HLE introduction

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4,5

Higher Level Essay

Introduction

Higher Level Essay

The Higher Level Essay is a 1200-1500 word essay completed internally but externally assessed by an IB examiner. It is a processed piece of writing that is completed over time and with guidance from the teacher. It is the only opportunity for Higher Level students to write an essay not under exam conditions, and as the title suggests, this is for HL Lit or Lang Lit students only.

Higher Level Essay

•  This essay is 20% of your overall grade. You will choose the topic on which you want to write in relation to any of the works you have studied and go through a planning and drafting process.   
• This assessment component is an opportunity for you to explore a topic in which you have an interest
  
• It allows you to develop understanding of the planning, drafting and re-drafting stages in consultation with your  teacher. These are skills needed for future academic study.  

 

Higher Level Essay

You may write about a non-literary text or texts studied as part of this course. Alternatively, you may write about a literary work studied as part of this course. You may select any texts or works already studied as part of the course, but texts and works used for the internal assessment (individual oral) or paper 2 are not acceptable choices. 

No double dipping ! 

Higher Level Essay

If you decide to focus on non-literary texts, and consult a number of texts, it is important that these texts are of the same text type, and that the texts are the work of one writer or producer. Also, at least one of the texts must have been studied in class as part of the course. You may base your essay on texts or works in translation. These should be professional translations. 

Higher Level Essay recap

• The HLE is a 1200-1500 word formal, academic essay.
  
• The HLE is a processed essay and will take time to develop.
  
• The HLE is based on a literary or non-literary texts(s) studied in the course.
  
• You select their own topic, title, line of inquiry and thesis although your teacher is there to guide and support you. 
• You cannot base your essay on any work or text that was used for the Individual Oral or that will be used for Paper 2.
  
• It is not a requirement to use or consult secondary sources, but you may. 
  

Orientation 

1. Make use of your Learner Portfolio. start by going back through your portfolio and explore potential topics, asking your teacher for advice.
2. Spend time thinking carefully about the topic
3. Pay careful attention to the process of planning, drafting and re-drafting. Make sure you plan carefully and in detail. The more time you spend on the planning stages, the more likely it is that you will produce a successful piece of work.

 

  

A good line of inquiry should...

• Preferably revolve around any of the seven concepts: 
  
• communication, creativity, culture, identity, perspective, representation, perspective. 
  
• Study central topics/themes/ideas/global issues from your text
  
• Study literary techniques or relevant stylistic devices
  
• Consider audience
  
• Consider purpose
  
• Be based on work studied in class (primary source), although not limited to the texts studied in class. Other texts and producers are allowed and even encouraged.
  

Menu of literary texts studied (I think) 

Emily Dickinson Selected Poems (Readers, Writers, Texts)	Perfume by Patrick Süskind	Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brönte (Gender, social class)	Hamlet by William Shakespeare
The Things They Carried by Tim O’brien (Readers, Writers Text)	Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Menu of non-literary text types studied (I think) 

Photography (visual texts/photographs)	political cartoons/ comic strips	Sexualised Ad Campaigns (gender in Advertising)	Newspaper Articles
Podcasts or Vlogs	Documentary Films ( Full metal Jacket)

Step 1 choose your text(s)

• What is one text from the course that you have enjoyed (or even loved)? 
  
• Which literary and non-literary text did you use for the individual Oral? 
  
• Which three literary texts will you hold back for paper 2 comparative essay? 
  

Step 2 brainstorm two areas 

Ideas, topics and Global issues	in my chosen text
Technical/Literary aspects	in my chosen text

In order to construct a strong line of inquiry, you will need both techniques and/or literary aspects and a significant idea or topicc or theme. 

Share your initial choice of text(s), possible ideas/topics and technical or literary techniques.

Constructing your line of inquiry 

Develop initially a number of lines of inquiry. These must include the following elements:

Question word 

Author 

Text 

Genre/text type

Literary/Linguistic technique

Insightful idea 

Precise context 

The line of inquiry is the question you will answer in your essay. When you flip it and answer it, that is your thesis statement. 

Constructing your line of inquiry 

How does Charlotte Brönte utilize Ghotic and Romantic literature in her novel Jane Eyre to explore the struggle for identity and autonomy, particularly for women, within the rigid social and gender norms of Victorian England?

Now take 15 minutes to construct at least one, possibly more lines of inquiry.

Post your initial line of inquiry

Introduction HLE 

1. A creative hook that introduces the topic

2. Definition of terms (preferably with sources)

3. Context and historical background

4. The line of inquiry with the literary aspect and an insightful idea.

Conclusion  HLE 

1. Restatement of the thesis or argument. 

2. Synthesis of the paper without rehashing the main ideas. AVOID summarizing main ideas.

3. Extension beyond the texts to a wider context. Answer the question, “So What?” End with a flourish!

Formatting - hand-in February 7th in Teams before 15:00