradual disintegration as metaphors for shifting identities.
• Narrative Techniques:
  • Investigate Gordimer’s use of narrative voice and setting to reflect the themes of identity and displacement.

5. Comparative Analysis

• Comparison of Themes:
  • Compare the depiction of broken identities across the three novels. Highlight common themes and variations in how Gordimer addresses identity and socio-political issues.
• Literary Techniques:
  • Discuss how Gordimer’s use of narrative techniques, character development, and symbolism evolves across the texts and contributes to the portrayal of broken identities.

Conclusion

Summarize the key findings of the essay, emphasizing how Nadine Gordimer’s exploration of broken identities reflects the broader socio-political context of apartheid South Africa. Reflect on the implications of these portrayals for understanding both the personal and collective impacts of apartheid on identity. Conclude with thoughts on the enduring relevance of Gordimer’s work in contemporary discussions about identity and social justice.

References

Include a comprehensive list of all sources cited, including primary texts (Gordimer’s novels) and secondary sources such as critical essays, biographies, and historical context materials.

Reflection (Optional)

Provide a reflective statement on your research process, including any challenges faced, insights gained, and how this study has deepened your understanding of Gordimer’s work and the theme of broken identities.