English A Language and Literature Past Papers 2026
Browse all available English A Language and Literature sessions from 2013-2026. This archive currently includes 187 official papers and 4 donated papers.
28
Sessions
191
Papers
187
Official
2013-2026
Years
May 2026
Latest Session
28
Sessions
2013–2026
63
Question Papers
44
Markschemes
70% coverage
Components: 2 papers, up to 4 variants each.
May 2026
Latest Session
28
Sessions
2013–2026
63
Question Papers
42
Markschemes
67% coverage
Components: 2 papers, up to 4 variants each.
Yearly Exam Sessions
About IB English A Language and Literature
IB English A: Language and Literature is a Group 1 subject that combines the study of literary texts with the analysis of a wide range of non-literary texts and media. Students explore how language shapes meaning across different contexts, audiences, and purposes. Topics include the relationship between text, audience, and purpose; the power of language; and the construction of identity.
The course develops critical reading, analytical writing, and oral communication skills. It is assessed through written papers and individual oral commentary. Past papers are particularly useful for practising Paper 1 (guided textual analysis) and Paper 2 (comparative literary essay).
Exam Format
Paper 1 (SL: 1 hr 15 min / HL: 2 hr 15 min)
Guided textual analysis. SL: one text with guiding question. HL: two texts (one literary, one non-literary) — choose one to analyse without guiding question.
Paper 2 (SL/HL: 1 hr 45 min)
Comparative essay on two works studied in class, in response to one of four questions on aspects of literature.
SL vs HL
SL Paper 1 provides a guiding question; HL does not. HL students must independently identify and explore stylistic devices across two contrasting texts. HL also requires a Higher Level Essay (HLE) as part of the Internal Assessment.
Study Tips for IB English A Language and Literature
- ✓For Paper 1, always identify the text type first and consider purpose, audience, and context before analysing language.
- ✓Use precise literary terminology: diction, syntax, tone, imagery, alliteration, irony, juxtaposition, etc.
- ✓Structure Paper 2 as a genuine comparison — alternate between texts throughout, not one text followed by the other.
- ✓Quote directly from the text in both papers — unsupported claims score poorly.
- ✓In Paper 2, address the question directly in your introduction and return to it in every paragraph.
- ✓For HL, practise analysing unseen texts with no guiding question to build independence.
Questions, answered.
Language and Literature analyses both literary and non-literary texts, including media, advertising, and speeches. Literature focuses solely on literary texts. Lang & Lit develops broader communication analysis skills.
Paper 2 is based on works read in class — schools select their own texts. Common choices include novels, plays, and poetry by authors like Atwood, Achebe, Orwell, and Plath.
The Internal Assessment consists of an Individual Oral (15 minutes) based on an extract from a literary work and a global issue, plus the HL Essay (HL only).