Key Idea: SL Paper 1 lasts 1 hour 15 minutes for one guided analysis. Decide your time split before you start, so you always reach a conclusion.
| Stage | What you do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Read twice, annotate, thesis and paragraph plan | ~15 min |
| Write | Introduction (~10 min) and 3 body paragraphs (~15 min each) | ~55 min |
| Finish | Conclusion and a short check | ~5 min |
Keeping to time
- Watch the clock while you write.
- Pace the body paragraphs evenly.
- Protect the final 5 minutes.
The plan is short, the writing is long, and the finish is never skipped.
Which stage takes the most time? Writing: about 55 minutes.
What is the biggest time mistake? Overrunning early and leaving no time for a conclusion.
About how long does each body paragraph get? About 15 minutes.
What happens in the final 5 minutes? Writing the conclusion, then checking.