Language B SL/HL

The Language B programme is a foreign language-learning programme designed for study at both Higher and Standard Levels by students with previous experience of learning the language (3 to 5 years).

Five prescribed themes are common to the syllabuses of language ab initio and language B; the themes provide relevant contexts for study at all levels of language acquisition in the DP, and opportunities for students to communicate about matters of personal, local or national, and global interest.

Language B is a language acquisition course designed for students with some previous experience of the target language. Students further develop their ability to communicate through the study of language, themes and texts. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet.

Both language B SL and HL students learn to communicate in the target language in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. The distinction between language B SL and HL can be seen in the level of competency the student is expected to develop in receptive, productive and interactive skills.

At HL the study of two literary works originally written in the target language is required and students are expected to extend the range and complexity of the language they use and understand in order to communicate. Students continue to develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their conceptual understanding of how language works, in order to construct, analyse and evaluate arguments on a variety of topics relating to course content and the target language culture(s).

lang-b-2018-en.pdf

Subject Brief - Language B SL/HL

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Common Themes

Identities

Lifestyles, Health and well-being, Beliefs and values, Subcultures, Language and identity

Experiences

Leisure activities, Holidays and travel, Life stories, Rites of passage, Customs and traditions, Migration

Human ingenuity

Entertainment, Artistic expressions, Communication and media, Technology, Scientific innovation

Social organization

Social relationships, Community, Social engagement, Education, The working world, Law and order

Sharing the planet

The environment, Human rights, Peace and conflict, Equality, Globalization, Ethics, Urban and rural environment

Assessment

Language B Standard Level

Paper 1 - 25%

Productive skills—writing (1 hour 15 minutes) (30 marks)

One writing task of 250–400 words from a choice of three, each from a different theme, choosing a text type from among those listed in the examination instructions.

Paper 2 - 50%

Receptive skills—listening and reading (65 marks)

Listening comprehension (45 minutes) (25 marks)

Reading comprehension (1 hour) (40 marks)

Comprehension exercises on three audio passages and three written texts, drawn from all five themes.

Internal assessment - 25%

Individual oral assessment (30 marks)

A conversation with the teacher, based on a visual stimulus, followed by discussion based on an additional theme.

Language B Higher Level

Paper 1 - 25%

Productive skills—writing (1 hour 30 minutes) (30 marks)

One writing task of 450–600 words from a choice of three, each from a different theme, choosing a text type from among those listed in the examination instructions.