In one line: Context = the situation a text comes from — who made it, when, where, and why. It quietly changes what the words mean.
Picture the text “I'm fine.”
🙂 From a friend after a good day — it means they're happy.
😔 From a friend right after an argument — it might mean the opposite.
Same two words. The context flips them. That's why you always ask: who's saying this, and why?
Where do you find it?
- The source line you're given — the text's type, where it's from, the date. Read it first: it's free.
- Clues inside the text — names, places, slang, a mention of a phone that dates it.
The golden rule
- Use only context you're given or can see.
- Never invent it — ‘the writer probably had a hard life’ is a guess that wrecks your analysis.
So what?: The little source line above a Paper 1 text is a gift. It tells you the purpose and audience before you read a word — so use it.
Free preview
This is the free notes preview
You're reading the free notes. Aimnova Pro unlocks the full study experience — and you can try it free for 7 days:
- FlashcardsLock in vocabulary and key terms with spaced repetition.
- Practice questionsAnswer exam-style questions and get instant AI marking.
- Mock exams & past-paper vaultSit full mocks and see exactly how examiners award marks.
- Personalised study planA daily plan built around your exam date and weak areas.
Start your 7-day free trial Full access to Aimnova Pro · cancel anytime
Why it matters in the exam: Examiners reward students who use the source line to sharpen their reading — but only what's really there. You're analysing, not writing history.
IB-style questionAnalyse[4 marks]
How does the source change how you read this line? Source: a leaflet from a new dentist. Text: “Smiling should never hurt.”
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Watch out: Never invent context. ‘The writer clearly hated school’ — if the text doesn't say so, you can't know it, and it sends your answer off course.