IB Group 1 Language A Language and Literature, Intertextuality, Connecting Texts Across Different Forms of Media and Literature

What This Is and Why It Matters for IB

Intertextuality is the connection between different texts across various forms of media and literature. It appears in English Language and Literature (Paper 1, Section 2: Textual Analysis) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) as a way to explore how texts interact and influence each other. Students often get it wrong by failing to identify the relationships between texts, leading to lost marks and a misunderstanding of the concept. Failing to recognize intertextuality can result in a lack of depth in analysis and a failure to meet the assessment criteria.

Where It Appears in the IB Syllabus

English Language and Literature, Paper 1, Section 2: Textual Analysis; Theory of Knowledge, Ways of Knowing, Knowledge Questions.

Key Command Terms

• Analyze: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Compare and Contrast: Identify similarities and differences between texts to understand their connections.
• Discuss: Explore the relationships between texts and their implications.

Step-by-Step Understanding

1. Identify the texts: Recognize the different forms of media and literature that will be analyzed.
2. Analyze the texts: Break down each text into smaller parts to understand its structure, language, and themes.
3. Identify relationships: Look for connections between the texts, such as shared themes, motifs, or literary devices.
4. Compare and contrast: Analyze the similarities and differences between the texts to understand their relationships.
5. Discuss the implications: Explore the implications of the relationships between the texts, such as their impact on the reader or the cultural context.

Avoid assuming a single, fixed meaning of a text; instead, consider multiple interpretations and their implications.

Assessment Criteria Connection

Real Student Mistakes

Example 1

A student analyzed a poem and a short story, but failed to identify any connections between them. As a result, their analysis was shallow and lacked depth.

Example 2

A student compared and contrasted two texts, but failed to consider the implications of their relationships. As a result, their discussion was lacking in insight and understanding.

Exam Technique (Paper-specific)

• Timing allocation: Allocate 30 minutes for the textual analysis section of Paper 1.
• How to structure a response: Use an essay outline to organize your thoughts and ensure a clear structure.
• Linking to command terms: Use the command terms to guide your analysis and discussion.
• Common time traps: Avoid getting bogged down in too much detail and focus on the key relationships between the texts.

Internal Assessment / Extended Essay Relevance

Intertextuality can be applied in the Internal Assessment by analyzing the relationships between multiple texts and exploring their implications for the reader or cultural context. In the Extended Essay, intertextuality can be used to explore the relationships between multiple texts and their implications for knowledge and understanding.

TOK Connections (if applicable)

Intertextuality is connected to the Way of Knowing of Empricism, as it involves analyzing and interpreting texts to understand their relationships and implications. A sample TOK discussion question could be: "How do the relationships between texts influence our understanding of knowledge and reality?"

Quick Check (Self-Assessment Questions)

1. What are the key steps in analyzing intertextuality?
   • Identify the texts
   • Analyze the texts
   • Identify relationships
   • Compare and contrast
   • Discuss the implications
2. What are the implications of intertextuality for knowledge and understanding?
   • It influences our understanding of reality
   • It challenges our assumptions about knowledge
   • It helps us to identify patterns and connections
3. How can intertextuality be applied in the Internal Assessment?
   • By analyzing the relationships between multiple texts
   • By exploring the implications of the relationships for the reader or cultural context

Revision Card (60-Second Summary)

• Intertextuality: The connection between different texts across various forms of media and literature.
• Analyzing texts: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Comparing and contrasting: Identify similarities and differences between texts to understand their connections.
• Discussing implications: Explore the implications of the relationships between texts.
• Internal Assessment: Apply intertextuality to analyze the relationships between multiple texts.
• Extended Essay: Use intertextuality to explore the relationships between multiple texts and their implications for knowledge and understanding.
• TOK: Connects to the Way of Knowing of Empricism, involving analyzing and interpreting texts to understand their relationships and implications.

If You Get Stuck

• Review the syllabus: Check the specific requirements for the assessment component.
• Ask your teacher: Clarify any doubts or questions you have about intertextuality.
• Consult online resources: Use reputable sources to supplement your understanding of intertextuality.

Related IB Topics

• Literary Devices: Analyze the use of literary devices in texts to understand their relationships and implications.
• Cultural Context: Explore the cultural context of texts to understand their relationships and implications.
• Knowledge Questions: Use intertextuality to explore the relationships between texts and their implications for knowledge and understanding.-Verify current with your IB subject guide.