Introduction
IB English A is a core subject for many students, but confusion often arises when it comes to exam timing and paper structure, especially between English A Literature and English A Language & Literature.
In the May 2026 exam session, both courses are assessed across multiple papers, often scheduled early in the exam period — which makes planning essential.
Students commonly ask:
- When are IB English A exams in May 2026?
- Do Literature and Language & Literature exams happen at the same time?
- Which papers are the most demanding?
- How should revision be structured across different paper types?
This article explains the IB English A exam dates for May 2026, highlights the key differences between Literature and Language & Literature, and shows how students should plan revision effectively.
IB English A: Literature vs Language & Literature Overview
Although both courses fall under English A, they assess different skills.
English A Literature focuses on:
- Close analysis of literary texts
- Essay-based responses
- Detailed textual interpretation
English A Language & Literature focuses on:
- Analysis of both literary and non-literary texts
- Understanding of language, context, and audience
- Comparative and analytical writing
These differences affect how students should revise, but not how the exams are scheduled.
IB English A Exam Structure
English A Literature
The exam structure includes:
- Paper 1: Unseen literary text analysis
- Paper 2: Comparative essay on studied works
Both papers require strong analytical writing under time pressure.
English A Language & Literature
The exam structure includes:
- Paper 1: Analysis of unseen non-literary and literary texts
- Paper 2: Comparative essay on studied works
While Paper 2 is similar in format to Literature, Paper 1 tests a different set of analytical skills.
IB English A Exam Dates for May 2026
Paper 1 (HL & SL)
Paper 1 for both English A Literature and English A Language & Literature is typically scheduled during Week 2 of the May 2026 exam session.
Paper 1:
- Requires immediate focus and clarity
- Tests unseen analysis skills
Because it comes early, students must prepare before the exam period begins.
Paper 2 (HL & SL)
Paper 2:
- Requires comparative essay writing
- Tests depth of textual understanding
- Rewards structured argumentation
Students who delay revision of studied texts often struggle here.
Why English A Exams Feel Particularly Stressful
English A exams are demanding because they require:
- Sustained writing
- Clear argument structure
- Precise textual references
Fatigue affects writing quality quickly, which is why exam timing matters so much.
Common English A Scheduling Mistakes
Students often:
- Focus only on Paper 2 and ignore Paper 1
- Revise texts without practising unseen analysis
- Underestimate the pressure of early exams
- Overwrite instead of planning essays
These mistakes usually cost marks unnecessarily.
How to Plan IB English A Revision Around the Exam Dates
Strong English A revision should:
- Practise unseen analysis regularly
- Separate Paper 1 and Paper 2 skills clearly
- Build essay plans under timed conditions
- Reduce workload before long writing exams
English rewards clarity and structure, not rushed writing.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner for IB English A
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps English A students manage writing-heavy revision across multiple weeks.
Using the planner, you can:
- Schedule early preparation for Paper 1
- Balance English with other essay subjects
- Avoid overloading writing days
- Stay consistent through both papers
Instead of cramming essays, you plan sustainable progress.
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Good writing comes from calm preparation.
Why English A Performance Drops Under Pressure
Teachers often notice:
- Strong ideas
- Weak structure
- Rushed conclusions
This usually happens because students are mentally exhausted, not because they lack understanding.
Planning preserves clarity.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If you want to perform well in IB English A in May 2026:
- Know when each paper happens
- Practise unseen analysis early
- Protect energy for long writing exams
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to build an English A revision plan that matches the IB timetable:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Strong writing starts with strong planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are English A Literature and Language & Literature exams on the same days?
Yes. Both courses are scheduled at the same times for fairness, though the paper content differs.
Which English A paper is harder?
This depends on the student. Many find Paper 1 harder due to unseen analysis, while others struggle more with comparative essays in Paper 2.
Is IB English A mostly memorisation?
No. While knowledge of texts matters, exam success depends heavily on analysis, structure, and clarity of expression.
When should I start revising IB English A for May 2026?
Ideally 8–10 weeks before exams, with regular practice of unseen analysis and essay planning.
Does fatigue affect English exams more than other subjects?
Yes. Writing quality drops quickly when students are tired, which makes pacing and planning essential.
