What is the PLANE Method? Track how a broader authorial choice develops through a whole work. Keep the same conceptual IDEA (Criterion A) throughout. Identify the broader choice, select its meaningful moments, deconstruct why the creator made those choices, and explain how each decision shapes our understanding of the IDEA (Criterion B). The 3-Step Technique deconstructs smaller choices such as a word, phrase or image. PLANE applies comparable analytical thinking to the significance of moments, patterns, relationships and developments across a work. You can still use smaller ACs when they genuinely illuminate a broader one.
IO: PLANE is useful for analysing the wider work; close analysis remains appropriate for the extract. HL Essay: PLANE can sustain an argument about choices across the text alongside detailed analysis of passages. Paper 2 Criterion B(i): uncompared whole-text PLANE analysis can earn marks; isolated quotations alone may show individual analysis but often do not establish understanding of construction across the work. Comparison is assessed separately under B(ii).
These are invented teaching texts, not extracts from published books. The first option uses the established classroom scenario for each method where available; some bands remain illustrative. The four alternatives are entirely different fictional texts generated for deliberate practice and may not satisfy every analytical distinction perfectly.
Original one-page PLANE Method guide
Open the original guide image alongside the interactive whole-text examples.
Choose a PLANE Method
Open any method below to explore its scaffold, five fictional texts, linked diagrams and Criterion B examples. Start with the 5/5 model, then compare the other levels.
Character Arc
A plotted progression of a character’s behaviour and decisions.
General scaffold — click to expand
Green · Broader ACPurple · IDEA (X)Orange · Deconstruction of momentsRed · Specific AC if usefulYellow · Effect on IDEA
Topic Sentence:
○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of XElaboration:
○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB)
Evidence: To show us X, (Insert Author's Name) constructs (Insert Key Character)'s character arc.Analysis: From the outset of the narrative, readers are introduced to a character that [insert EFFECT on Audience]. The initial responses to [insert specific reference], showcase (Insert Author's Name)'s distinct attitude to X. However, as the story progresses, (Insert Author's Name) guides (Insert Key Character) through a transformation. Moments such as Y and Z are marked by vivid [insert specific AC analysis] descriptions, signifying a [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Yet, to fully convey X, (Insert Author's Name) ensures that (Insert Key Character) experiences renewed shifts in behavior, particularly during 1*. This intentional fluctuation effectively emphasizes [specific element of X]. Crucially, it is only during the pivotal moment 2*, that (Insert Author's Name) concludes the character's evolution; the words spoken at this critical juncture become a [insert specific AC analysis], exposing (Insert Author's Name)'s belief in X.
Broader ACIDEA (X)Moment deconstructionSpecific ACEffect on IDEA
Choose an IDEA
Important — fictional teaching texts: Each IDEA loads a different invented text with its own characters, events, authorial construction and evidence. The graph, deconstructions and all five written examples change together. These are not quotations from a published work. The four alternative sets contain AI-generated examples which attempt to follow the PLANE Method calibration but may not meet it perfectly.
Selected authorial construction
Select a diagram element to highlight the related moment, deconstruction and written analysis. All fictional chapters, page positions and scenes are illustrative.
Moments and deconstructions
Criterion B — compare analytical quality
Foil / Supporting Characters
Relationships and contrasting responses that reveal an IDEA.
General scaffold — click to expand
Green · Broader ACPurple · IDEA (X)Orange · Deconstruction of momentsRed · Specific AC if usefulYellow · Effect on IDEA
Topic Sentence:
○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of XElaboration:
○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB)
Evidence: To show us X, both writers create similar/opposed relationships between their protagonists and foil or supporting characters.Analysis:
Importantly, Foil Character A (from Text 1) is positioned oppositional/concomitantly to [Foil Character X (from Text 2)] by the two creators. For instance, (Insert First Author's Name) use of [specific example] reveals [impact on protagonist], demonstrating their perspective on X. In contrast, [specific example from Text 2] showcases how (Insert Second Author's Name) uses [Foil Character X] to influence the protagonist through [specific effect].
Thus, through crafting these Foil Characters, both authors effectively communicate their distinct/aligned perspectives on X.
Broader ACIDEA (X)Moment deconstructionSpecific ACEffect on IDEA
Choose an IDEA
Important — fictional teaching texts: Each IDEA loads a different invented text with its own characters, events, authorial construction and evidence. The graph, deconstructions and all five written examples change together. These are not quotations from a published work. The four alternative sets contain AI-generated examples which attempt to follow the PLANE Method calibration but may not meet it perfectly.
Selected authorial construction
Select a diagram element to highlight the related moment, deconstruction and written analysis. All fictional chapters, page positions and scenes are illustrative.
Moments and deconstructions
Criterion B — compare analytical quality
Setting
Contrasts between spaces, their features and what those differences suggest.
General scaffold — click to expand
Green · Broader ACPurple · IDEA (X)Orange · Deconstruction of momentsRed · Specific AC if usefulYellow · Effect on IDEA
Topic Sentence:
○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of XElaboration:
○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB)
Evidence:
The author employs specific key settings in the text that symbolize the impact of X.Analysis:
The pervasive nature of Setting 1 establishes an atmosphere that mirrors X. In particular, the writer establishes the Setting as consisting of 3 key elements [insert specific elements]. Each of these reveals X because [insert EFFECT on Audience]. As the story progresses, the narrative shifts to Setting 2. This change is significant as it shows us X because [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Crucially, as the story reaches its conclusion, symbolism associated with different settings becomes more pronounced, particularly as Setting 3 is created; here, [insert specific AC analysis] is used to [EFFECTS on the Audience] which ultimately reveals X.
Broader ACIDEA (X)Moment deconstructionSpecific ACEffect on IDEA
Choose an IDEA
Important — fictional teaching texts: Each IDEA loads a different invented text with its own characters, events, authorial construction and evidence. The graph, deconstructions and all five written examples change together. These are not quotations from a published work. The four alternative sets contain AI-generated examples which attempt to follow the PLANE Method calibration but may not meet it perfectly.
Selected authorial construction
Select a diagram element to highlight the related moment, deconstruction and written analysis. All fictional chapters, page positions and scenes are illustrative.
Moments and deconstructions
Criterion B — compare analytical quality
Recurring Motifs
Repeated authorial choices whose connotations develop across the work.
General scaffold — click to expand
Green · Broader ACPurple · IDEA (X)Orange · Deconstruction of momentsRed · Specific AC if usefulYellow · Effect on IDEA
Topic Sentence:
○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of XElaboration:
○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB)
Evidence:
The author consistently uses recurring AC(s)/motif(s) throughout the text to explore the significance of X.Analysis:
The use of the recurring AC (1)/motif (1) establishes an approach that initially mirrors a critical perspective on X. In particular, (Insert Author's Name) first introduces the recurring AC (1)/motif (1) at the start of the text, particularly when [insert specific example]. By [insert deconstruction], (Insert Author's Name) reveals X as we [insert EFFECT on Audience]. As the narrative unfolds, there is a deliberate evolution of the recurring AC (1)/motif (1). This transformation becomes evident when [insert specific example]. This change is pivotal because [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Crucially, a new recurring AC (2)/motif (2) is also employed to show us X. Here, (Insert Author's Name)'s ability to [insert specific AC deconstruction] allows the audience to fully appreciate [insert EFFECT on Audience].
Broader ACIDEA (X)Moment deconstructionSpecific ACEffect on IDEA
Choose an IDEA
Important — fictional teaching texts: Each IDEA loads a different invented text with its own characters, events, authorial construction and evidence. The graph, deconstructions and all five written examples change together. These are not quotations from a published work. The four alternative sets contain AI-generated examples which attempt to follow the PLANE Method calibration but may not meet it perfectly.
Selected authorial construction
Select a diagram element to highlight the related moment, deconstruction and written analysis. All fictional chapters, page positions and scenes are illustrative.
Moments and deconstructions
Criterion B — compare analytical quality
Narrative Structure
Ordering, narrative duration, complications, climaxes and resolutions.
General scaffold — click to expand
Green · Broader ACPurple · IDEA (X)Orange · Deconstruction of momentsRed · Specific AC if usefulYellow · Effect on IDEA
Topic Sentence:
○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of XElaboration:
○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB)
Evidence:
To convey X, the author deliberately manipulates/crafts/orders the structure of their narrative.Analysis:
Right from the narrative's initiation, the author shapes the narrative structure using [insert new structural element 1], specifically in the opening scenes, to emphasize the profound impact of X, eliciting [insert EFFECT on Audience]. The initial responses to this experience, as portrayed through [insert specific reference], underscore the author's unique approach to (X).
In the next act/chapter/section, the author orchestrates a deliberate shift in the narrative structure. Instances such as Y and Z are strategically placed, and described using [insert specific AC analysis] descriptions, the connotations of which symbolize a [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Moreover, this deliberate structural shift, especially during 1*, introduce [insert new structural element 2] that effectively underscores [specific element of X].
Importantly, the author concludes the evolution of the narrative structure, introducing [insert new structural element 3] as the story reaches its climax. The words spoken at this critical juncture become a [insert specific AC analysis], revealing the author's conviction in the theme (X). Through this structuring of the narrative, the author establishes a representation of (X).
Broader ACIDEA (X)Moment deconstructionSpecific ACEffect on IDEA
Choose an IDEA
Important — fictional teaching texts: Each IDEA loads a different invented text with its own characters, events, authorial construction and evidence. The graph, deconstructions and all five written examples change together. These are not quotations from a published work. The four alternative sets contain AI-generated examples which attempt to follow the PLANE Method calibration but may not meet it perfectly.
Selected authorial construction
Select a diagram element to highlight the related moment, deconstruction and written analysis. All fictional chapters, page positions and scenes are illustrative.
Moments and deconstructions
Criterion B — compare analytical quality
Narrative Perspective
What the narrator reveals, withholds or allows the reader to reconsider.
General scaffold — click to expand
Green · Broader ACPurple · IDEA (X)Orange · Deconstruction of momentsRed · Specific AC if usefulYellow · Effect on IDEA
Topic Sentence:
○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of XElaboration:
○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB)
Evidence:
To convey X, the author deliberately manipulates/crafts/orders the narrative voice/perspective of their story.Analysis:
Right from the narrative's initiation, the author shapes the reader's experience by employing [insert narrative voice/perspective], specifically in the opening scenes, to emphasize the profound impact of X, eliciting [insert EFFECT on Audience]. The initial responses to this experience, as portrayed through [insert specific reference], underscore the author's unique approach to (X).
In the next act/chapter/section, the author orchestrates a deliberate shift in the narrative voice/perspective. Instances such as [insert specific examples] are strategically placed, and described using [insert specific AC analysis] descriptions, the connotations of which symbolize a [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Moreover, this deliberate shift in voice/perspective, especially during [insert specific moment], introduces [insert new element] that effectively underscores [specific element of X].
Importantly, the author concludes the evolution of the narrative voice/perspective, introducing [insert new narrative voice/perspective element] as the story reaches its climax. The words spoken at this critical juncture become a [insert specific AC analysis], revealing the author's conviction in the theme (X). Through this structuring, the author establishes a powerful representation of (X).
Broader ACIDEA (X)Moment deconstructionSpecific ACEffect on IDEA
Choose an IDEA
Important — fictional teaching texts: Each IDEA loads a different invented text with its own characters, events, authorial construction and evidence. The graph, deconstructions and all five written examples change together. These are not quotations from a published work. The four alternative sets contain AI-generated examples which attempt to follow the PLANE Method calibration but may not meet it perfectly.
Selected authorial construction
Select a diagram element to highlight the related moment, deconstruction and written analysis. All fictional chapters, page positions and scenes are illustrative.
Moments and deconstructions
Criterion B — compare analytical quality
Tone Shifts
How carefully defined tonal qualities change over the work.
General scaffold — click to expand
Green · Broader ACPurple · IDEA (X)Orange · Deconstruction of momentsRed · Specific AC if usefulYellow · Effect on IDEA
Topic Sentence:
○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of XElaboration:
○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB)
Evidence: To convey X, (Insert Author's Name) creates a/many distinct tonal quality(ies)Analysis: Notably, (Insert Author's Name) shapes Tone 1 by emphasizing [insert specific elements contributing to the tone]. Each of these elements reveals X because [insert EFFECT on Audience].
As their narratives progress, we see the impact of X through moments like Y and Z within Tone 2 to signify [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Interestingly, the use of [insert specific AC analysis] at Y and Z creates X. Later, the author further demonstrates [insert EFFECT on Audience] through this tone, particularly when focusing on Feature A in moment Z, which [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Thus, through the development of both tones, the representations of X is distinctly established.
Broader ACIDEA (X)Moment deconstructionSpecific ACEffect on IDEA
Choose an IDEA
Important — fictional teaching texts: Each IDEA loads a different invented text with its own characters, events, authorial construction and evidence. The graph, deconstructions and all five written examples change together. These are not quotations from a published work. The four alternative sets contain AI-generated examples which attempt to follow the PLANE Method calibration but may not meet it perfectly.
Selected authorial construction
Select a diagram element to highlight the related moment, deconstruction and written analysis. All fictional chapters, page positions and scenes are illustrative.
Moments and deconstructions
Criterion B — compare analytical quality
EXAMINER-INFORMED PRACTICE
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