M22 English LLSLHL advice after mocks

Here are some thoughts to consider after the IO mock exam experience:

-Your mock IO grade does not determine 45%(SL) or 25%(HL) of your IB Predicted Grade!
-Most understood the nature of the task, which was to explore all four elements in a balanced way, with a focus on your Global Issue
-Global Issues were generally well-defined. Don't use single words to define the Global Issue though
-Use the IB outline document; don't change it
-Extract lines need to be numbered and images captioned
-Use no more than 3 stills for a visual text
-I will collect PDFs next time instead of Google templates
-Don't make last minute changes and hand your documents in on time; you want to avoid unnecessary stress, as this makes it harder for me to focus on what you are saying
-Related to that, use the Global Issue and extracts in your document, submitted at least a week before the exam; changing this on the day creates confusion
-Extracts should never exceed 40 lines
-Some extracts were really short (15 lines). This was usually not advantageous
-Don't over-prepare; this creates a stilted and strange delivery and makes it harder to follow your arguments.
-Over-rehearsed orals lose marks (C & D)
-Leave room for spontaneity, which is more persuasive
-Making eye contact is up to the individual; I'm fine either way
-Use your outline
-Don't write whole sentences in your outline; reading out sentences will cost marks
-Practice without additional notes
-Practice with another person and time yourself
-Be kind to your listener; use transitions and markers to indicate changes and sections within your talk
-The aim is to get to 10 minutes. Speaking for a shorter or longer amount will cost significant marks in criterion C
-Listen to your mp3 recording, identify which slang or informal words and phrases you use, and practice speaking without them
-Refer to line numbers in your extracts
-Avoid basing your entire argument on a secondary source (Joni Mitchell "Little Green", for ex.). Make sure you can justify the reading using the text itself
-Use technical terms but make sure you are using them correctly
-Study the Literature Work and Language Body of Work well; know titles and specifics; remember there has to be a balance.
-Build on your strengths