Published January 16, 2024
Sophie
High School Sophomore from West Virginia, Avid Classics Enthusiast, Marketing Intern and Blog Writer at Knowt :)
Hey there! This article is all about our tips for how to study for the IB Literature and Performance exam to get a solid 7. I'll break down the tricks, so with the right strategies and IB Literature and Performance resources, nailing the exam is totally doable!
Hey, no worries if you're in a last-minute cramming session for IB Literature and Performance! We totally get it, and trust me, we've all been there too! So, if you're wondering how to ace the IB Literature and Performance exam when you're running out of time, here are some awesome IB Literature and Performance resources and IB Literature and Performance exam tips and IB Literature and Performance test prep created by fellow students that will help you cram like a boss.
This ULTIMATE IB Literature and Performance Study Guide - pretty much everything you need to know for the exam, written by a former IB Literature and Performance student!
Our Favorite Additional Site for IB Literature and Performance
The exam is broken down into THREE components - here is a breakdown of what you’ll need to know and what to expect from each section:
The first section for the IB Literature and Performance Exam is paper 1. They will give you a choice from four different questions, and in your answer to one, you will have to compare and contrast two works that you studied in the course. You'll be asked to write essays comparing and contrasting themes, characters, or other aspects shared between the texts. It's key to know your studied texts well and understand their themes and literary techniques.
But don’t sweat; you can ace this if you follow these steps: Start by carefully reading the questions and choose the one you can answer best. Plan your essay, focusing on a clear comparison between the texts. You also need to use specific examples from the texts to support your points, what good is an essay without any evidence? Make sure to write clearly and organize your essay with a good structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It is also SUPER important to keep an eye on the time to ensure you complete your essay without rushing.
The next section is a written assessment where you will have to write an essay max of 2,000 words about an extract from a certain dramatic work you will have already explored through performance. You will need to analyze the dramatic elements of the extract through your own individual performance choices.
When preparing for the written assessment in the IB Literature and Performance (SL) exam, where you analyze an extract from a dramatic work through your individual performance choices, follow these test-taking tips. Firstly, ensure a thorough understanding of the dramatic work and the specific extract you're examining. Revisit your performance notes and discussions to clarify your insights. Focus on the dramatic elements within the extract, including characters, dialogue, setting, plot, themes, and symbolism. Explain how these elements contribute to the scene's overall impact. Moreover, since you're evaluating the extract through your own performance choices, describe and justify these choices in your essay. Discuss how they align with the text and enhance its dramatic elements. Lastly, organize your essay coherently with a clear introduction, followed by well-structured paragraphs addressing specific aspects of the extract. This approach will help you effectively analyze the extract and showcase your understanding of the dramatic work.
Finally, you will have to complete a transformative performance and individual oral assessment. You will pick an extract from a non-dramatic piece of literature, like a book, and turn it into a piece of theatre! What fun! This portion will take 10 minutes and you will have to perform it in front of a live audience. The next section, the individual oral part, is simply where you explain the process of transforming your excerpt into theatre. You are just talking through how you thought it up, how you designed the characters, emotions, etc.
To ace this section, choose a piece that resonates with you and offers opportunities for creative adaptation. Think about how to translate the text into a theatrical performance, considering aspects like characters, setting, and themes. During the 10-minute performance, engage the audience through effective acting, staging, and artistic choices that reflect your interpretation of the literary text.
For the individual oral assessment, articulate the process of transforming the excerpt into a theatrical piece. Explain your creative decisions, the challenges you faced, and how your choices were influenced by the source material. Highlight the connection between your performance and the original text's themes or messages. Ensure clarity and coherence in your explanation.
In both the transformative performance and the individual oral assessment, confidence and effective communication are key. Practice your performance and oral explanation thoroughly, and be prepared to adapt to the live audience's reactions. These assessments provide an exciting opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of literature through the art of theater, so embrace the creative aspect and enjoy the experience. Make sure to go over the IB Literature and Performance Exam review and your IB Literature and Performance online IB notes to ensure success.
To get ready for the IB Literature and Performance Exam, which includes Paper 1, the written assignment, and the transformative performance plus individual oral assessment, follow these steps in your fun and creative journey. First, dive deep into your literature texts, understand characters, themes, and all the juicy stuff. For Paper 1, practice essay writing about dramatic extracts, analyzing character dynamics and performance choices. Then, for the written assignment, pick a piece from a book and craft your own creative work, keeping character development and setting in mind. When it's time for the transformative performance, choose an extract from a book, bring it to life on stage, and rehearse with creativity. Be ready to explain your artistic choices during the individual oral assessment, talking about your creative process and how you turned the literary text into theater. Manage your time well, seek feedback from peers and teachers, and most importantly, enjoy the fun of blending literature and theater in your own unique way!
