Please be advised that there are three versions of the SSAT, differing by grade level. This article will address the preparation processes of all three in general, but refer to the official SSAT website for more information pertaining to your specific grade level. 

When to Take the SSAT

First things first: when should you register for the exam? Because the SSAT is a school-specific requirement, the exact deadline for receiving your SSAT score is variable. However, in most cases, school application deadlines fall in the winter months of the year, anywhere from December to February. In addition to the application deadline, you want to consider if you will need to retake the exam as well as other academic and extracurricular obligations. 

Next, you will want to plan according to the grade level you are applying for. In general, it is best to test during the grade level immediately preceding the target entry grade level. For example, for a student aiming to enter private school in grade six, we suggest that this student takes the SSAT in grade five. The version of the SSAT that will be taken also depends on the grade level, which we have detailed below. 

1. Upper Level: students in grades 8 through 11 will take this version for admission into grades 9 through 12, respectively.
2. Middle Level: students in grades 5 through 7 will take this version for admission into grades 6 through 8, respectively.
3. Elementary Level: students in grades 3 through 4 will take this version for admission into grades 4 through 5, respectively. 

As there are three different testing formats, you will also want to consider their different availability. For more information about the different formats, check out our other post here. The paper exam is the only format readily available to most countries outside of the U.S., so the following information pertains to that format. The exact testing dates vary year by year, but typically follows the trend of up to one exam per month from October to March, with the registration deadline falling three days before the test date. It is good practice to start preparing well in advance, with two months to study and two months left open for retakes. 

What’s On the SSAT

The SSAT is a highly comprehensive test, assessing students in five areas: quantitative, verbal, reading, writing, and experimental. The exam is broken up into eight timed parts, which we will detail next.

• Part 1: Writing: This 25-minute ungraded section requires students to write a short essay in response to a prompt. See our post about the importance of the writing portion here.
• Part 2: Break: 10-minute break
• Part 3: Quantitative: This 30-minute graded section is the first of two math sections that measures students abilities to solve problems from a range of concepts. 
• Part 4: Reading Comprehension: This 40-minute graded section requires students to read various passages and thoroughly evaluate its content.
• Part 5: Break: 10-minute break
• Part 6: Verbal: This 30-minute graded section evaluates students’ reasoning, vocabulary, and understanding of different parts of the English language. 
• Part 7: Quantitative: This 30-minute graded section is the second of two math sections that measures students abilities to solve problems from a range of concepts.
• Part 8: Experimental: This ungraded section requires students to answer questions from the verbal, reading, and quantitative sections to test the quality of future SSAT questions.

What Comes Next?

All that’s left now is to study. Some quick tips for studying for the SSAT are to: prioritize weaker areas, review missed questions carefully, and time yourself. We know studying can be overwhelming when there is so much material, so we welcome you to get in touch sooner rather than later with questions. Find us here at Aegis Advisors!

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If you are raising your eyebrows right now because you thought that the test you’re taking doesn’t have a writing portion, you may have gotten the SAT and SSAT mixed up. Check out our post about their differences here. If you’re in the right place, let the team from Aegis share with you what we know about the Writing section and why you should definitely not overlook it despite its differences from the rest of the exam. 

What is the Writing Sample?

The writing sample is one of five sections on the SSAT. It is the first part of the exam that students will sit through and has a time constraint of 25 minutes. Students must write an essay in response to a prompt. Upper Level testers must choose between a personal and general essay prompt, whereas Middle Level testers choose between a personal and creative essay prompt. Below is a pair of sample prompts students may encounter on the Upper Level SSAT:

Please choose one of the ideas and write a story using the idea in your first sentence:

1. What did a parent tell you to do that you now wish you had done?
2. It was a pleasant surprise.

Regardless of the prompt chosen, students must be prepared to utilise everything in their writing toolkit, including but not limited to legibility, conciseness, adherence to the prompt, and style. 

The Value of the Writing Sample

Though the writing portion of the SSAT is not graded, don’t be too quick to assume that no one will see it. It is just as important as the other graded sections! Though it doesn’t count to your numerical score, schools will receive a copy of your writing along with the rest of your test papers and evaluate it thoroughly. The internal evaluation process of the writing sample varies by school, but in general they will be looking to see if the student meets the expectations for their grade level. 

Believe it or not, some admissions members place more value on the writing sample than the supplementary application essay. This is because the writing sample is conducted in a timed environment, where intensive editorial revision is not available. Students must be creative and thorough on the spot, which leads to very authentic writing. Thus, admissions evaluators can gain valuable insight into the student’s abilities through their writing sample. 

How to Write a Stellar Essay

1. Review sample prompts beforehand

There are many example prompts available online. Becoming familiar with the style of questions asked will give you a better idea of what to expect on the SSAT. 

2. Choose a suitable prompt

While there is no one way to pick the “right” prompt, we suggest that students pick the prompt that is the most relevant to their personal experience. Having a personal connection to the story allows for the most natural brainstorming which in turn produces the most authentic writing. 

3. Manage your time

You will only have 25 minutes to plan, write, and proofread. Make sure you keep this in mind when you start the test, as you do not want to get carried away planning, and leave no time to proofread for careless grammatical mistakes. As the time limit is quite short, you will likely not have time to create a full draft. 

4. Follow a clear essay structure

As with all academic writing, your writing sample will have to follow a logical framework. The evaluator must be able to identify clearly the beginning, middle, and end of your essay. Try to incorporate an interesting hook in the beginning, substantial evidence in the middle portion, and a resounding conclusion. 

5. Stick to the prompt

It’s crucial to stay on topic, especially while writing a short piece. Constantly remind yourself what the prompt is asking, and make sure that you relate all of your evidence back to the question at hand. The concluding sentence should restate the prompt in some way. 

Conclusion

In order to leave a lasting impression on the admissions officers of your desired school, you must not overlook the writing sample. To write a strong essay, you must manage your time wisely, strengthen your writing skills, and do a thorough review before submitting your work. Don’t forget that the evaluators value your authenticity. Contact Aegis Advisors today for help preparing for the SSAT writing sample and other sections!

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Understanding the SAT

The SAT, or the Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test used for college admissions. While it is primarily used by U.S. institutions, some international schools also use it to evaluate prospective students. When we refer to the SAT, we are generally speaking about the test made for students in grade 11 and 12. However, the College Board – the administrators of the SAT – have designed a whole suite of preparatory assessments including the PSAT for grades 8 through 10 so that students can get a head start in their college preparations.

Students taking the SAT are evaluated in two areas: English and Math. The English section is composed of two modules of Reading and Writing questions that target comprehension of a diverse range of passages. The Math section is composed of two modules targeting proficiency in areas like Algebra, Geometry/Trigonometry, and Data Analysis. 

Understanding the SSAT

The SSAT, or Secondary School Admissions Test, is a standardized test used for admissions into private and independent secondary schools. Not all secondary schools use this exam as a means of evaluation, so it is a good idea to check with the specific institution. The SSAT is further broken down into three categories: Elementary (grades 3 and 4), Middle (grades 5 through 7), and Upper (grades 8 through 11). Students should plan to take the test most suitable for their grade level to ensure that the difficulty of the content is reflected. 

There are five sections on the SSAT: Quantitative (Math), Verbal, Reading, Writing, and Experimental. The specific content is dependent on the grade level of the student and not every section is ultimately scored; check out our article about how to prepare for the SSAT for a more detailed breakdown of each section. 

Differences and Similarities

Aside from the target age range, we have identified a few other key areas that have major differences and similarities between the SAT and SSAT and illustrated them for your understanding:

1. Test Format

The current SAT is fully digital. Students must travel to a test center where proctors from the College Board will administer the exam through the Bluebook online platform. There is currently no option for at-home SAT testing, though accommodations can be offered when properly documented and requested. 

There are more testing options available for the SSAT; however, this heavily depends on the region in which you wish to test. The three options are paper, at-home, and prometric. Below is a brief description of each:

• Paper: the most traditional method, which is taken at authorized test centers.
• At-Home: a proctored exam that is taken on the computer at home.
• Prometric: a proctored exam that is taken on the computer at an authorized test center.

The options available to you depend on your location. For students testing outside of the US, paper is typically the only option. There are positives to this – according to the official SSAT website, the paper format offers the most retake opportunities, and it has been shown that scores typically improve on retakes.

2. Question Format

Questions on the SAT are a mix of multiple choice and self-produced solutions. The Reading and Writing section is entirely multiple choice, while some questions in the Math section require the student to type in the answer themselves. 

Similarly, the SSAT is almost entirely multiple choice, with the exception of the Writing section which requires students to produce a handwritten essay in response to a prompt. 

3. Time Restrictions

There are clear time limitations for both exams, though the pacing is slightly different. For the SAT, students are allotted 64 minutes to complete 54 Reading and Writing questions and 70 minutes to complete 44 Math questions. Each section is broken into two equal-length modules and there is a 10 minute break in between the sections. In total, students can expect to spend about two and a half hours testing. 

On the other hand, the SSAT has more components. Students are allotted 25 minutes for the Writing sample, 60 minutes to do 50 Math questions, 40 minutes to do 40 math questions, 30 minutes for 60 Verbal questions, and 15 minutes for the Experimental section. There are two 10-minute breaks amidst the testing sections. Thus, the SSAT is slightly longer than the SAT, taking just over three hours to complete. 

Though the time restrictions may seem daunting, knowing them is actually a boon for your preparations. When taking practice tests, you can set timers to ensure that you can complete the real exam well within the time constraints. 

Which One to Take?

Now that you know the differences between the SAT and SSAT, which one should you take? It ultimately depends on what your academic goals are. If you want to apply to a US university, chances are you are required to submit an SAT score. If you (or your child, for parents of younger students) are thinking about transferring to a private school, you may be required to submit an SSAT score. Again, it is good practice to check for school-specific requirements to determine if your target institution has any testing obligations. 

In general, it is not advisable to take one of the tests if it is not required. Scoring well requires intensive preparation and planning, so you will want to dedicate much of your time and effort. The tests do also incur registration fees, which can be found on College Board and the SSAT official website. 

Next Steps

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the new information, we completely understand. Once you have determined which exam will be the most appropriate for your purposes, there’s a long journey of preparations ahead. Reach out to us today at Aegis Advisors to get ahead!

The post SAT vs. SSAT: What’s the Difference and Which Should I Take? appeared first on Aegis Advisors.

After countless hours of studying and practice tests, the big day is here. Though the environment of the actual SAT will be different, we hope you are not completely in the dark about what to expect. At Aegis Advisors, we are committed to keeping our students up to date about the SAT’s curriculum and structure. We have put together a list of some things to keep in mind:

1. The SAT is completely digital

You will take the exam through the Bluebook application. You must have the app already installed on your device 1-5 days before test day so that it can pass the requirements check. In-depth overviews of the permitted/prohibited devices and the resources included on the Bluebook platform are available on the official College Board website. 

2. You must be on site throughout the entire duration of the exam

Although the SAT is all digital, you must be present in the designated testing room in order to complete it. Doors open at 7:45 a.m. and the test begins between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.; if you haven’t set up your device properly before test day, you will be required to arrive even earlier so make sure to get your device prepared pre-emptively. The test will take approximately 3 hours, meaning you should be able to leave the test center by noon.

3. The digital SAT is adaptive

By now, you should be well aware that the SAT is broken into two sections, Math and Reading & Writing, which are further broken into two equal-length modules. The good thing about the digital format is that the second module of each section will reflect the same level of difficulty of the first section, meaning that the SAT is more fine-tuned for the individual student than ever before. In other words, if you do very well on the first module, the second module will contain more challenging questions. For tips on how to do better on the first module to ensure a higher overall score, see our blog about how to boost your SAT score. 

Test-Taking Strategies

Just as there’s no one way to study, there’s no one way to take a test. However, there are some actions you can remember to optimize your performance. We’ve gathered some of the tips and strategies that we believe are the most important for success:

1. Keep a steady pace

Timing is everything on the SAT. You don’t want to rush through the exam and make negligent mistakes, but taking too much time on one question will prevent you from finishing everything.

2. Don’t overthink

Sometimes, the answer is more apparent than you think. Try not to waste valuable time second-guessing a question that has already been answered and verified. 

3. Read all questions and answers carefully

Never forget to read through the question and all the answer choices. The most careless mistakes are made when the question is misunderstood and you jump to conclusions. 

4. Use process of elimination

The best thing to do when the answer is unclear is to eliminate all the choices that are evidently wrong and whittle the options down. In the end, it’s better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank. As most of the SAT is multiple choice, this strategy is extremely effective. 

5. Double check your answers

Try to verify all of your answers at least once, but do keep the time constraints in mind. Double checking your work can often elucidate silly mistakes such as missed numbers or misread text. 

6. Stay relaxed and motivated

You should go into the test feeling prepared and confident that you will succeed. If there are hard problems, don’t let yourself be defeated and repeat the processes taken during your preparations. 

How is the SAT scored?

SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, with each section having a maximum score of 800 points. You might have wondered at some point how these scores are calculated from the 98 questions that make up the two sections. What we know is that a student’s score reflects a multitude of things, not just the number of questions that were answered correctly. The scoring model also takes into account the difficulty level of the question and the likelihood that students were guessing based on unusual answer patterns. This means that two students who have the same raw score may earn different final scores based on which questions they answered correctly. Rest assured that all students are given an equal opportunity, with questions spanning across the same type of content and knowledge. 

What’s a good score?

Despite the fact that students may encounter different test content based on their performance in the first modules, College Board makes it clear that all students have the opportunity to meet their College and Career Readiness Benchmark. To meet this standard, students must score at least a 480 on Reading and Writing, and at least a 530 on Math. 

Are there any differences in scoring from the paper SAT?

Though the adaptive testing model creates some differences in scoring methodology between the paper and digital SAT, the criteria by which students are evaluated remains the same. 

Conclusion

You’re almost done. Expect to receive your SAT score 2-4 weeks after your test date. In the meantime, get ahead of your preparations with a dedicated tutor and contact us at Aegis Advisors today!

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How much do students usually improve on retakes?

According to the College Board statistics in the most recent three years, scoring a 1190 puts you in the 75th percentile of all SAT scores, and a 1400 scores in the 93rd percentile. The College Board also researched that SAT scores can improve by an average of 115 points per 20 hours of online studying. Let’s do the math here: if you initially scored around 1200, by studying another 40 hours you may statistically improve by about 18 percentiles. A 1520 puts you in the 98th percentile – another 5 percentile jump for another 20 hours of studying. And these are just averages… we always aim higher!

So, does this mean you must study tirelessly for the next three days? Not exactly. We have prepared some tips that will allow you to maximize the time you do spend on studying.

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses

The SAT is broken down into two sections: a Reading and Writing component and a Mathematics component. Many students feel that while they are confident in one section, they might fall short in the other. Before you even begin studying, it is crucial you know what to focus your attention on. If you know you struggle with Algebra and Geometry but consistently score well on reading comprehension quizzes, you may want to allocate additional time studying math. If you don’t know what your strengths and weaknesses are, we encourage you to identify them first.

2. Craft a study plan (and stick to it!)

Once you know what to study, you need to know how you will study it. Staying structured and consistent in your SAT prep will require discipline, but it will benefit you greatly. Prioritize the areas you are weakest in, and then integrate more familiar concepts as you go. Use strategies to enhance your long-term memory retention. Below are some techniques that can be researched on your own time:

• Active recall
• Using mnemonics
• Making flashcards

After you identify some techniques that you will use during your studying, you also want to block out times for practice tests. We recommend taking a full-length practice test before test day in a quiet environment to prepare your mind for what’s to come. Always remember to be specific when setting goals for yourself, and stay consistent!

3. Time yourself

The SAT is timed, which may seem daunting at first. Luckily, the structure of the test and exactly how much time is allocated to each section is known. You will have 64 minutes to finish 54 questions in the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete 44 questions in the Maths section. Each section is further broken into two equal-length modules, withModule 2 being tailored in difficulty to your performance on Module 1. What this means is that if you do well in Module 1, the questions in Module 2 will reflect the same difficulty level as Module 1. You will also have a 10 minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Maths section.

Now that you know the timing and structure of the SAT, you can prepare accordingly. If you find yourself taking 10 minutes to complete one hard math problem, you may want to focus on strengthening your skills for that particular concept first, so as to leave yourself enough time for everything else.

4. Choose the right study materials

Yes, there can be a wrong way to study! Though there are many ways to successfully prepare, there are also choices that can adversely affect your progress. See Common Mistakes Made When Preparing for the SAT for more information on what to avoid when studying. One of those mistakes is choosing the wrong study materials. We recommend our team of devoted tutors to provide the best guidance. We are consistently updating our SAT materials to keep up with the current curriculum, and we can ensure our students will have the most up-to-date practice problems and access to fully digital mock assessments.

5. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes

Taking the SAT is a lot more than just memorizing a bunch of Maths and English facts. You must take into account the time constraint, and more importantly: develop a strong mindset. No one gets a 1600 the first time they take the SAT, and even after studying it is still very difficult to get a perfect score. Expecting to get every single problem right isn’t the right approach. As you study, you will face challenges. Perhaps you can’t finish one section of the practice test before the time ends, or you run into a problem that you simply do not know how to do. The most important thing when these situations happen is to stay strong mentally. Don’t be defeated by mistakes. Instead, ask yourself how you can improve and practice more.

Conclusion

Improving your score on the SAT requires extensive preparation. Always remember to be specific in creating your study plan, and stay consistent! At Aegis Advisors, our team of SAT tutors are dedicated to helping you achieve the score that you want. Reach out today to get one step closer to a 1600!

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1.   Studying without a plan

The SAT is composed of questions from an expansive list of topics. Tackling all of these concepts aimlessly and hoping to learn it all before test day is impossible. If you do this, you may end up mixing up related concepts, or altogether missing a concept when preparing. This is why making a plan is the crucial first step of studying for any topic. Crafting a study plan requires you to first know what specifically to study, prioritizing weaker areas over stronger areas, blocking out times for drilling, and leaving time to take practice tests. As always, consistency is key.

Suggestions: utilize a planner or checklist when creating your study plan to keep yourself accountable and make sure nothing important is missed.

2.   Using inadequate materials

Because SAT content is so plentiful and challenging, it can be hard to know what materials to use when studying. Drilling random math problems and reading any article that you stumble upon will not adequately prepare you for the test. Similarly, using too many different textbooks and websites will lead you to inconsistencies, repeated content, and worst of all missed content. Knowing the specific topics that will be covered can also give you a clearer target. These topics can be accessed online through The College Board website.

Suggestions: know which topics will be tested and stick to a consistent bank of materials.

3.   Passively learning

The first part of learning is receiving information, usually through spoken lectures, videos, or reading. Oftentimes students will overestimate the importance of this component of learning and overlook the second, more crucial stage of learning. When students only passively receive information, they end up having decreased long-term retention, a lack of critical thinking, and resultantly a lack of motivation. Active learning – or simply practicing – allows students to solidify newly-learned concepts so that they can reuse them later. What good would learning something new be if you forgot it the next day?

Suggestions: making flashcards, doing practice problems, and summarizing the concept in your own words.

4.   Obsessing over hard problems

SAT questions range in difficulty from easy to hard. While drilling practice problems, you may encounter a question that is so difficult that you don’t know where to start. The wrong thing to do in this scenario is to get held up on this question and become demoralized. It is okay to look things up, as long as you have tried your best and you use reputable resources. On test day, you may encounter the same problem. You cannot look up a difficult problem in the examination room, so you will need a different strategy to deal with the unknown. If you have already tried what you know but are still coming up short, just move on to the next question. If you finish the rest of the section with time remaining, you can come back to the unknown questions and try again. The last thing you want to happen is to get stuck on a problem in the middle of the section and run out of time to complete questions that you do know how to solve.

Suggestions: when studying, look up what you don’t know. On test day, move on to the next question and come back if there’s time at the end.

5.   Not asking for help

When the hard question inevitably shows, another thing that students often mistakenly do is keep the problem to themselves and not reach out for help. Whether it is because they are afraid of judgement or have a general lack of confidence, the effect is the same. Not asking for help when you are really stuck only leads to more confusion and more time wasted. Asking for help can be the simplest solution to the hardest problem. If you’re not sure where to go for help with SAT preparation, take your first step by reaching out to Aegis today.

Suggestions: always attempt everything by yourself first. When you do ask for help, be specific about which concept you are struggling with and remember to try it yourself afterwards.

6.   Cramming at the last minute

One of the worst – and most commonly seen – things that students do when preparing for the SAT is leaving everything until the last minute. Unlike a test you might take in school at the end of a unit/module, the SAT is not only cumulative but not fixed year-to-year. Therefore, you will never know exactly what is on the exam until you are in the examination room. It is not possible to learn and remember everything you need to know for the SAT if you only start cramming a day or a week before you test. Ideally, you should start preparing months before your test date. The full test schedule is listed on the official College Board website; in general, there is one testing date once every 1-2 months. If you start preparing well in advance of test day, you have a much higher chance of consolidating all of the challenging concepts that might appear on the exam.

            Suggestions: start early, try to connect newly learned concepts to old ones.

7.   Neglecting break time while studying

It is very easy for students to fall into the trap of non-stop studying and believe that it is benefitting them. Neglecting to take breaks during studying sessions can cause stress, worsen memory, and cause mental fatigue. When you’re in the zone, study breaks may seem pointless, but they are scientifically proven to improve recall ability. Some techniques that help you structure your study time effectively while leaving enough time for breaks include:

• Pomodoro technique: breaking worktime into intervals, usually 25 minutes of work followed by 5 minutes break
• Section/concept-based break times: rewarding yourself with a longer break after successfully learning a concept and doing a fixed number of example problems correctly (ex: resting for 15 minutes after learning Pythagorean theorem and doing 10 examples correctly

            Suggestions: thinking of breaks as rewards can help motivate you to keep studying

8.   Studying instead of sleeping

Breaks are not only important during study sessions, but even more so after them. Your brain needs rest to consolidate the day’s learning and to be prepared for the next session. As established, it can be hard to stop when you feel like you’re on a roll with your drills and exercises. But the adrenaline that you’re feeling will eventually run out, and not going to bed will only make you exhausted and have a worsened memory the next day. It is of paramount importance to sleep the night before your SAT.

Suggestions: get 7-8 hours of sleep every night while studying. Being diligent about your study plan will allow this to happen.

Conclusion

Preparing for the SAT is not as complicated as it may seem. Just remember to stick to your plan, and leave ample room for rest and recovery. When test day ultimately arrives, your hard work will pay off. For information regarding next steps, see our post about what to expect during and after test day. At Aegis Advisors, we are always here to help guide you. Contact us today!

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The International Baccalaureate (IB) Language A course is designed for students aged 16-19 to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and principles in English. For your Language A class, you have the opportunity to either take the Literature or Language and Literature courses. Language and Literature course offers a comprehensive coverage of both literary and non-literary mediums of text and allows you to understand both the context and the outcome of these texts. 

Today we will take a look into all of our tips to be successful in the IB English Language and Literature Internal Assessment. 

What is the assignment?

Firstly, let’s have a quick run through of what the internal assessment actually entails. The English internal assessment for both standard level and higher level include the individual oral, also known as the IO. As implied by its name, this will be an oral assessment based on two works- one literary and one non-literary- that you have covered throughout the 2 years of IB. You will need to connect these to a great global issue. 

Note: 

If you are a higher level student, you will have to also do an additional Higher Level Essay. Although this will be prepared beforehand throughout the year, this is considered an external assessment as it will be marked by IB markers. This will be considered in the same category as your paper 1 and paper 2. To learn more about your external assessments, read our article on how to write your IB Language and Literature Paper 1. 

Structure 

The 15 minute oral assessment  is structured as follows: 

• 10 minute individual presentation where you analyse two texts and connect them to your global issue 
• 5 minutes of questions asked by your teacher relating to things you have said

You will also need to submit 10 bullet points to your teacher which effectively summarise and outline what you will be discussing in the oral. These will be the only things allowed for you to bring during your presentation. 

What is a global issue? 

A global issue is one that is felt universally, implying everywhere in the world, but it does not have to be felt evenly. For example, although the issue of gender pay gap may not be an issue for certain people, it is felt in every country, hence making it a global issue. On the other hand, the issue of increased government funding going to space exploration is an issue that only affects a handful of countries, making it inappropriate for the given task. 

The IB English syllabus (First assessment 2021) outlines 5 potential categories for your IO. Although you are allowed to choose from outside of these categories, they offer a good guideline to what sort of topic you may want to pick. These include: 

1. Culture, identity and community 
2. Beliefs, values and education
3. Politics, power and justice 
4. Art, creativity and the imagination 
5. Science, technology and the environment 

Before picking your texts, you can begin to think about what topics out of these global issues may be of interest to you. Picking something you are interested in will mean you are more willing to dedicate time to the assignment, and will help you score a higher grade. 

Picking your texts 

As mentioned in our other articles, picking texts proves challenging for many students. This is due to the fact that many students do not plan out what texts they want to use for their paper 2, and effectively “waste” a good text on the IO. Although there are no good or bad texts to use for your IO, as mentioned in our how to tackle your Paper 2 guide, using novels is recommended for your Paper 2. As you cannot use two of the same texts for your assignments, for your IO we recommend using any other form of literary texts, such as poetry. Although you can use a novel, we recommend “saving” your novels for paper 2s. 

Remember when you are choosing your extracts, you can only pick up to 40 lines, even though you may only choose to analyse less than that, make sure you choose them wisely. 

You want to be able to choose a text that you feel like you can succinctly analyse in approximately 3 minutes, and then connect it to a global issue with relevance. Once you have analysed your literary text, you can look for any major themes that arise and see if any similar themes or ideas are present in non-literary texts you have studied. 

Your two texts do not necessarily have to have the same opinion on your global issue, but should both contribute to the discourse surrounding said issue. 

How to write your speech

When writing the IO you want to structure it as follows; 

• Introduction ~ 1 minute ~ 150 words 
• Text 1 analysis ~ 4 minutes ~ 500 words 
• Text 2 analysis ~ 4 minutes ~ 500 words 
• Conclusion ~ 1 minute ~ 150 words 

This structure will allow you to evenly discuss all the topics necessary, however, what should you write in your speech to ensure that you get that 7?

When analysing your text you want to make sure you are doing three things: 

1. Identifying phrases and stylistic devices used 
2. Analysing their significance within the passage 
3. Connecting them to your global issue

Make sure you are explaining all of the examples in sufficient detail so that you are covering all of the potential questions your teacher may throw at you. 

Lastly, you need to discuss the body of work that the extract was taken from. Here you need to discuss both the significance of the whole text and the way it would relate to the global issue. Hence, you will have a nice transition to discuss the second text. 

Practicing your speech

Once you have written a speech, you need to write ten bullet points that you can refer to throughout your speech that will help you remember what to say. Make sure to dedicate most of the bullet points to the information in your text analysis. Furthermore, when writing your bullet points, include buzz words that will help you recall what you had previously written. 

Lastly, and we cannot emphasise this enough: practice, practice, practice! 

Practicing by yourself will help you stay within the time limits. However, you should also practice in front of other people and have them ask you questions related to what you have spoken about. This will help you to be more comfortable answering questions that you may not have felt prepared for. Everyone has a different style of asking questions, so try to practice in front of at least 5 different people. 

Conclusion 

Although the IO may seem like a daunting task, when broken down, you simply need to ensure you feel confident that you have covered all of the criteria of the assignment, and that you can present your speech effectively. Working towards this goal slowly and consistently will help you get your 7!
At Aegis Advisors, we specialize in guiding students through the intricate world of IB English. Contact us to start your tutoring journey today so that you can feel more secure going into your assignments!

The post How to prepare your IB English Language and Literature Internal Assessment appeared first on Aegis Advisors.

Have you been struggling with understanding how to go about preparing for your IB English Language and Literature exams ? 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Language A course is designed for students aged 16-19 to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and principles in English. For your Language A class, you have the opportunity to either take the Literature or Language and Literature courses. Language and Literature course offers a comprehensive coverage of both literary and non-literary mediums of text and allows you to understand both the context and the outcome of these texts. 

Today we will take a deeper dive into paper 2 and how you can go into your exam feeling more prepared.

Understanding your texts

In order to write a solid Paper 2, you need to choose texts that you have studied in class and make sure that you understand them thoroughly. Ideally, you want to prepare three texts for your paper 2. Although you only need two, preparing three means that whatever the question may be, you will have a text that will appropriately answer the question. 

When picking what texts to do for your paper 2, you want to choose texts that have a sufficient breadth of examples of literary devices and information/plot that will make them easier to compare. Although you do not necessarily have to pick two of the same text types, we would recommend that they are at least of similar lengths. For example, although you could compare a poem with a novel, you would be better off leaving your poetry analysis for your IO, and comparing that novel with a play. For more information on how to successfully compare texts for your IO, amongst other internal assessments, check out our insights on all things IB English Language and Literature IAs. 

To make sure you fully understand the texts, you want to make sure you have a good grasp on some key features: context, setting, plot, themes and stylistic devices. Having these prepared will mean that when you need to compare the texts, you will not struggle to find elements to directly compare. 

Understanding the question  

Although understanding your texts is a huge element in making sure you can successfully write a paper 2, making sure you can decode the question is perhaps the most essential step to your writing. Paper 2 questions will typically cover different elements of the texts such as context, themes or stylistic devices, and although you are free to choose any of the four questions, we would usually recommend sticking either to a context question or a theme question. These tend to be slightly easier in terms of looking at the texts as a whole, without having to refer to the actual specific wording within a text. 

Now that you have chosen your question, what you want to do is to circle the key terms that will need defining in the text. These key terms will be the drivers of your answer and what you will have to focus your writing on as a whole. For these, you will want to come up with your own definitions. 

For example, if the question is asking you about a “struggle” shown in your texts, what does struggle mean to you? Does it mean a physical altercation between two individuals, or a verbal conflict? Could it also mean an internal struggle between what is expected of a character and the way they act?

Identifying exactly what the definitions of the key terms in the question are will be key for you to successfully write a thorough analysis and show the examiner that you have understood what is expected of you. 

Answering the question 

Now that you know what books you are going to write about as well as how you are going to answer the question, it’s time to put those two things together. 

Make sure you jot down any information about the text that is relevant to the question. Think about any characters, plot lines, or stylistic devices that may be relevant to making sure you can answer the question. When you write these all down, you will be able to draw connections between the two texts, which will set the foundations for your plan moving forward. 

When drawing connections, you want to try and find two topics from the two texts. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the same exact theme, but that they cover the same general ideas. For example, if one text talks about existentialism and the meaning of life, but the other text talks about mourning life and the feeling of grief- although they are not talking explicitly about the same thing, they touch on the value of life and hence can be grouped together for comparison. 

Write

Now all you have left to do is write! Make sure when you write you remember your essay writing skills regarding PEE paragraphs, and that you not only consider the question, but include quotes and analyse what effect they may have on the reader. 

Unlike other assignments, prepping for your paper 2 takes a lot of work beforehand, so you want to make sure you go into the exam feeling confident and like you know your texts well. 
At Aegis Advisors, we specialize in guiding students through the intricate world of IB English. Contact us to start your tutoring journey today so that you can feel more secure going into your exams!

The post How to tackle an IB English Language and Literature Paper 2 appeared first on Aegis Advisors.

Have you been struggling to get that high 7 in your IB English Language and Literature class? 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Language course is designed for students aged 16-19 to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and principles in English. For your Language A class, you have the opportunity to either take the Literature or Language and Literature courses. Language and Literature course offers a comprehensive coverage of both literary and non-literary mediums of text and allows you to understand both the context and the outcome of these texts. 

Today we will take a deeper dive into paper 1 and how you can get a 7 on the exam. 

Structure of the Paper 1 

The IB English Paper 1 consists of writing a guided analysis of a text. If you are at standard level (SL), you will only need to write about one text, however if you are at higher level (HL), you will need to write two separate essays analyzing two different texts. 

Paper 1 will traditionally be examining your ability to analyse the “Language” element of the exam. Thus, the text types will be things such as: magazine articles, speeches, advertisements, brochures and many more. Typically, at least one of the elements will have a visual component such as a cartoon or a photo. 

For SL students you will have 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the task, whereas for HL students you will have 2 hours and 15 minutes to write your two essays. 

Now that we’ve looked at what the structure is, let’s take a deeper look into how to successfully achieve a 7 in your exam. For our Paper 1 we recommend a four pronged approach, involving separate layers of analysis. All of these together will help you write a stronger paper 1. 

What you see 

Although you may feel rushed for time, planning is a crucial part of your essay writing and it is essential that you give it a sufficient amount of time. 

In your first level of analysis you want to be looking for the immediate things to talk about. For example, if it’s an image or a photo, what is the use of colour? Is there text that is in bold? 

You want to look for things that might catch your eye and see how to move on from there. 

For the moment, try not to concentrate too much on what it may mean but rather just focus on identifying important features so you can try and formulate arguments and further analysis later on. 

Literary Devices

Next, you want to consider any possible literary devices and how they may connect to some of the initial things you saw. 

In this instance you may also want to consider other elements beyond the initial level of analysis. For example, what technique is the text using- is it imagery? symbolism? and so on… 

Once you have identified all of the different techniques, you can highlight them in the image or text, or make a list of all of them to the side. Placing them all together will allow you to see if there are any common themes that arise. 

Explain

Now that you have identified all of the techniques you want to talk about and began observing some common themes, let’s think about explaining the techniques. 

If we are thinking back to our point, evidence, explanation and link (PEEL) structure for paragraphs – a tried and tested method – this element would be to tackle the second “E”: explanation. This structure will be useful for all of your essay writing subjects, however it will be particularly useful in your IB English papers 1, 2 and IAs. For more information on how to structure your paragraphs for another assignment, check out our tips on how to write a paper 2 for IB English Language and Literature. 

For the explanation portion, try to identify what these techniques are doing and what their purpose is. For example, if the advertisement uses a lot of red, is that red being used to connote romance or anger? Or if the symbol of lightning is being alluded to or drawn, is that referring to energy or power? 

Once you write down these explanations next to your techniques you will be able to get a better sense of how to group your ideas thematically. Try to extract or underline any big or recurring ideas that you see. Finally you can group techniques/ common ideas together and come up with three general themes that will be used for your analysis. 

After you have finished this you are now on your way to writing. 

Write

For the main portion of the essay, you want to think about writing 3 paragraphs based around the themes you found in your planning stage. With this, remember to follow your tried and tested PEEL structure, you already have your P, E and most of your second E, so you’re only missing one last letter.

However, one thing you want to remember – this is where your fourth layer of analysis comes in – is what effect does it have on the reader? All too often students forget to move past the third layer of analysis, and only seem to consider what a technique might connote or attempt to show. Nevertheless, as a student you need to remember that all of the choices made by the author were intentional, so why would the author choose to do this for a specific audience? 

Let’s use one of our previous examples. Let’s say that a thunderbolt is being used in an advertisement for a new car. In our previous layers of analysis we were looking at the effects of devices and authorial choices in isolation. However, now you want to think about their effect in the context of both the text type and the audience. So although a thunderbolt may symbolise energy, in this context it may be used to portray power, which may appeal to an audience who wish to have a car that is not only extremely potent but that may also help assert their power and dominance in the social sphere. 

Connecting to a more in depth analysis will help push your paper 1 to a 7.

Don’t forget 

Lastly, although not the primary components, do not forget about your introduction and conclusion. 

In your introduction, make sure to talk about the context, purpose and include your thesis statement. A thesis statement should be a roadmap to what you will be talking about in your essay. 

Jumping straight to the end, your conclusion should wrap up all of the main ideas and topics you have covered. As a rule of thumb, include one sentence per paragraph which restates your findings. Remember to never include new information in your conclusion. 

Conclusion

Paper 1 can seem like a daunting task, but practicing this structure, and repeating it multiple times with different sources will give you the confidence needed to ace your exams in May.At Aegis Advisors, we specialize in guiding students through the intricate world of IB English, contact us to start your tutoring journey today!

The post How to write an IB English Language and Literature Paper 1 appeared first on Aegis Advisors.

Understanding IB Math AI Paper 2

IB Math AI Paper 2 assesses your ability to solve complex, multi-step problems using the full Applications and Interpretation syllabus, emphasizing practical applications in areas like statistics, modeling, and calculus. Here’s what you need to know about the exam:

• Standard Level (SL): 1 hour 30 minutes, ~80 points, 40% of your final grade.
• Higher Level (HL): 2 hours, ~110 points, 30% of your final grade.
• Structure: Extended-response questions (9 – 16 points each), often involving multiple parts. A graphing calculator is permitted, making it essential to master its functions.

To score a 7, you need to demonstrate deep understanding, precise calculator use, and clear communication of your mathematical reasoning. Below are expert tips to help you succeed.

Top Tips to Score a 7 on IB Math AI Paper 2

Master Your Graphing Calculator

Paper 2 relies heavily on your graphing calculator, so proficiency is non-negotiable. Familiarize yourself with key functions, such as graphing equations, solving systems of equations, finding derivatives, and performing statistical calculations. For example, use the calculator to verify intercepts or regression models quickly. Practice with your specific model (e.g., TI-84 or Casio fx-CG50) to avoid fumbling during the exam.

Break Down Extended-Response Questions

Paper 2 questions are multi-part and often complex, requiring you to connect multiple concepts. Read each question carefully, underlining key details like “to 2 decimal places” or “use your answer from part (a).” Break down the problem into manageable steps, and always show your working to earn method marks. For instance, in a modeling question, clearly state your assumptions, equations, and how you validate the model.

Practice with Past Papers and Realistic Scenarios

Past papers are your best tool for understanding Paper 2’s structure and question types. Focus on questions involving data analysis, optimization, or probability distributions, as these are common. Resources like Revision Village provide past papers with solutions, which can clarify complex problems. Practice under timed conditions (90 minutes for SL, 120 for HL) to simulate the exam environment.

Optimize Time Management

With longer, multi-part questions, time management is critical. During the 5-minute reading time, scan the paper and identify questions that align with your strengths, such as statistics or functions. Allocate roughly 1.5–2 minutes per mark (e.g., 13.5–18 minutes for a 9-mark question). If a question feels too time-consuming, mark it and move on, returning later if time allows.

A top tip of ours is to tackle high-mark questions first to secure significant points early, ensuring you don’t run out of time for complex problems.

Excel in Data Analysis and Modeling

Paper 2 frequently includes questions on statistical analysis or mathematical modeling, such as regression or probability distributions. Practice interpreting data from tables, graphs, or scenarios, and use your calculator to compute measures like correlation coefficients or chi-squared tests. For modeling, clearly state assumptions and validate your model with calculator outputs.

Modeling may also be useful in your other Math IA assessments

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Small errors can derail your score. Watch out for these mistakes:

• Calculator Errors: Double-check inputs, especially for statistical functions or integrals.
• Incomplete Answers: Address all parts of a multi-part question, even if unsure.
• Poor Presentation: Label graphs, axes, and equations clearly to avoid losing communication marks.

Our mock exams at Aegis Advisors help you identify and eliminate these errors before the real test.

Strengthen Conceptual Understanding

Paper 2 rewards deep understanding over rote memorization. Ensure you grasp core concepts like function behavior, statistical significance, or calculus applications. For example, understand why a quadratic model might fit a dataset better than a linear one. Regular practice with real-world applications will make these connections intuitive.

Aegis Advisors is Your Key to IB Math AI Success

Scoring a 7 on IB Math AI Paper 2 demands expert guidance and tailored preparation. At Aegis Advisors, our IB Math tutors in Hong Kong are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Don’t let Paper 2 stand in the way of your IB success. Sign up for tutoring lessons with Aegis Advisors today and get personalized support to secure a 7!

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