Key Idea: HL Paper 1 lasts 2 hours 15 minutes for two separate analyses, each worth 20 marks. You split the time so both texts get a full plan, essay and conclusion.
| Stage | What you do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Choose | Read both texts and guiding questions; start with the easier one for you | ~5 min |
| Text 1 | Plan, write, check; switch at about 1h10 | ~65 min |
| Text 2 | Same split, with its own thesis and conclusion | ~65 min |
| Stage | What you do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Annotate, thesis, paragraph plan | ~15 min |
| Write | Introduction and body paragraphs (~12–13 min each) | ~45 min |
| Check | Conclusion and a quick check | ~5 min |
Write your switch time at the top of the page before you begin, and finish both texts.
When do you switch to Text 2? At about 1h10.
Text 2 is harder. Does it get less time? No. It gets its full 65 minutes: it is worth the same 20 marks.
How do you get into a hard text? Use its guiding question as the way in and aim for three well-analysed choices.
Which text do you start with? The one you grasp faster.