7.2.2.5 - The Higher Level (HL) Essay (for HL students)
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Introduction to the HL Essay
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Today, we'll delve into the HL Essay, a vital part of your HL studies. It's an opportunity for you to explore a literary topic in depth.
What exactly makes the HL Essay different from regular essays we've written before?
Great question! Unlike regular essays, the HL Essay demands independent research and a sustained argument that is well-supported by literary evidence. You'll explore various perspectives and engage critically with secondary sources.
How do we choose our topics?
You might start by reflecting on the texts you've studied. Think about themes, characters, or literary devices that interest you. Try to formulate a question that invites exploration rather than just a simple answer.
Is there a specific structure we should follow for the essay?
Yes, typically, you'll have an introduction with your thesis, body paragraphs that all support your argument, and a conclusion that synthesizes your insights. Remember to logically order your points!
Will we need to include secondary sources too?
Absolutely! Engagement with secondary sources can strengthen your argument and provide critical perspectives. It shows a deeper scholarly understanding of your topic.
In summary, the HL Essay is about critical engagement. Youβll need a solid thesis, evidence from texts, and secondary sources to create a well-rounded argument.
Research and Thesis Development
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Now, letβs talk about how to find and evaluate sources. Identifying quality secondary literature is crucial.
What types of sources should we look for?
Look for reputable academic journals, books by established scholars, and critical essays. Websites like JSTOR or Google Scholar can be great resources.
How do I know if a source is credible?
Evaluate the author's credentials, the publisher, and the citation of sources within the work. Scholarly sources typically have extensive bibliographies.
What about creating a thesis statement?
Your thesis should be clear, arguable, and reflective of your research. Consider framing it as a response to a question related to your topic.
Can you give an example of a strong thesis?
Certainly! Rather than saying, 'Shakespeare uses many themes,' you could assert, 'In 'Hamlet,' Shakespeare explores the theme of existential despair through the use of soliloquies, revealing the character's inner turmoil.' This shows a specific focus.
Keep in mind, a well-developed thesis will guide your entire essay structure and arguments.
Writing and Revision Process
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Let's discuss drafting and revision now. The writing process is often overlooked, but itβs crucial for clarity.
How many drafts should we write?
Ideally, you should plan for at least two drafts. The first draft is more about getting your ideas down, while the second should focus on structure and clarity.
What should we pay attention to when revising?
Focus on coherenceβmake sure your arguments flow logically. Check your evidence; does it effectively support your thesis? Also, look for grammatical errors or awkward phrasing.
Can peer feedback help?
Absolutely! Sharing drafts with your peers can provide fresh insights. They may catch issues you've missed and offer constructive criticism.
How do we finalize the essay?
Once you're satisfied, ensure proper formatting as per IB guidelines. Double-check your citations and bibliography; correctness is key.
In summary, writing and revising are iterative processes that help sharpen your argument and improve clarity.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The HL Essay is a critical component for HL students, requiring them to engage in independent research on a literary topic, develop a sustained argument, and demonstrate scholarly understanding. This preparation enhances their analytical skills and encourages a deeper appreciation for literature.
Detailed
The Higher Level (HL) Essay is a significant undertaking for HL students as they transition from Grade 11 to Grade 12 within the IB English curriculum. It focuses on fostering independent research, which involves selecting a literary topic of interest, constructing a strong thesis statement, and developing well-supported arguments. Students are expected to engage with both primary and secondary texts, showcasing their ability to synthesize knowledge and demonstrate deeper scholarly engagement. This essay is not only a test of their analytical abilities but is also designed to prepare them for more extensive research and writing tasks at the university level, reinforcing the analytical and critical thinking skills gained throughout their studies.
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Introduction to the HL Essay
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Briefly introduce the extended essay on a literary topic, emphasizing the need for independent research, sustained argumentation, and scholarly engagementβskills that begin to be nurtured through research tasks in Grade 11.
Detailed Explanation
The HL Essay is an important component for Higher Level (HL) students in the IB English curriculum. It requires students to choose a literary topic that interests them and conduct in-depth research on it. This essay is not just a routine assignment; it encourages students to think critically and form a solid argument supported by evidence from their research. By the time they reach this stage, students are expected to have developed skills through previous research tasks, which helps them in structuring their essays effectively.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the HL Essay like planning a big event, such as a wedding. Just as you would need to research different venues, caterers, and themes before making decisions, students need to delve into literary topics, exploring various texts and perspectives, to create a thoughtful and structured essay.
Independent Research Skills
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
Emphasizing the need for independent research, sustained argumentation, and scholarly engagementβskills that begin to be nurtured through research tasks in Grade 11.
Detailed Explanation
Independent research is a key skill needed for the HL Essay. It requires students to look for credible sources of information, which could include books, academic journals, and reputable websites. This process involves learning how to evaluate the reliability of different sources and embedding them in their analysis. The ability to construct an argument hinges on the depth of their research; the stronger the sources, the more persuasive their argument will be.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine youβre preparing a report for a science project. If you want to argue that climate change is a serious issue, you need to gather information from scientific articles, interviews, and reliable news sources. Just like in the project, the more accurate and varied information you collect, the more convincing your argument becomes in the HL Essay.
Sustained Argumentation
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Sustained argumentation is essential, requiring students to maintain a clear and consistent argument throughout their essay.
Detailed Explanation
Sustained argumentation means that students must not only present their ideas but also ensure that these ideas are logically connected and built upon throughout the essay. This involves starting with a clear thesis statement and continually referring back to it as they present evidence and analysis. The argument should be coherent, so readers can easily follow the student's reasoning and conclusions.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a lawyer making a case in court. Their argument needs to be compelling and supported by various pieces of evidence. If they start strong but lose focus, it can confuse the jury and weaken their case. Similarly, in the HL Essay, staying on topic with a well-formed argument ensures the reader understands and is persuaded by your points.
Scholarly Engagement
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
Emphasizing scholarly engagement, which encourages students to immerse themselves in academic discussions around their chosen topic.
Detailed Explanation
Scholarly engagement involves understanding and interacting with existing literature about their topic. This can include referencing theories, contrasting different views, and recognizing the contributions of other scholars. By engaging in this scholarly conversation, students not only enrich their arguments but also demonstrate a nuanced understanding of their subject, which is essential in producing a high-quality essay.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a scholarly discussion like a roundtable where experts share their opinions on a topic. When crafting their essays, students participate in this roundtable by considering various perspectives and building upon them in their writing, much like a conversation where each participant adds something valuable to the discussion.
Key Concepts
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Independent Research: The act of conducting original investigations or studies to develop new perspectives on a literary topic.
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Scholarly Engagement: The process of interacting with academic texts and theories to deepen one's understanding.
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Argument Development: The process of creating and supporting a position or perspective in written work.
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Literary Analysis: The critical examination of texts to understand their meanings, structures, themes, and contexts.
Examples & Applications
Researching different criticisms on Shakespeare's portrayal of gender roles in his plays.
Developing a thesis related to the theme of identity in 'The Great Gatsby' and supporting it with both textual evidence and critical perspectives.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Draft, revise, check, then submit β make each section a perfect fit!
Stories
Imagine a scholar diving deep into a library, uncovering treasures of knowledge, shaping them into a brilliant essay that reveals hidden truths about literature.
Memory Tools
RAFT β Research, Argument, Form, Thesis (to remember the key steps in writing the HL Essay).
Acronyms
THINK
Thesis
Helpful sources
Insightful analysis
Notes
Keep revising (to remember how to structure your essay).
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Higher Level (HL) Essay
An extended essay for Higher Level students focusing on independent research and scholarly engagement in a selected literary topic.
- Thesis Statement
A clear and arguable statement that presents the main argument or claim of an essay.
- Secondary Sources
Works created by scholars or critics that analyze or interpret primary texts.
- Drafting
The process of writing initial versions of the essay for the purpose of structuring thoughts and arguments.
- Revision
The process of reviewing and improving a draft to enhance clarity, coherence, and structure.
Reference links
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