Need help with IB English assessments?

Searching for International Baccalaureate (IB) English tuition in Singapore? Here, we speak with DIVYATA RAUT at Scholars by Scholarly, about how they provide support for IB English assessments and help with the common pitfalls, and what parents can realistically do to help. (You can also receive a free IB English Consultation and Study Plan from the team, if you get in touch before 31 October 2025 – see more details here.)

The IB English programme introduces a new set of acronyms – IA, IO, EE – and a demanding timeline that can leave even capable students feeling uncertain. Scholars by Scholarly works with both local and expat families, pairing students with mentors experienced in international curricula. Sessions are conducted one-to-one, focused on the student’s assigned texts and tasks. Mentors are trained not only in subject pedagogy but also in pacing, academic organisation, and confidence-building under pressure.

IB English in Singapore: What students and parents need to know

Can you define the Core IB English assessments?

• IA (Internal Assessment): This includes the Individual Oral (IO), which is a timed presentation followed by discussion, assessed internally and moderated externally by the IB.
• HL Essay (for Higher Level students): A 1,200-1,500-word analytical essay based on a single literary or non-literary work.
• Paper 1: An unseen textual analysis completed under exam conditions.
• Paper 2: A comparative essay on two studied works, written in response to a set question.
• EE (Extended Essay): Up to 4,000 words; a substantial and independent research project that complements classroom study.

Where do students usually struggle?

Difficulties tend to cluster around these three areas:

#1 Knowing the criteria but lacking the strategy to meet them. Grades only begin to rise once teaching and revising aligns directly with IB English assessment standards. Charting your work continually against the rubrics makes a huge difference.

#2 Generalised advice that does not correspond to the student’s writing style. Personalised one-to-one learning that engages directly with their drafts and deadlines produces faster progress. Guidance from a mentor who understands a student’s thought process and writing style leads to feedback that resonates – creating lasting improvement in how they think and write.

#3 Rising stress as deadlines approach. A strong mentor not only teaches analysis but also helps students manage focus and pacing. Clarity and strong writing emerge most naturally when students feel secure and supported in their learning process.

How does Scholars by Scholarly address these challenges?

Scholars was founded as an extension of the wider Scholarly platform, which has facilitated more than 10,000 connections between students and over 3,000 tutors. We recognised that some learners needed more than tutoring; they needed structured mentorship. Our Scholars programme provides that premium track: expert mentors for international curricula, tailored one-to-one lessons conducted online or at home, and educators trained in both academic and emotional resilience.

The focus is steady, sustainable progress, even in the face of deadline pressure.

What’s your one piece of advice for parents and students tackling IB English?

IB English rewards clear thinking, not overly ornate phrasing. Students who plan consistently and learn to articulate insight under time constraints perform best. Parents can help by maintaining structure at home and providing calm encouragement rather than last-minute correction.

Do you also work with younger students?

Yes. Beyond IB English, we offer MOE-aligned English lessons for Primary and Secondary students. Early mentoring establishes the analytical and writing foundations that later translate seamlessly into the IB framework of practical learning. We also teach IB PYP (Primary Years Programme) and MYP (Middle Years Programme) English – the international-school equivalents of primary and lower secondary.

Book a complimentary learning consultation

Families looking for an IB English tuition and personalised mentorship are invited to book a complimentary 60-minute Learning Consultation. The session is both diagnostic and strategic: mentors review your child’s current performance, outline a tailored learning plan and demonstrate how sessions work – enabling parents to make an informed decision for their child.

To learn more about IB English, visit scholars.sg and watch the introductory video below.

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