IB English HLE Explained

Free introductory guide to IB English Higher Level Essay (HLE) by IB44 and IB45 graduates Lareina Shen and Saesha Grover.

In this guide, LitLearn students (and 2022 IB grads!)  Lareina Shen and Saesha Grover share their wisdom on how to conquer the IB English Higher Level Essay (HLE).

Lareina achieved an IB44, and Saesha achieved an IB45 as well as the coveted IB7 in IB English Literature HL, so you are in safe hands.

Meet your instructor Jackson Huang, Founder of LitLearn. His mission is to make IB English as pain-free as possible with fun, practical lessons. Jackson scored an IB45 and was accepted to Harvard, Amherst, Williams Colleges, and full scholarships to University of Melbourne & Queensland.

Photo of LitLearn instructor Jackson Huang

What is IB English HLE?

The HL Essay (HLE) is a 1200-1500 word essay about a text studied in the IB English course. For Lang Lit, the work you choose to analyze can be literary or non-literary, but for IB English Literature the text must be literary.

The HLE will make up  25% of your final IB English HL grade , and it is graded externally. You must choose your own line of inquiry   (i.e. a question that you will answer in your HLE–more on this later).

How do I choose my text for HLE?

Do NOT choose the “easiest” text. Life is always better when you do things you're interested in, and that advice applies to the HLE, too. Choose the literary / non-literary work that interests  you the most, so that you can (semi?)-enjoy the HLE planning and writing process.

You could start by thinking of a theme that you find particularly interesting and determining which text studied in class demonstrates this theme well.

How do I choose my line of inquiry for HLE?

The line of inquiry is the core question that you will answer in your essay. A quick example might be:

"To what extent is masculinity undermined by the characterisation of Little Thomas?"

Now, it's your job to forge your destiny and come up with your own line of inquiry. But it's not a complete free-for all! There are rules. The main rule is that your line of inquiry must fall under one of the 7 main concepts of IB English (see below for a quick summary).

IdentityHow is the identity of a particular   or group of characters represented?
OR, how does the text relate to the identity of the  ?
CultureHow is the culture of a particular  represented?
OR, how does the text relate to a particular culture/cultural  ?
CreativityHow does the text represent a  /lack of creativity?
OR, how does the text reflect the  ?
CommunicationHow are /failures in communication conveyed?
OR, how does the text represent an act of communication?
TransformationHow is transformation represented?
OR, how is the text transformative to  to them, or to the reader in terms of transforming their  ?
PerspectiveHow is a certain perspective conveyed?
OR, how does the text represent the  ?
RepresentationHow are different  represented?
OR, in what way is  represented?

This summary is vague, so let's go in-depth on a couple of these concepts to really show you what you should be doing in the HLE.

Identity is what makes you, YOU. Here are some questions the concern your own personal identity:

  • What is your favourite colour? And why is it your favourite?
  • What makes you different from others? Why do you think these qualities came to be?
  • How would someone describe you in three words?

Now apply this same logic to characters within your text.

  • How would you describe this character in three words?
  • How do their actions within a text influence your view of their identity?
  • How has the author crafted this character to make you view the character in a certain way?

Let's take a look at a concrete example of how we might choose evidence and quotes for a HLE on cultural identity. This example is based on a Vietnamese work in translation “Ru” by author Kim Thúy. For context, “Ru” is an autobiographical fictional account which explores Kim Thúy's move from Vietnam to Canada as an immigrant and her consequent struggles. The structure of her novel is largely lyrical and poetic.

Let's look at a section from her novel that may help us come up with an essay idea based on the concept of Identity. When she returns to Vietnam, she attends a restaurant, however this becomes a major awakening for her in terms of how she views her own personal identity. Kim narrates within her novel:

The first time I carried a briefcase, the first time I went to a restaurant school for young adults in Hanoi, wearing heels and a straight skirt, the waiter for my table didn't understand why I was speaking Vietnamese with him. Page 77, Rú

This is a perfect quote for the Identity concept. Can you see why? Let's think through it together…

Why would the waiter be confused if Kim, a “briefcase”-carrying individual in “heels” and a “straight skirt”, was speaking Vietnamese with him?

What does being “Vietnamese” look like to the waiter? Why does Kim not conform to his expectation? Was it perhaps due to what she was wearing?

Now, if we look at the section which follows this in the novel, we are able to see the impact this had on the character of Kim's sense of identity.

the young waiter reminded me that I couldn't have everything, that I no longer had the right to declare I was Vietnamese because I no longer had their fragility, their uncertainty, their fears. And he was right to remind me. Page 77, Rú

Here, we can clearly see that this character is now questioning her Vietnamese cultural identity. This is just one example that demonstrates the concept of Identity.

Culture seems to be this confusing thing.  Does it have to do with religion? Race? Beliefs? What does it mean? Does the monster from Frankenstein fit into a certain culture?

The easiest way to put it is this:  Culture is the way someone lives. It is their “way of life.” Think of it as an umbrella term. “Culture” can include so many different things; the list just goes on, for example religion, values, customs, beliefs, cuisine, etc.

Now think, how would I form an essay from this concept?

  • When you read a text in class, you will notice that authors let you form an opinion on the culture of certain characters or groups within a text, but how is this done?
  • How does the author represent the culture of a certain community?
  • What types of patterns in daily routines are discussed?

It seems odd writing an essay about “creativity” because… like… how can anyone definitively say what ‘counts' as being creative–or not? When I say the word creativity , I think of new inventions, or maybe those weird and wacky art installations living inside those ‘modern art' museums. But hey, what's creative to me might not be creative to you!

hl essay in english examples

When formulating a HLE on the concept of creativity we have two main pointers for you. Look for:

  • Interesting + Unique techniques or literary devices used within a text by the author. You can learn more in the  Learn Analysis section of LitLearn.
  • Recurring stylistic choices by the author

Now, for this concept, let's look at how we might select supportive evidence and quotations for a HLE on creativity within the narrative style of author Mary Shelley in “Frankenstein”. The narrative style uses  epistolary narration . This is a narrative technique in which a story is told through letters. This was something that I found both interesting and recurring within Frankenstein, which I believe worked to create a personal touch within the novel.

Additionally, Mary Shelley allows different characters to narrate Frankenstein during different volumes. Let's investigate this! I have written out different character profiles of the narrators below:

hl essay in english examples

These 3 characters, each relate a part of the novel Frankenstein. This is an example of a creative authorial choice that allows us, as readers to explore different points of view within the text. This is just one example of a creative aspect of a text which you can analyze for your HLE.

Representation

Representation is all about how something is  portrayed, conveyed, shown, described, illustrated, depicted . There are many different things that can be ‘represented' within a text, and it doesn't have to be tangible.

For instance, you can look at how a belief, idea or attitude is depicted within a text through different characters or devices.

Again, let's explore a concrete example to make things clear: this time the graphic novel “Persepolis”. We'll consider an HLE on how a text  represents the  impact of political turmoil on society .

Chapter 10 of “Persepolis” highlights societal changes occurring due to the Iranian Revolution. The panels below list the authorial choices relevant to the negative representation of political change in a society. When looking at the techniques highlighted in the slides below, think about how you feel when you look at the panels below. Can you sense a more positive or negative feeling?

hl essay in english examples

Cool, but what do we do to turn all this into an actual HL essay? Here is a sample response. The introduction might begin like this:

In the captivating graphic novel “Persepolis,” the author Marjane Satrapi explores the social and political impacts of the Iranian revolution. In particular, Satrapi conveys a disapproving viewpoint on political turmoil within the text. Throughout the graphic novel, Satrapi carefully represents how social isolation, hypocrisy and confusion is experienced by a young girl living in Tehran, as a result of political turmoil.  Example HLE Introduction

Then, in a body paragraph, on one of the key ideas mentioned above, we could analyze the different literary techniques. For example, Panel 1 is a great representation of the experience of confusion in the midst of political turmoil:

Marji is the younger girl pictured in the panels above. While her parents appear quite concerned by the news on the TV, she appears to not be in full comprehension of the cause for their distress. This is demonstrated by the visual imagery and dialogue, in panel 7, for instance, if you observe the facial expressions by each of the characters. Example of analysis in body paragraph

This is just a short example from one particular text. To help you unpack any text, try look for the following when analyzing chapter to chapter:

  • What is the main idea of the chapter?
  • Why did the author write it? What purpose does it serve?
  • What do you believe is the overarching importance of the passage?

Brainstorming Tips

If you're having trouble picking your text and line of inquiry, then use this simple 20-minute process to brainstorm potential questions for your HLE:

  • For each text / non-literary work, go through each concept in the table below.
  • Write down a question for each of the two prompts for each category.
  • Repeat for all of your texts.
  • Pick the question-text combination that has the greatest potential for strong analysis.

How do I ensure my HLE question has a good scope?

Choosing a question with good scope is extremely   important, and it's one of the biggest challenges in the HLE. Here's why:

  • If your scope is too broad , you may have too much to write about in order to answer the question, and therefore you won't be able to write deep analysis (which is super important–more on this later…)
  • If your scope is too narrow , you may not have enough to write about and end up overanalyzing unnecessary and obscure details. Also something to avoid!

So, to help you get the balance just right , here are three examples of HLE questions, specifically for the concept of  Identity which we mentioned in the table above (by the way, the example is a made-up novel for illustration purposes).

  • Too broad: “How does Irene Majov in her novel  Deadly Men effectively make her narrator a powerful mouthpiece?”
  • Too narrow: “How does Irene Majov in her novel  Deadly Men effectively make her narrator a powerful mouthpiece for the concerns of Asian-Americans toward discrimination in the workforce in the 21st century?”
  • Just right: “How does Irene Majov in her novel  Deadly Men effectively make her narrator a powerful mouthpiece for the concerns of Asian-Americans in the 21st century?”

How to get a 7 on IB English HLE

There are many things that contribute to a 7 in your HLE and your IB English grade overall. But if we had to boil it down to one secret, one essential fact… then it'd have to be this: Get really good at analysis .

Analysis is the key to a 7 in IB English. It doesn't matter if it's Paper 1, Paper 2, HLE, IO… You must learn how to analyze quotes at a deep level, and structure your analysis in a way that flows and delights your teachers and examiners.

Start with the basics

Start with the basic foundations of analysis for free inside LitLearn's Learn Analysis course.

Our free and Pro resources have helped IB English students skyrocket their grade in weeks, days and even overnight...   Learn Analysis for IB English , the simplest guide to a 7 in IB English.

Basic Analysis

No sign up or credit card required.

Free signup required.

Pro members only

Level up to Advanced Analysis

Since you're in HL, you'll also be needing Advanced Analysis skills if you want to impress your examiner. We've got all of that covered inside our Pro lessons.

Advanced Analysis

Finding Quotes

Also, you'll need to find good quotes for your text. Some good sources where you can find relevant quotes include  Goodreads , SparkNotes ,  LitCharts , and Cliffnotes . Of course, you could just find quotes yourself directly–this will ensure your quotes are unique.

Understanding the IB English HLE rubric

An essential step to getting a high mark on the HL Essay is understanding the rubric! It is SO important that you know what IB English examiners are looking for when grading your essay, as this helps you to shape the content of your essay to match (or even exceed) their expectations.

The IB English HL Essay is graded out of 20 marks . There are 4 criteria, each worth 5 marks.

Use the checklist below to make sure you're not making simple mistakes! Note that this is not the official marking criteria, and I strongly recommend that you reading the official rubric provided by your teacher.

Criterion A: Knowledge, understanding, and interpretation

  • Accurate summary of text in introduction
  • Focused and informative thesis statement
  • Effective and relevant quotes
  • Relevant and effective summary and ending statement in conclusion

Criterion B: Analysis and evaluation

  • Relevant analysis of a variety of stylistic features 
  • Relevant analysis of tone and/or atmosphere
  • Relevant analysis of broader authorial choices i.e. characterization, point of view, syntax, irony, etc.

Criterion C: Focus, organization, and development

  • Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
  • Organized body paragraphs – topic sentence, evidence, concluding statement/link to question
  • Appropriate progression of ideas and arguments in which evidence (i.e. quotes) are effectively implemented

Criterion D: Language

  • Use expansions (e.g. “do not”) instead of contractions (e.g. “don't”)
  • Use of a variety of connecting phrases e.g. “furthermore”, “nonetheless”, “however”, etc.
  • Complete sentence structures and subject-verb agreement
  • Correct usage of punctuation
  • Appropriate register – no slang
  • Historic present tense : the use of present tense when recounting past events. For example, we want to write “In  The Hunger Games , Peeta and Katniss work   together to win as a district” instead of using the word “worked”.
  • Avoid flowery/dictionary language just to sound smart; it is distracting and difficult to read. As long as you concisely communicate your message using appropriate language, you will score a high mark under this criterion.

Here's everything we discussed:

  • IB English HLE is tough work! Start early.
  • Brainstorm using the table of concepts to come up with a strong HLE question. Don't give up on this!
  • Analysis is the key to a 7 in IB English HLE (and in fact all IB English assessment). Check out LitLearn's course  Learn Analysis for IB English   for immediate help on the exact steps to improve in IB English analysis.

Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor 💪

Question​bank

Paper 1 Practice Exams

Past Paper 1 Solutions

Paper 2 Guide

From Struggling to Succeeding in IB English

How IB English students like you have improved their grades with LitLearn Pro... Read the reviews.

IB4 to IB6 in 12 days " LitLearn helped me understand exactly what I was doing wrong and how to improve upon those mistakes. " Read the full review
IB6 to IB7 in 1 week " I ended with a 7 in English Literature HL and I am so happy about that. Thank you Jackson. " Read the full review

Photo of LitLearn student Saesha Grover

IB5 to Perfect 20/20 in 1 week " I managed to be the only person in my IB cohort of 120 students to get a perfect score of 20/20 " Read the full review

Photo of LitLearn student Ankur Boyed

IB4 to IB6 in 2 weeks " The lessons are really effective in grabbing my attention and making English more fun to learn. "

Photo of LitLearn student Harsheen Punjabi

IB4 to IB6 in 1 day " With just day 1 of the course, I improved immediately and overnight when I did a practice essay and improved by 4 marks from my previous grades " Read the full review
IB5 to IB7 " I got 5s since my first year of DP and now my final grade is 7! I can't thank you enough 🙂 LitLearn is truly a lifesaver. "

Every resource to ace IB English

Voted #1 IB English Resource 2022 by IB Students & Teachers at ibresources.org

Learn Analysis

Master the essential skill of IB English with a step-by-step course.

Questionbank

Practice analysis with 60+ short questions and IB7 answers.

Exam prep guide, practice papers, past paper solutions.

Exam prep, planning and writing guide. Exemplar essay.

Individual Oral

Preparation guide, examples and full exemplar script.

Higher Level Essay

Crash course on HLE basics.

hl essay in english examples

Higher Level Essay

Whether you are an HL Literature student or HL Lang/Lit student, the HLE requires some special attention.  The good thing about this assessment is that it’s a processed – rather than on-demand – piece of writing.  This means you can take your time, put in the work, and produce something that you love and makes you proud.  Our students crush this assessment!  Use the same resources they do and enjoy your success.

HLE Writing Guide

Writing this assessment doesn’t have to be challenging.  In fact, we think it can be fun and rewarding!  Let us guide you through the entire writing process, from line of inquiry to the last word of your conclusion.  Our students do well on this assessment, and so can you.

hl essay in english examples

Part of our  IBDP English A Student Toolkit , this resource includes:

  • 100-page course book with guidance on films, photos, cartoons, and many other non-literary BOWs
  • 5 sample papers across genres
  • Examiner scores and comments
  • Line of Inquiry guidance
  • Step-by-step approach to building the HLE in small and manageable chunks
  • Complete set of graphic organizers to guide students from start to finish

Developing a Line of Inquiry and Thesis

The Line of Inquiry (LOI) and thesis are the cornerstone of the assessment, so don’t proceed until these are under control.  Sadly, many students get off to a poor start with this step, and this means they end up writing either a shallow essay or one that doesn’t really satisfy the requirements of the task.  These videos should help you unlock the task.

Start with a text you love and work toward developing a literary or linguistic perspective. Watch this video and start your pathway to success.

How To Write the Line of Inquiry

If the first method didn't work for you, please try another approach.

How to Write the Line of Inquiry (part 2)

Turn that LoI into a clear, precise, and insightful thesis statement that will drive the essay.

HLE Sample Thesis Statements and Writing

The HLE Complete Course from Start to Finish

We feel this is some of our best work.  Teachers and students around the world have commented that this HLE series gets the job done and results in some powerful writing that makes students proud.  Please take the time and work through the videos sequentially.  Work along side with us.  Let us guide you to HLE success!

Choose your text and write the LOI.

Student planning doc

Model Student planning doc

Time for brainstorming and outlining.

Student Organizer

Completed Sample Organizer

Master the intro and conclusion.

Sample Intro and Conclusion

Learn how to write strong HLE body paragraphs.

Sample Body Paragraphs

Learn to revise, edit, and polish the final product.

Final instructions before submission

Dave’s complete sample HLE

Some Sample Papers

Sometimes it’s easier to just look at a final product, break it down, and see how other students have approached the HLE.  That’s why Dave and Andrew selected some strong papers, highlighted them, and discussed their strengths and weaknesses.  We’ve examined tons of these things, so listen carefully.  Lots of tips and tricks in these videos to help you pick up some extra points and crack into that mark band you want and deserve.  Understand the task.  Work hard.  Defeat the HLE and allow yourself to beam with pride.  Go ahead, you’ve earned it.

You’ve probably noticed that Andrew and Dave love drama. Dialogue, stage directions, props…they’re amazing! Watch our student crush this HLE on Death and the Maiden by Dorfman. What can you steal from this essay in terms of ideas, organization, and overall approach? Document: HLE Student Sample – Drama

Poetry anyone? Andrew and Dave love poetry for the HLE. They are complete “mini works” with a clear beginning, middle, and end. They are rich in techniques. They are complex and have deep meaning. In short, they rock. Just remember that for the HLE, “short texts need friends.” Document: HLE Student Sample – Poetry

Looking For More Support?

Hey, nobody said this thing would be easy.  No worries.  We’ve got you covered.  Perhaps you want to see some more student writing?  Check.  We’ve got that.  Perhaps you want to know some key points to include?  Check.  We got that too.  You’re almost there!  Finish these last two videos, add some finishing touches to your work, and submit that baby in with pride and confidence.

So you watched the videos above but are still concerned about “showing deep thinking” on the HLE? It’s ok – we know this is tough. Check out this video to see several samples of how to build big thinking into your writing. Document: Showing Deep Thinking in the HLE

We know, we know. The content is overwhelming and it’s just too much at times. You just want the top ten tips for success? Fine. Here you go. But don’t forget to go back and watch the rest of these videos when you’re feeling more energy. They’re a set. Watch them all and ace the HLE.

IB English Guys

Newsletter signup.

IBDP English A: Language & Literature

InThinking Revision Sites for students

Website by Neil Allen

Updated 2 February 2023

Free Access Weekend!

P1 - examination questions, p2 - examination questions, individual oral, the learner portfolio, extended essay, essential knowledge.

  • DP Chemistry
  • DP English A: Language & Literature
  • DP Maths: Analysis & Approaches
  • DP Maths: Applications & Interpretations SL
  • DP Spanish B

   HL Essay Home Free Access Weekend! P1 - Examination Questions P2 - Examination Questions Start Here Paper 1 Paper 2 Individual Oral The Learner Portfolio Extended Essay Essential Knowledge Resources  

  • HL Essay - The Basics
  • HL Essay - Choosing a Topic
  • HL Essay - Great Examples (Literature)
  • HL Sample: Non-literary Body of Work - George Monbiot's Essays
  • HL Essay - Gaining Level 7
  • HL Essay - Student Samples

hl essay in english examples

Here you will find examples of real student HL Essays. Take a read and, using the marking criteria, grade them. You can compare your marks with those of the examiner.

Student Samples

The Characterization of Luis Alberto Molina through the use of Films, Dialogue and Stream of Consciousness in Manuel Puig’s Kiss of the Spider Woman 

Luis Alberto Molina, commonly referred to as Molina, is arguably the most fascinating and captivating character in the prose novel Kiss of the Spider Woman, written by the Argentine author Manuel Puig. The novel, first published in its original Spanish in 1976, revolves primarily around the relationship between two convicts in a Buenos Aires prison, presumably during the military dictatorship of the late 1970s: Molina, a homosexual cross-dresser imprisoned for sexual perversion, and Valentin, imprisoned and tortured for being a member of a Marxist resistance group. Puig employs several narrative techniques to reveal the intrinsic nature of Molina’s character while confined in a cell with an initially hostile companion. Firstly, Molina frequently submerges the reader into the realm of film, as he narrates several romantic films throughout the novel, the most significant being the 1942 film Cat People and one described as Nazi Propaganda. The films express Molina’s longing for escapism and his mannerism. Secondly, the author’s use of unmarked, outer dialogue establishes Molina’s self-identity. Furthermore, the dialogue portrays Molina in relation to Valentin, as the two develop a strong bond throughout the novel, to the point where they share complete intimacy and engage in sexual activities. Lastly, Puig’s use of stream of consciousness writing provides vital insight into Molina’s internal conflicts and reveals his true identity as a spy. 

The author employs films narrated by Molina as a medium through which his character is introduced to the reader and developed throughout the novel. In order to combat boredom and help pass the time, Molina vividly narrates the plots of several movies, often embellished with romance. As the films are presented through Molina’s eyes, they give vital insight into his perception of the world around him. The novel begins with Molina describing the appearance of the main protagonist of the film Cat People: Irena, a Romanian immigrant who fears she will turn into a panther if a man kisses her. In the film, she falls in love with a charming architect, who takes on a protective role and attempts to take away her fears. Molina goes into great detail, stating that “[her] face, [is] more oval than roundish, […]” (1) and that her hair is “ […] cut in bangs […], and is down to the shoulders, […], with little curls at the end too, almost like a permanent wave.”(1). This vivid description portrays Molina as a man who admires feminine features. Throughout the narration, Molina pays special attention to fashion, decorations in homes, and romance, highlighting his obsession with escaping into fantasy worlds. This message is further reiterated when Valentin “break[s] the illusion” by criticizing Molina’s narration, to which he responds that he would rather have “the panther woman’s boyfriend to keep [him] company instead of [Valentin].” (17). Additionally, the film is riddled with symbols of femininity and masculinity, which Molina sympathizes with. When asked by Valentin who he relates to in the film, he reveals that he identifies with Irena, as “[…] She’s the heroine,[…] Always with the heroine.” (25). This shows Molina’s desire to be the hero of his own life story. This foreshadows the ending of the novel, where Molina dies in an attempt to deliver information to Valentin’s resistance movement. Furthermore, Molina strongly connects with the pipe-smoking architect, due to him being “ […] the gentle type, and understanding.” (17). This subtly hints towards Molina’s submissiveness, as he desires a partner that protects him like the architect protects Irene. The second film follows the story of a French woman who falls in love with a Nazi officer and is forced to spy on him for the French resistance. While Valentin is quick to point out that the film is portraying the nazis as the saviors of Europe and calls it “Nazi junk”, Molina decides to ignore him, stating that “The film [is] divine, and for me, that’s all that’s what counts.” (78). Molinas unwillingness to see past the superficial glamour of the film and recognize that it intends to vilify the french resistance furthers the notion of Molina’s disconnect from a hostile society and his need to escape into fictional, romantic scenarios. Additionally, the themes of espionage and betrayal in the second film foreshadow the revelation that Molina is a spy for the prison warden, and has been promised early release if he extracts information on Valentin’s resistance movement. Consequently, the films are key to decipher Molina’s personality as they display a disconnect from reality and give insight into his feminine nature. 

Traditionally, novels are told by a narrator who exists either inside (internal) or outside (external) the story’s universe. What sets the novel apart from others is the fact that the author omits an external narrator entirely, using outer dialogue between the two characters to reveal Molina’s character. This narrative device effectively places the reader into the head of Molina and provides information about his self-identity. Furthermore, the change in dialogue from one character to another is indicated solely by a dash, forcing the reader to, at times, deduce who is speaking solely by their diction. When Valentin brings up Molina’s tendency of escapism and mocks his femininity, Molina retaliates, exclaiming that “You’re all alike, always coming to me with the same business.” (19), expressing his anger towards the society that rejects him. Molina continues by saying that “If a woman’s the best there is, […] I want to be one.” (19). This powerful phrase is the first glimpse the reader gets of Molina’s identity, as it becomes clear he doesn’t consider himself a stereotypical, masculine man. Once Valentin opens up to Molina about his relationship with his girlfriend, Molina reciprocates, revealing he is in love with a heterosexual waiter named Gabriel. Molina perceives Gabriel as a “real man” due to him being “elegant, […] soft and masculine.” (61). When asked about his definition of masculinity, he responds by stating “[…] it’s knowing what you want, where you’re going.” (61). The reader automatically recognizes that Molina doesn’t fit his own definition of masculinity, as he pursues the impossible goal of living with Gabriel, despite him being married. Furthermore, when talking about himself in the third person, Molina calls himself a “woman”, stating that “[…] when it comes to him, I can’t talk about myself like a man, because I don’t feel like one.” (60). This reveals Molina’s self-identity as a stereotypical female and accordingly, his attraction to a “real man”.Therefore, the author’s choice to employ outer dialogue between the prisoners is effective in refining Molina’s character as the device forces the reader to see things from his perspective, simultaneously allowing for a great deal of personal interpretation due to the first-hand narration. 

A third narrative technique that Puig employs to great effect is stream of consciousness writing. The device, meant to give the reader an insight into Molina’s disturbed state of mind, is used extensively throughout chapter 5 (96-112), where Molina privately pictures the plot of a third movie while Valentin studies politics. In the stream of consciousness writing, several of Molina’s thoughts help the reader understand his internal conflicts. Firstly, Molina’s resentment towards the society that loathes him is once again shown when he thinks: “[…] it feels so bad when someone gives you a black look, […] or when they refuse to look at you all together.” (105). This is strongly contrasted by feelings of guilt, which is expressed when he thinks of his sickly mother, whom he fears will die of a broken heart due to having a son “steeped in vice” (105). In the next few sentences, the reader gets a glimpse into an emotion once thought impossible by the sensitive, gentle character: rage. When Molina reflects on the judge that was determined to bring on him “[…] the full weight of what the law permitted […]” (106) and his mother’s horrified reaction, he becomes furious:“[…] if he dared to say one stupid word about her, I would kill the son of a bitch […]” (106). Towards the end of the passage, Molina thinks about the promise the warden gave him of a reduced sentence, giving the reader the first clue that he is a spy. The stream of consciousness section is therefore vital in the portrayal of Molina’s character as the reader interprets his potential for violence as the ultimate expression of affection towards his mother, as well as emotions such as resentment, rage and guilt. 

In conclusion, the narrative techniques mentioned above combine synergistically to give Molina his charismatic, romantic, and conflicting character. The films ‘told’ by Molina are central to the construction of his identity as they reveal his disconnect from reality and his feminine personality. The author’s use of outer dialogue adds to Molina’s characterization as his communication with Valentin reveals his self-identity. Finally, Puig’s use of stream of consciousness writing displays conflicting emotions that plague Molina. The construction of Molina’s character is vital as he is central to the plot of the novel and challenges the readers perception on homosexuality, gender expression and identity. 

Puig, Manuel, and Thomas Colchie. Kiss of the Spider Woman. Vintage International, 1991. 

Bibliography

Cat People. Directed by J. Tourneur, RKO Pictures, 1942.

Examiner's Marks

The motif of death and the interconnection between the Netflix series  13 Reasons Why  and the novel  Crossing the Mangrove

Word Count: 1500

Bibliography:

How much of HL Essay - Student Samples have you understood?

Which of the following best describes your feedback?

hl essay in english examples

  • Find a tutor
  • Uncategorized
  • September 26, 2021

IB English, the HL Essay: All You Need to Know

hl essay in english examples

Written By Our IB++Tutor Birgitte J.

What You Need to Know

  • The HL Essay is a 1200-1500 word formal essay and it is based on a literary work studied as part of the course. You cannot use the same work for the IO or the Paper 2 [1] for this essay.
  • In the IB Language and Literature course [2] , the essay can also be based on a non-literary or collection of non literary text(s).
  • You develop a line of inquiry , a question that lends itself to an argument focused on how a theme or message is conveyed through literary features.
  • The essay is completed in your own time and you should get some feedback from your teacher during the development of the essay.
  • You do not have to incorporate secondary sources beyond the text you are working with.

hl essay in english examples

The paper is externally assessed, meaning the final grade given is from the IB Examiner, not from your teacher. However, your teacher will give a predicted grade that is sent to the IB [3] .

How to Approach the Essay

The essay requires you to construct a focused, analytical argument, examining the work from a broad literary or linguistic perspective. It also requires you to adhere to the formal framework of an academic essay, using citations and references.

Connection to the Learner Portfolio

The HL essay is based on the exploration you have engaged with in the Learner Portfolio [4] . In the lead-up to the drafting of the essay, you must decide which text to focus on for further investigation, and which topic to write about. In choosing the topic, you can consult the course’s seven central concepts. You can choose any text with the exception of the texts used for the Internal Assessment (the IO) or the Paper 2.

How to choose a text

Don’t wait until the last minute and talk with your teacher about the text you want to use and the focus you are considering. Write your ideas out to make sure your line of inquiry is focused and appropriate for an analytical argument of a paper of this length.

In the case of a collection of short stories, poems, song lyrics or any short literary text, you may choose to use just one literary text from the work. However, It may be necessary to use more than one literary text from the work chosen.

The Language and Literature course only *

In the case of short non-literary texts, it may be necessary to use more than one from the same text type by the same author, for example the same creative advertising agency, cartoonist, photographer or social media user. At least one of these texts must have been studied in class. (If using a text in translation it must be a professional and published translation).

Determining the Topic and the 7 Course Concepts

It’s helpful but not mandatory to start with the seven central concepts of the course in generating or determining a topic for the essay. The questions below are meant as starting points for the focus of the essay, not as complete lines of inquiry which should be more specific to the chosen text (see examples of lines of inquiry below).

Questions may include; How is identity represented in the text? How are the characters in the text representative of a group? How does the text reflect the identity of the writer?

Questions may include; How is an aspect of the text representative of a culture or a particular place? How is a group of people or an institution conveyed? How is the text representative of a cultural perspective?

3-Creativity

Questions may include; How is the text representative of an individual or collective creativity, or lack of creativity? How is the text a reflection of the creativity of the writer?

4-Communication

How is communication or lack of communication conveyed in the text? How does the text itself communicate with the reader? How are aspects of communication illustrated through literary features?

5-Transformation

How is change or development illustrated in the text? How are characters transformed through action, communication or events in the text? What is the relationship between transformation and the goals, values and beliefs conveyed in the text?

6-Perspective

How is a perspective or different perspectives represented in the text? How is a shift in perspective portrayed? How is the writer’s perspective revealed through the text?

7-Representation

How does the text represent a particular theme or message? How are attitudes conveyed? In what way is reality or the world within the text represented?

IB English Language and Literature Guide examples of lines of inquiry

  • Identity —how does Ralph Ellison, in his novel Invisible Man, succeed in making his narrator a convincing spokesperson for the concerns of African-Americans in the 20th century?
  • Culture —how does Robert Capa represent post-Second World War France to qualify/exemplify the brutalities of the French population on former Nazi collaborators in La Femme Tondue? (Language A: language and literature only)
  • Creativity —how do Mario Testino’s portraits manage to convey the personalities of those portrayed in original ways? (Language A: language and literature only)
  • Communication– which view of love does Matt Groening convey in Love is Hell? (Language A: language and literature only)
  • Transformation– in what ways does The Alan Parsons Project’s Tales of Mystery and Imagination offer a transformative re-reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s tales?
  • Perspective– how does Mary Shelley’s protagonist in Frankenstein use the motif of dangerous knowledge to show the perspective of fear and anxiety of excesses in scientific enterprise in early 19th century Europe?
  • Representation– through what means does Juan Rulfo successfully convey the representation of realistic and non-realistic characters and situations in Pedro Páramo?​

A Final Note on the Learner Portfolio and the HL Essay

The Learner Portfolio is not assessed but schools are required to keep it on file. It is intended to be a platform for reflecting on the texts studied, facilitating development of independent thinking. The reflections may include responses to cultural perspectives and values, inter-relationships and identities as it relates to topics and themes in the texts studied. The reflections may serve as a springboard for the line of inquiry in the HL essay. For example, you may keep a record of themes present, reflections on how particular passages within the texts reflect those themes, or how themes and passages convey one of the 7 central concepts.

[1] Paper 2 is cancelled for the 2022 cohort. No announcement has been made for the 2023 at the time this article was written.

[2] There are 3 IB English courses. The two most common are IB English A: Literature SL/HL, a course focused on literature (Poetry, drama, short stories and novels) and the IB English Language and Literature SL/HL course, focused on literature AND a variety of non-literary (non-fiction) text types.

[3] The examiner’s grade is independent from your teacher’s predicted grade.

[4] An individual collection of student work compiled during the course in which you explore and reflect on the texts throughout the course.

  • About the IB
  • Exam pattern
  • Extended Essay
  • IB Languages
  • IB Subjects
  • IB Success Tips
  • Internal Assessment (IA)
  • Online learning
  • Predicted Grades

RECENT POSTS

  • Mastering Motivation and Stress for Exam Success April 16, 2024
  • Top group study tips to make the most out of your time April 5, 2024
  • Top IB Exam Preparation Techniques for Success March 30, 2024
  • How to Navigate Post-Mock Challenges February 13, 2024
  • Affordable Tutoring Options for IB Students February 12, 2024

Find me a tutor.

Please take one minute to fill in the form to tell us about your tuition needs. Once completed, one of our dedicated team members will reach out to you to fully understand your needs and find the best-match tutor. Our service is risk-free with our 100% money-back guarantee policy in the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with your matched ++tutor.

hl essay in english examples

IB ++tutors is a Canadian company that is committed to providing global, high-quality IB private tutoring services by IB expert tutors.

Get Started

  • How it works
  • Free Lesson per Friend
  • Affiliate Program
  • Become a tutor
  • IB School Support
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Toll-Free Support (US & CA): 1-833-611-1133
  • Global Support: +1-833-611-1133 (charges may apply)
  • [email protected]
  • 407 Iroquois Shore Rd. Unit 8, Suite V4 Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6H 1M3

Fisher Library Homepage

IB Language and Literature: Excellent Exemplars

  • IB Language and Literature General Resources & Information
  • Books in the library
  • State Library
  • National Library
  • Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
  • The World's Wife
  • Chronicle of a Death Foretold
  • A Doll's House

Excellent Exemplars

  • The Social Dilemma
  • Seamus Heaney
  • Home This link opens in a new window

hl essay in english examples

Exemplar Podcasts

hl essay in english examples

  • Podcast Exemplar 1 Stephanie Cho

Exemplar PDFs

hl essay in english examples

  • Exemplar Mock HL Essay 1 Demonstrating the Ability & Disruptive Power of Photography Giles Peress Challenges the Underlying Causes of Global Complacency & Ignorance Through the Use of Photographic Journalism
  • Exemplar Mock HL Essay 2 How Does the Amanda Knox Documentary Highlight the Way in Which the Media Manipulates Legal Cases?
  • Exemplar Mock HL Essay 3 In What Way Does Judith Wright Challenge Contemporary Attitudes Towards the Australian Landscape?
  • Exemplar Paper 1 response to Alex Perry Extract From Alex Perry's 'Oscar Pistorius & South Africa's Culture of Violence' - How Does Perry Alert Readers To The Problems in south Africa?
  • Exemplar Paper 1 Response to Monbiot
  • << Previous: A Doll's House
  • Next: The Social Dilemma >>
  • Last Updated: Feb 20, 2024 12:44 PM
  • URL: https://geelong.libguides.com/ibenglish

Clastify logo

46070_MyIBTutor_logo_BJ-01.png

  • Feb 19, 2023

Creating the English HL Essay: Turning Analysis into a Thesis Masterpiece

Updated: Jul 8, 2023

The English HL essay is undoubtedly the flagship assessment of Higher-Level English. At its core, the HL essay depends on the same analytical skills as any other piece of English assessment. However, the HL essay sets itself apart by requiring a more specific and conceptual line of inquiry, and overall greater depth of analysis. With these requirements, the HL essay is often the single most daunting assessment in the HL English calendar. So, to help you on your HL essay journey, this blog will detail some useful tips and considerations to get you heading on the right track.

1) The Line of Inquiry

The line of inquiry is the central question around which the entire HL essay rests. A good line of inquiry will set you up for a terrific analysis, while a bad line of inquiry will leave your essay stuck and directionless. But what actually makes a good line of inquiry?

The trick is to allow the line of inquiry to focus your analysis. Take this hypothetical line of inquiry: “ How and why does J.R.R. Tolkien use the race of Men as a philosophical discussion of agency and its relationship with mortality in books within the Lord of the Rings? ”.

Starting with the imperatives “how” and “why”, this line of inquiry immediately constrains your analysis to keep you focused on technique (the how) and purpose (the why). This protects you from straying off track; so long as you keep talking about the hows and the whys, you guarantee yourself those marks that are for focus and relevancy.

This line of inquiry further keeps on task by explicitly stating the feature of your text that speaks to some real literary concept. In this case, we can see that the student using this line of inquiry is arguing that the race of Men is a tool that Tolkien has used to talk about agency and morality. Agency and morality are the literary concepts, the race of Men is the feature. By connecting them in the line of inquiry, you make it significantly easier to keep making that connection all the way throughout the entire HL essay. Not only this, but by connecting in-text features with a concept, it becomes significantly easier to produce the kinds of insightful arguments that push you into the top band of Criterion A.

The line of inquiry makes or breaks your HL essay (no pressure). That said, the HL essay is an ongoing journey. It is both common and perfectly okay to change or even completely scrap a line of inquiry partway through the drafting process.

2) The Analysis Itself

The analysis in the HL essay itself takes a very similar shape to analyses elsewhere in English assessments: technique, implications, authorial purpose, text type, audience positioning, evaluation, link to paragraph thesis, and so on. These avenues of analysis are the backbone of English in general and so it should come as no surprise that they are the backbone of the HL essay as well.

Where the HL essay can diverge from the other assessments is the points that you are arguing within the body paragraphs. Body paragraphs in the paper 1, for example, often cover how individual categories (say, visual techniques) contribute to the overall meaning of the text. The HL essay body paragraphs are considerably more related to the concept that you are arguing.

Taking the Lord of the Rings example above, you could have one paragraph about the race of Men and how Tolkien portrays their culture as a means of questioning the futility of having agency in light of definitive mortality. Then, you could have a second paragraph about how the race of Men is made distinct against other races in the Lord of the Rings as a tool of evaluating the role of mortality in driving personal choice, and so on for further paragraphs.

As you can see, rather than targeting specific groups of techniques, the HL essay paragraphs first address the conceptual discussions created within the text, and then the techniques are brought in to explain how these discussions emerge and what commentary the author is trying to make.

3) Structure and Terminology

There is no definitive go-to structure for the HL Essay. So long as there is an introduction and a conclusion framing a series of body paragraphs that each contain a thesis point, analysis, evidence and connections to the line of inquiry, then you are fulfilling the requirements of formal essay structure mandated by Criterion C.

Similarly, there is no required number of body paragraphs. Given the word count, 3-4 paragraphs is a good number to ensure that you are creating detailed points without repeating ideas. But, you are free to add more or less paragraphs and there are sometimes situations or texts where that may be necessary.

Criterion C and D are somewhat more check-boxy than A and B. How you fulfil Criterions A and B can be more variable depending on your text, as individual text types have defining features that lend themselves to potentially different directions of analysis. A short story, for example, would contain dialogue and so an analysis of speech and language takes on a completely different form than it would in a poem. But Criterion C and D are relatively consistent.

As long as you have a cohesive and formal essay structure as said above, combined with clear, analytical, and explicit vocabulary and tone, Criterion C and D are as good as guaranteed to you. Key things to consider when ensuring that these criteria are fulfilled include your tone (academic and unemotive), punctuation, and sentence variety (mixture of simple, compound, and complex sentences).

Closing Remarks

The HL essay is a task aimed to allow students to demonstrate the extent of their literary skills that they have learnt over their time in the diploma program. It can be daunting, and absolutely must be difficult in order to provoke insightful analysis, but it is just as possible to get a 7 on it as on any other assessment in any other subject. My final recommendation? Draft, redraft, redraft, and redraft again. Even if you’re just rewriting the same ideas every time, constant revision and review builds a crucial familiarity with the concepts and theses that you are arguing.

Good luck on your HL essay journey!

Recent Posts

Key Concept in Economics IA

Avoid These Overused TOK Essay Examples

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Essay from Introduction to Conclusion

English Collaborative

English Collaborative

Category: HL Essay

hl essay in english examples

HL Essay Student Resources and Sample Work

These resources are ready to hand to students. They offer a description of the assignment and take students through a

hl essay in english examples

IB English A Literature: HL Essay Assessment Considerations

Please note:  The purpose of this information is to elaborate on the nature of the IB assessment task, define and

hl essay in english examples

IB English A Language and Literature: HL Essay Assessment Considerations

hl essay in english examples

Using Assessment Portfolios for Engagement and Growth

What is an assessment portfolio? This is a single place or document where students keep track of their summative (and

Recent Posts

hl essay in english examples

Please Note

Resources and materials on this site are independently developed by the authors and are not endorsed by the IBO or the College Board.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

IBDP English A: Language & Literature

Website by David McIntyre & Tim Pruzinsky

Updated 13 June 2024

InThinking Subject Sites

Subscription websites for IB teachers & their classes

Find out more

  • thinkib.net
  • IBDP Biology
  • IBDP Business Management
  • IBDP Chemistry
  • IBDP Economics
  • IBDP English A Literature
  • IBDP English B
  • IBDP Environmental Systems & Societies
  • IBDP French B
  • IBDP Geography
  • IBDP German A: Language & Literature
  • IBDP History
  • IBDP Maths: Analysis & Approaches
  • IBDP Maths: Applications & Interpretation
  • IBDP Physics
  • IBDP Psychology
  • IBDP Spanish A
  • IBDP Spanish Ab Initio
  • IBDP Spanish B
  • IBDP Visual Arts
  • IBMYP English Language & Literature
  • IBMYP Resources
  • IBMYP Spanish Language Acquisition
  • IB Career-related Programme
  • IB School Leadership

Disclaimer : InThinking subject sites are neither endorsed by nor connected with the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

InThinking Subject Sites for IB Teachers and their Classes

Supporting ib educators.

  • Comprehensive help & advice on teaching the IB diploma.
  • Written by experts with vast subject knowledge.
  • Innovative ideas on ATL & pedagogy.
  • Detailed guidance on all aspects of assessment.

Developing great materials

  • More than 14 million words across 24 sites.
  • Masses of ready-to-go resources for the classroom.
  • Dynamic links to current affairs & real world issues.
  • Updates every week 52 weeks a year.

Integrating student access

  • Give your students direct access to relevant site pages.
  • Single student login for all of your school’s subscriptions.
  • Create reading, writing, discussion, and quiz tasks.
  • Monitor student progress & collate in online gradebook.

Meeting schools' needs

  • Global reach with more than 200,000 users worldwide.
  • Use our materials to create compelling unit plans.
  • Save time & effort which you can reinvest elsewhere.
  • Consistently good feedback from subscribers.

For information about pricing, click here

Download brochure

See what users are saying about our Subject Sites:

Find out more about our Student Access feature:

  • HL Essay: Exemplar 7: The Awakening
  • Higher level essay
  • HLE sample work

Teachers sometimes read the course study guide and notice that two novellas are tantamount to one literary work. This recognition provokes a subsequent, entirely reasonable question that goes something like this: If two novellas are a work, and a student writes a Higher Level (HL) Essay (or responds to a Paper 2 question), do they need to write about both novellas? InThinking is not the IB, so we must be careful about...

To access the entire contents of this site, you need to log in or subscribe to it.

Alternatively, you can request a one month free trial .

Examples

Paragraph on the Benefits of Reading

Ai generator.

hl essay in english examples

In the symphony of life, reading sets a tone of enrichment and exploration. Its benefits are manifold, from expanding knowledge to enhancing empathy. Through books, we traverse worlds and perspectives, igniting imagination and critical thinking. In this paragraph , the profound impact of reading resonates as a beacon of enlightenment and joy.

Checkout → Free Paragraph Writer Tool

Short Paragraph on the Benefits of Reading

Reading offers numerous benefits, enhancing mental stimulation and expanding knowledge. It improves focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills while providing stress relief and relaxation. Additionally, reading increases vocabulary and language proficiency, fostering better communication. Overall, reading enriches the mind, promotes cognitive development, and provides an enjoyable escape from daily life.

Medium Paragraph on the Benefits of Reading

Reading is a valuable activity with numerous benefits, both intellectual and emotional. It enhances mental stimulation, keeping the brain active and engaged. Regular reading improves focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for problem-solving and decision-making. Additionally, reading is an excellent way to relieve stress and escape the pressures of daily life. It offers a wealth of knowledge, exposing readers to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Reading also expands vocabulary and language proficiency, leading to better communication skills. Overall, reading fosters cognitive development, enriches the mind, and provides a pleasurable and educational pastime.

Long Paragraph on the Benefits of Reading

Reading is an incredibly beneficial activity, offering a wide range of advantages for both the mind and body. It stimulates mental activity, keeping the brain engaged and preventing cognitive decline. Regular reading enhances focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic and professional success. Additionally, reading serves as a powerful stress reliever, providing an escape from the pressures of everyday life and promoting relaxation. It exposes readers to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world. Reading also plays a crucial role in expanding vocabulary and improving language proficiency, which enhances communication skills. Furthermore, reading can foster empathy by allowing readers to experience different viewpoints and emotions through characters in a story. Overall, reading is a vital tool for cognitive development, personal growth, and emotional well-being, making it an invaluable habit to cultivate.

Tone-wise Paragraph Examples on the Benefits of Reading

Formal tone.

Reading is a highly beneficial activity that offers numerous advantages. It enhances mental stimulation, thereby keeping the brain active and engaged. Regular reading improves focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for effective problem-solving and decision-making. Additionally, reading serves as an excellent means of stress relief, providing an escape from the pressures of daily life. It expands knowledge by exposing readers to diverse cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Moreover, reading significantly increases vocabulary and language proficiency, leading to improved communication skills. Overall, reading promotes cognitive development, enriches the mind, and provides a pleasurable and educational pastime.

Informal Tone

Reading is really great for you! It keeps your brain sharp and helps you focus better. When you read regularly, you get better at thinking critically and solving problems. Plus, reading is a great way to relax and take a break from the stresses of everyday life. It also helps you learn new things and see the world from different perspectives. Reading can improve your vocabulary and make you a better communicator too. All in all, reading is fun and super beneficial for your mind.

Persuasive Tone

Think about the amazing benefits that reading brings. It keeps your mind sharp and helps you think more clearly. Regular reading improves your focus and problem-solving skills. It’s also a wonderful way to relax and escape from everyday stress. Reading exposes you to new ideas and cultures, broadening your understanding of the world. Plus, it can boost your vocabulary and communication skills. Embrace the power of reading and make it a part of your daily routine to enjoy these incredible benefits.

Reflective Tone

Reflecting on the benefits of reading, it’s clear how impactful it can be. Reading keeps our minds active and sharp, improving our focus and critical thinking skills. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life. Through reading, we can explore new ideas and cultures, broadening our perspectives. It also helps us improve our vocabulary and communication abilities. Reading enriches our minds and contributes to our personal growth, making it an invaluable habit.

Inspirational Tone

Imagine the endless possibilities that reading can open up for you. It stimulates your mind, keeping your brain active and sharp. Regular reading improves your focus, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It’s also a fantastic way to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Through reading, you can explore new worlds, ideas, and cultures, expanding your horizons. Embrace the power of reading to enrich your mind, improve your communication skills, and foster personal growth. Let reading inspire you to see the world in new and exciting ways.

Optimistic Tone

Reading brings so many wonderful benefits! It keeps your brain active and sharp, helping you think more clearly. Regular reading improves your focus and critical thinking skills, making problem-solving easier. It’s also a fantastic way to relax and unwind from daily stress. Reading exposes you to new ideas and cultures, expanding your understanding of the world. Plus, it boosts your vocabulary and communication skills. With all these advantages, reading is a truly enriching and enjoyable activity that can brighten your life.

Urgent Tone

Now is the time to embrace the many benefits of reading. It keeps your brain active and sharp, improving focus and critical thinking skills. Reading is a powerful tool for stress relief, offering a much-needed escape from daily pressures. It expands your knowledge and exposes you to new ideas and cultures. Additionally, reading boosts your vocabulary and communication skills. Don’t wait any longer—make reading a priority and experience its transformative effects on your mind and life.

Word Count-wise Paragraph Examples on the Benefits of Reading

Reading is a valuable activity with numerous benefits, both intellectual and emotional. It enhances mental stimulation, keeping the brain active and engaged. Regular reading improves focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for problem-solving and decision-making. Additionally, reading is an excellent way to relieve stress and escape the pressures of daily life. It offers a wealth of knowledge, exposing readers to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Reading also expands vocabulary and language proficiency, leading to better communication skills.

Reading is an incredibly beneficial activity, offering a wide range of advantages for both the mind and body. It stimulates mental activity, keeping the brain engaged and preventing cognitive decline. Regular reading enhances focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic and professional success. Additionally, reading serves as a powerful stress reliever, providing an escape from the pressures of everyday life and promoting relaxation. It exposes readers to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world. Reading also plays a crucial role in expanding vocabulary and improving language proficiency, which enhances communication skills. Furthermore, reading can foster empathy by allowing readers to experience different viewpoints and emotions through characters in a story.

Reading is an incredibly beneficial activity, offering a wide range of advantages for both the mind and body. It stimulates mental activity, keeping the brain engaged and preventing cognitive decline. Regular reading enhances focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic and professional success. Additionally, reading serves as a powerful stress reliever, providing an escape from the pressures of everyday life and promoting relaxation. It exposes readers to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world. Reading also plays a crucial role in expanding vocabulary and improving language proficiency, which enhances communication skills. Furthermore, reading can foster empathy by allowing readers to experience different viewpoints and emotions through characters in a story. Overall, reading is a vital tool for cognitive development, personal growth, and emotional well-being.

Reading is an incredibly beneficial activity, offering a wide range of advantages for both the mind and body. It stimulates mental activity, keeping the brain engaged and preventing cognitive decline. Regular reading enhances focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic and professional success. Additionally, reading serves as a powerful stress reliever, providing an escape from the pressures of everyday life and promoting relaxation. It exposes readers to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world. Reading also plays a crucial role in expanding vocabulary and improving language proficiency, which enhances communication skills. Furthermore, reading can foster empathy by allowing readers to experience different viewpoints and emotions through characters in a story. Overall, reading is a vital tool for cognitive development, personal growth, and emotional well-being, making it an invaluable habit to cultivate for a richer and more informed life.

Reading is an incredibly beneficial activity, offering a wide range of advantages for both the mind and body. It stimulates mental activity, keeping the brain engaged and preventing cognitive decline. Regular reading enhances focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic and professional success. Additionally, reading serves as a powerful stress reliever, providing an escape from the pressures of everyday life and promoting relaxation. It exposes readers to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world. Reading also plays a crucial role in expanding vocabulary and improving language proficiency, which enhances communication skills. Furthermore, reading can foster empathy by allowing readers to experience different viewpoints and emotions through characters in a story. Overall, reading is a vital tool for cognitive development, personal growth, and emotional well-being. It enriches the mind, making it more active and sharper, and contributes to lifelong learning. In a world that is constantly evolving, reading helps individuals stay informed and adaptable. It cultivates creativity and imagination, allowing readers to envision new possibilities and solutions. Embracing the habit of reading can lead to a more enriched, knowledgeable, and empathetic life, making it an essential practice for personal and professional growth.

Twitter

Text prompt

  • Instructive
  • Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

  • Support Sites

English A: Language and Literature Support Site

Hamilton (hle).

The following HL Essay aims to answer the line of inquiry: 

Read the essay carefully. Apply the HLE assessment criteria and discuss the marks you would award the script before reading the examiner's marks and comments. How different were your marks and comments from the examiner's marks and comments? What improvements would you make to this essay to achieve better results?

You can write your HL Essay on a literary work or non-literary body of work. Is 'Hamilton' literary or non-literary? The way the student has approached the text, by focusing on the choreography, suggests it is treated as a non-literary body of work. By focusing on the script and lyrics only, you could treat 'Hamilton' as a literary work. Notice how the student has structured her paragraphers using the TEASER method from the HLE Builder.  

Related pages

  • HL Essay: Assessment criteria
  • HL Essay: Skills: HLE Builder

The English Bill of Rights through the Lens of Cybernetic Evolution

This essay explores the significance of the English Bill of Rights of 1689 by reimagining its principles within a futuristic society where cybernetic enhancements and artificial intelligence (AI) are integral to daily life. It draws parallels between the historical document’s impact on limiting monarchical power and establishing parliamentary sovereignty with a hypothetical system where a Human-AI Council governs collaboratively. The essay highlights how the Bill’s provisions on individual rights, judicial independence, and fair governance could be adapted to ensure ethical treatment and accountability in a technologically advanced society. It underscores the timeless relevance of the English Bill of Rights in shaping both past and future democratic ideals.

How it works

The English Bill of Rights of 1689, a cornerstone in the establishment of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in Britain, holds profound significance in the history of governance. Its creation marked a decisive shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament, embedding principles of justice and individual rights. To add a unique twist, let’s reimagine the principles of the English Bill of Rights within the context of a futuristic society where cybernetic enhancements and artificial intelligence (AI) play a pivotal role in everyday life.

In the late 17th century, England was embroiled in political and religious turmoil. The reign of James II, characterized by his attempts to reassert Catholic dominance and undermine parliamentary authority, sparked widespread unrest. This culminated in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, a relatively bloodless coup that deposed James II and brought William of Orange and his wife Mary to the throne. The English Bill of Rights was enacted to address the abuses of James’s reign, ensuring that such overreach would not occur again. It established parliamentary sovereignty, requiring that laws and taxes could not be imposed without Parliament’s consent—a revolutionary move toward balanced governance.

Fast forward to a cybernetic future where human capabilities are enhanced through technology, and AI is integrated into societal functions. In this world, the principles of the English Bill of Rights would be adapted to ensure that neither human nor AI entities could exercise unchecked power. The concept of parliamentary sovereignty would be mirrored in a system where a council of augmented humans and AI representatives make decisions collaboratively, ensuring that no single entity could dominate the political landscape.

One of the key provisions of the English Bill of Rights was the necessity for regular parliamentary sessions, which prevented the monarchy from ruling unilaterally. In our cybernetic society, this principle would translate into regular convenings of the Human-AI Council, where representatives from different sectors—including government, technology, healthcare, and civil rights—would come together to discuss and decide on critical issues. This system of checks and balances would foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that both human and AI perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

The English Bill of Rights also enshrined several fundamental rights for subjects, such as the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, the right to bear arms for self-defense, and the right to petition the monarch without fear of retribution. In our futuristic scenario, these rights would be reinterpreted to address the unique challenges of a technologically advanced society. For instance, the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment could extend to the ethical treatment of AI entities, ensuring that they are not subjected to abusive programming or exploitation. The right to self-defense might involve the protection of individuals’ cybernetic implants and personal data from malicious hacking and cyber-attacks.

Moreover, the right to petition the governing body without fear of retribution would promote a culture of open dialogue and accountability in this future society. Citizens, both human and AI, could raise concerns and propose reforms through secure, transparent platforms, ensuring their voices are heard. This would mirror the historical principle of allowing subjects to petition the monarch, fostering a participatory approach to governance that encourages innovation and responsiveness to societal needs.

Judicial independence and fair trials, crucial elements of the English Bill of Rights, would also be vital in this cybernetic future. Just as the Bill established that judges should hold their positions based on good behavior rather than royal favor, our futuristic society would ensure that judiciary members, both human and AI, are appointed based on merit and remain free from political interference. Fair trials would be guaranteed, with protections against excessive bail or fines, and ensuring that all entities, whether human or AI, receive impartial and just treatment under the law.

While the English Bill of Rights was a product of its time, addressing the specific political and religious tensions of late 17th-century England, its principles have a timeless quality that extends far beyond its historical context. The ideas of limiting power, ensuring fair governance, and protecting individual rights resonate across centuries and technological advancements. In our imagined cybernetic future, these principles would help create a harmonious society where human and AI entities coexist, collaborate, and thrive.

Imagine the practical applications of these principles in a society where cybernetic enhancements are the norm. On a planet where humans have integrated AI into their daily lives, the right to petition might take the form of digital forums where citizens can directly interact with their representatives, both human and AI. The prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment could lead to stringent ethical standards for AI development, ensuring that all intelligent entities are treated with dignity and respect. The Human-AI Council’s regular sessions would be live-streamed, with real-time translations and interactive features, allowing citizens to engage and contribute actively to the governance process.

The enduring significance of the English Bill of Rights lies in its vision of a balanced relationship between government and citizens, a vision that remains relevant in both historical and futuristic contexts. By curbing the excesses of monarchical power and affirming essential rights, the Bill established a framework for political accountability and individual freedoms that continue to inspire. Its legacy is evident in ongoing debates about the limits of governmental authority and the protection of personal liberties, highlighting its foundational role in the evolution of democratic ideals.

In summary, the English Bill of Rights is a landmark document that fundamentally transformed the British political landscape and laid the groundwork for modern constitutional democracy. By reimagining its principles in a cybernetic future, we can appreciate the timeless and universal appeal of the ideals enshrined in the Bill of Rights. As a testament to the enduring principles of liberty and justice, the English Bill of Rights remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, inspiring generations to strive for a future where freedom, equality, and technological innovation coexist harmoniously.

owl

Cite this page

The English Bill of Rights Through the Lens of Cybernetic Evolution. (2024, Jun 17). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-english-bill-of-rights-through-the-lens-of-cybernetic-evolution/

"The English Bill of Rights Through the Lens of Cybernetic Evolution." PapersOwl.com , 17 Jun 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-english-bill-of-rights-through-the-lens-of-cybernetic-evolution/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The English Bill of Rights Through the Lens of Cybernetic Evolution . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-english-bill-of-rights-through-the-lens-of-cybernetic-evolution/ [Accessed: 18 Jun. 2024]

"The English Bill of Rights Through the Lens of Cybernetic Evolution." PapersOwl.com, Jun 17, 2024. Accessed June 18, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-english-bill-of-rights-through-the-lens-of-cybernetic-evolution/

"The English Bill of Rights Through the Lens of Cybernetic Evolution," PapersOwl.com , 17-Jun-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-english-bill-of-rights-through-the-lens-of-cybernetic-evolution/. [Accessed: 18-Jun-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The English Bill of Rights Through the Lens of Cybernetic Evolution . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-english-bill-of-rights-through-the-lens-of-cybernetic-evolution/ [Accessed: 18-Jun-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

owl

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

COMMENTS

  1. IB English Higher Level Essay (HLE) Explained

    The HL Essay (HLE) is a 1200-1500 word essay about a text studied in the IB English course. For Lang Lit, the work you choose to analyze can be literary or non-literary, but for IB English Literature the text must be literary. The HLE will make up 25% of your final IB English HL grade, and it is graded externally.

  2. HL Essay Student Resources and Sample Work

    Sample HL Essays. Below are a range of sample essays that are all "good" to "excellent" and would be marked in the 5-7 range. At the end of each essay are holistic comments by criterion that identify the strengths and limitations of the essay against each of the IB Language A HL Essay assessment criteria. Woman at Point Zero HL Essay.

  3. Higher Level Essay

    Work hard. Defeat the HLE and allow yourself to beam with pride. Go ahead, you've earned it. IB English - Higher Level Essay - Sample Paper (Dorfman) You've probably noticed that Andrew and Dave love drama. Dialogue, stage directions, props…they're amazing! Watch our student crush this HLE on Death and the Maiden by Dorfman.

  4. HL Essay

    Here you will find examples of real student HL Essays. Take a read and, using the marking criteria, grade them. You can compare your marks with those of the examiner. IBDP English A: Language & Literature. InThinking Revision Sites for students. Website by Neil Allen. Updated 2 February 2023. Toggle navigation. English A: Lang & Lit.

  5. IB English, the HL Essay: All You Need to Know

    Written By Our IB++Tutor Birgitte J. What You Need to Know. The HL Essay is a 1200-1500 word formal essay and it is based on a literary work studied as part of the course. You cannot use the same work for the IO or the Paper 2 [1] for this essay. In the IB Language and Literature course [2], the essay can also be based on a non-literary or ...

  6. Top 8 Tips for Earning a Level 7 on the IB English HL Essay

    Demands of the IB English HL Essay. Examples of Level 7 IB English HL Essay Titles. IB English HL Essay Overview. 1. Consider the Source you Wish to Write About. 2. Decide on your Topic by Brainstorming Wider Themes. 3. Consolidate your Line of Argument in a Thesis Statement.

  7. IB English: HL Essay

    Visit us at https://ibenglishguys.com/This is video one of a FIVE-VIDEO SERIES demonstrating the entire HL Essay process from choosing the text to submitting...

  8. IB English A (Lang & Lit) Notes: hl essay

    Bookmark. Download. Notes. English A (Lang & Lit) - HL. an example of a hl essay based on the book Persepolis.

  9. LibGuides: IB Language and Literature: Excellent Exemplars

    Exemplar PDFs. Exemplar Mock HL Essay 1. Demonstrating the Ability & Disruptive Power of Photography Giles Peress Challenges the Underlying Causes of Global Complacency & Ignorance Through the Use of Photographic Journalism. Exemplar Mock HL Essay 2. How Does the Amanda Knox Documentary Highlight the Way in Which the Media Manipulates Legal Cases?

  10. IB English: Higher Level Essay

    DOCUMENT BELOW! This video on the Higher Level Essay discusses how to show deep thinking in writing. Visit our website! All videos and documents are the...

  11. English A Literature HL Essay Topic Ideas + Examples

    Grade received: 6. The depiction and significance of natural world imagery in Fly Away Peter. Grade received: 6. Arthur Miller's portrayal of the quiet desperation of the American family in his play Death of a Salesman. View hundreds of other English A (Lit) HL Essay IA exemplars on Clastify.

  12. IB HL English Essay Sample With Comments

    IB HL English Essay Sample with Comments - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free.

  13. DP English A: Language & Literature: Higher level essay

    The Higher Level Essay is a 1200-1500 word essay completed internally in your class but is externally assessed by an examiner. It is worth 20% of your final IB grade. It is a processed piece of writing that is completed over time and with guidance from your teacher. It is the only opportunity for you, as a Higher Level student, to write an essay not under exam conditions.

  14. English A: Lang Lit: The Great Gatsby (HLE)

    This essay is good because it has a clear angle or focus on a 'topic'. Look carefully at the assessment criteria, and you will see that you need to explore a 'topic' through your HL Essay. In this case, it is the role of higher education in the novel The Great Gatsby. This level of specificity is good when considering your topic.

  15. English HL Essay guide that Gurantees a 7

    English. 312 views 0 comments. 1. The HL essay is a task aimed to allow students to demonstrate the extent of their literary skills that they have learnt over their time in the diploma program. It can be daunting, and absolutely must be difficult in order to provoke insightful analysis, but it is just as possible to get a 7 on it as on any ...

  16. HL Essay

    HL Essay Student Resources and Sample Work. Posted on March 27, 2021 October 25, 2023 by Jennifer Brooke. These resources are ready to hand to students. They offer a description of the assignment and take students through a ... IB English A Literature: HL Essay Assessment Considerations. Posted on March 27, 2021 August 1, 2022 by Jennifer Brooke.

  17. LL HL Essay example A en.pdf

    Language A: language and literature assessed student work HL essay example A: student work 4 Along with the fixed methods of the education situation, Calvin's observations direct the viewers to the fact that teachers play an important role in breaking the monotony and encouraging individuality. As seen in panel 4 of strip#3, the sarcastic punchline "the satisfaction of teaching" and the text ...

  18. IB English: HL Essay

    Visit us at https://ibenglishguys.com/This is video two of a FIVE-VIDEO SERIES demonstrating the entire HL Essay process from choosing the text to submitting...

  19. HL Essay Outline.docx

    IB English Language and Literature HL HL Essay Outline HL Essay Requirements: 1200 - 1500 words formal essay which develops a particular line of inquiry of their own choice in connection with a body of work OR extended work studied during the course. A focused, analytical argument should be constructed, examining the work from a broad literary or linguistic perspective; students should explore ...

  20. DP English A: Language & Literature: HL Essay: Exemplar 7 ...

    Higher level essay. HLE sample work. HL Essay: Exemplar 7: The Awakening. Teachers sometimes read the course study guide and notice that two novellas are tantamount to one literary work. This recognition provokes a subsequent, entirely reasonable question that goes something like this: If two novellas are a work, and a student writes a Higher ...

  21. The Richly Layered World of Chaucer's Canterbury Pilgrims

    The essay also explores Chaucer's use of satire to critique social, religious, and political issues of his time, as seen in characters like the corrupt Pardoner and the independent Wife of Bath. Additionally, it discusses the innovative narrative structure of the pilgrimage and Chaucer's groundbreaking choice to write in Middle English ...

  22. IB English: HL Essay Thesis Statements

    This video discusses the essential elements of a good HL Essay Thesis. Sample thesis sentences are provided.Visit our website! All videos and documents are...

  23. English A: Lang Lit: Othello (HLE)

    The following HL Essay aims to answer the line of inquiry: In what ways does Shakespeare comment on the interdependence of love and jealousy through the portrayal of Iago and Othello in "Othello" ? Read the essay carefully. Apply the HLE assessment criteria and discuss the marks you would award the script before reading the examiner's marks ...

  24. The 1689 Milestone: The English Bill of Rights and Its Unexpected

    Essay Example: The English Bill of Rights, ratified on December 16, 1689, marked a transformative moment in the annals of British history. Emerging from the tumultuous events of the Glorious Revolution, this document was pivotal in shaping the future of constitutional governance. Yet, its impact

  25. Paragraph on the Benefits of Reading

    Short Paragraph on the Benefits of Reading. Reading offers numerous benefits, enhancing mental stimulation and expanding knowledge. It improves focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills while providing stress relief and relaxation. Additionally, reading increases vocabulary and language proficiency, fostering better communication.

  26. How the English Bill of Rights of 1689 Shaped Modern Democracy

    This essay about the English Bill of Rights of 1689 highlights its significant impact on democracy. Born out of the Glorious Revolution, this document limited monarchial power and established parliamentary sovereignty. It set the foundation for constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, emphasizing individual freedoms and legal ...

  27. The Birth of Modern Rights: English Bill of Rights and Its Global

    Essay Example: In the dimly lit chambers of the English Parliament in 1689, a momentous document was crafted that would alter the course of history—the English Bill of Rights. ... This essay is about the English Bill of Rights of 1689, a significant document that reshaped governance in England and influenced global democratic principles. It ...

  28. English A: Lang Lit: Hamilton (HLE)

    Hamilton (HLE) The following HL Essay aims to answer the line of inquiry: How does choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler create the 'Bullet' character in the musical Hamilton to help convey Lin-Manuel Miranda's message that one should seize the day and make the most of life? Read the essay carefully. Apply the HLE assessment criteria and discuss ...

  29. The Impact of the English Bill of Rights on Modern Democracy

    Essay Example: The English Bill of Rights, ratified in 1689 amid the transformative upheaval of the Glorious Revolution, stands as a pivotal milestone in the chronicles of democratic development. Its inception during the profound shifts of 17th-century England heralded a powerful declaration. Writing Service;

  30. The English Bill of Rights through the Lens of Cybernetic Evolution

    Essay Example: The English Bill of Rights of 1689, a cornerstone in the establishment of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in Britain, holds profound significance in the history of governance. Its creation marked a decisive shift in the balance of power between the monarchy