IB English Paper 1 Feedback Workflow for Faster Marking

Paper 1 feedback is most useful when it moves beyond identifying techniques. Students need to explain how authorial choices create meaning for a reader.

Five-minute first pass

1. Read the thesis and decide whether it makes an interpretation, not just a topic statement.
2. Scan each body paragraph for a choice, evidence, and effect.
3. Mark one strong analytical sentence and one sentence that only describes.
4. Write the next revision step before deciding whether to add smaller language comments.

Paper 1 feedback stems

• "Name the authorial choice, then explain how it shapes the reader's interpretation."
• "This evidence is relevant, but the paragraph needs a clearer explanation of effect."
• "Avoid listing techniques. Select the choice that most supports your argument."
• "Use topic sentences to show how each paragraph develops your interpretation."

What to check before sharing AI feedback

Confirm that the AI draft is responding to Paper 1, not a generic literary analysis task. Then check whether each comment points to a specific revision. If a comment says "add more analysis," rewrite it to say what kind of analysis is missing.

Next steps

Use the IB English Paper Grader to draft feedback, then edit the comments before students see them.