The IB Language A1 Paper Two is a timed analytical essay exam requiring comparison/contrast analysis of selected works in a genre study, which for us is Prose – the Novel and Short Story . We will prepare for that exam by creating a
Comparative Chart.
Your study guide for the Paper Two will be your Comparative Chart. You will first identify what you need to know and how you need to arrange the information. Then you will create a living document that records what you learn and the insights you have in such a way to best help you learn and review your knowledge.
"The Comparative Chart for Paper 2 was extremely helpful as the process of searching for critical commentary and contrasting it with my own opinions increased my confidence." paper really helps the mind to thoroughly process them, as well as increases remembrance in the future."
"The Comparative Charts were the best. That's all I saw people using to study for the exam."
"The Comparative Chart is a reflective exercise. One derives benefit from it to some extent from its specific content, but more prevalently through the journey of arriving at the content."
"I actually felt very prepared for Paper 2. As much of a pain as the
Comparative Chart was, I really think it helped! I read over a couple of other people's Comparative Charts too, and I thought that was really helpful to see other people's perspectives, get a broader range of topics, etc."
"My Comparative Chart forced me to focus on the deeper significance into each work rather than the superficial dry run involved in looking at Spark
Notes. The Comparative Chart allowed me to focus on comparing the literary works and themes. Working towards notetaking and structure, I also received a preview of how I would organize my essays. It gave me a head start on some thesis and possible assertions."
"The act of completing the Comparative Chart has given me greater confidence regarding the exam. Actually narrowing the focus of my writing to particular themes allows me to find more aspects to compare and contrast.
The literary criticisms were particularly beneficial as they demonstrated different approaches to similar topics, and often their arguments fit multiple topics. I designed my Comparative Chart to be more of an implied comparison than directly stated. In this way, I have found myself developing arguments when reflecting on gathered observations. I feel as if I've already completed several Paper 2s in my head and now I feel confident that I can construct a persuasive argument the day of the exam."
"The Comparative Chart allowed me to devise connections--it's absolutely necessary in creating the Paper 2. Some of them I went into detail about, and still others it was hard to resist expounding upon--otherwise the guide would've been 50 pages long! Putting ideas into words and inking them onto
"The Comparative Chart helped me by giving me a wide breadth of knowledge that I can use on my exam. It forced me to look up various sources of information, and as I inserted them into my Comparative Chart, I was able to digest the material and formulate my own conjectures."
"I feel fairly confident that one of the topics that I addressed will appear on the exam, either under fiction or general question areas. By setting aside several topics and honing in on them, the studying for Paper 2 does not seem so daunting."
"At the start of the project, I wanted to make a comparative table; however, I had to abandon this idea when I realized that I could not possibly contain analysis of works in a small box. Instead, I decided to model my Comparative
Chart after normal notes I would study from. This format is familiar to me and easy for me to use. Under the heading of teach topic, I would have each book, and information under the heading of the book I included information, then color-coded the similarities (green) and the differences (blue)."
"I made a web on my bedroom wall by writing all my notes on pieces of paper and then connecting them with string. By first making the web and then typing the information I feel I can remember almost everything I thought of. By organizing by topic rather than by novel, the comparisons and contrasts became MUCH clearer. Having a concrete object that I can mentally picture during the exam will help me a lot. Also, I made assertions for the topics.
Writing the introduction tailored to the question (given they ask a question connected to my topics) will be much easier--introductions are always the hardest part for me. I'm not too worried though--many topics I chose overlap with topics I didn't elaborate on."
Your task has three stages. First, you must achieve your highest possible understanding of Paper Two and the novels in our genre study: The Handmaid’s Tale , Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, The Road, and for HL, A Clockwork
Orange.
Second, with yourself as your intended audience, you must identify, organize, and present the most significant material concerning each work that you will need as you study for Paper Two. Such material may include but is certainly not limited to:
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 role of the setting evolution of theme significance of certain character types

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 role of the narrator use and effect of structure intended communication with zeitgeist interplay of significant quotes effect of a particular dichotomy (interiors/exteriors; old/young). role of violence/home/women/nature/etc.
You should consult your “Fourteen Years’ Worth of Paper Two Topics” list for additional ideas. The third stage, is, of course, to sit for your IB exams and write your Paper Two in May.
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Make sure the categories you choose require you to think analytically. You might consider adding an element to a category, such as, "Role of narrator in development of theme," or "Role of narrator in relation to zeitgeist."
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Make sure that what you write in each category reflects comparison/contrast. If comparison is obvious, go with
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 contrast, and vice versa.
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Avoid a category like "Tone." A novel rarely has one tone.
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Avoid a category like "Characters," which invites a list, or "Setting," which invites a place name. These were fine for introducing a single work, but the Comparative Chart should be much more specific. The idea is to generate detailed comparison/contrast analysis.
Your comparison/contrast analysis should be evident across the rows.
Be certain that your chosen format allows for expansion. The Comparative Chart is a living, evolving document
 that will expand, contract, or shift with every chapter you read.
Make use of your dialectical journals - you are working hard to write them for this express purpose.
In the chess world, a Grand Master achieves his or her station by being able to grasp every possible outcome, every move and every counter-move, every scenario in a match. Your approach to the Paper Two should be much the same. Be ready for anything.