Language Acquisition

Language B: Language Acquisition

Language B: English, Swedish, French, Spanish

Content and Methodology

Students develop the ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes and texts. In doing so, they also develop conceptual understandings of how language works. Communication is evidenced through receptive, productive and interactive skills across a range of contexts and purposes that are appropriate to the level of the course. 

The study of language requires careful attention to forms, structures, functions and conceptual understandings of language. Knowledge of vocabulary and grammar—the what of language—is reinforced and extended by understanding the why and how of language: audience, context, purpose, meaning. Students expand the range of their communication skills by understanding and producing a wide variety of oral and written texts for audiences, contexts and purposes associated with academic and personal interests. For the development of receptive skills, language B students must study authentic texts that explore the culture(s) of the target language. In addition, the study of two literary works is required at HL. 

A key aim of the language B course is to develop international mindedness through the study of language, culture, and ideas and issues of global significance. Explicit links to TOK strengthen the ability to communicate in the target language by increasing students’ self-awareness as inquirers in their own language learning process. As appropriate to the level of the course, communication skills are reinforced through the other categories of approaches to learning skills: thinking, research, social and self-management skills.

Distinction between SL and HL

HL students have a requirement to study two literary works written in the original target language. In addition, HL students are expected to develop a higher level of competency in receptive, productive and interactive skills (see subject guide for further details). 

Please note: English B is only offered at HL.

Assessment

HL: Internal Assessment: A conversation with the teacher, based on an extract from one of the literary works studied in class, followed by a discussion based on one or more of the themes from the syllabus. (25%)

Paper 1: 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 (25%)

Paper 2: Listening comprehension (25%) and reading comprehension (25%). Comprehension exercises on three audio passages and three written texts. 

Prior Knowledge

Many factors determine the group 2 course that a student should take: the student’s best language, the language(s) spoken at home and at school, and any previous knowledge of the language of study.

Group 2 – Language ab initio - Swedish

Content and Methodology

Swedish ab initio is a language acquisition course designed for students with no prior experience of the target language, or for those students with very limited previous exposure. It should be noted that Swedish ab initio is offered at SL only. 

In the Swedish ab initio course, students develop the ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes and texts. In doing so, they also develop conceptual understandings of how language works. Communication is evidenced through receptive, productive and interactive skills across a range of contexts and purposes that are appropriate to the level of the course. 

The study of language requires careful attention to forms, structures, functions and conceptual understandings of language. Knowledge of vocabulary and grammar—the what of language—is reinforced and extended by understanding the why and how of language: audience, context, purpose, meaning. Students expand the range of their communication skills by understanding and producing a wide variety of oral and written texts for audiences, contexts and purposes associated with academic and personal interests. For the development of receptive skills, Swedish ab initio students must study authentic texts that explore the Swedish culture. 

A key aim of the Swedish ab initio course is to develop international mindedness through the study of language, culture, and ideas and issues of global significance. Explicit links to TOK strengthen the ability to communicate in the target language by increasing students’ self-awareness as inquirers in their own language learning process. As appropriate to the level of the course, communication skills are reinforced through the other categories of approaches to learning skills: thinking, research, social and self-management skills.

Distinction between SL and HL

Swedish ab initio is offered at SL only.

Assessment

Individual oral assessment: A conversation with the teacher, based on a visual stimulus and at least one additional course theme. (25%)

Paper 1: Two written tasks of 70–150 words each from a choice of three tasks, choosing a text type for each task from among those listed in the examination instructions. (25%)

Paper 2: Listening comprehension (25%) and reading comprehension (25%). Comprehension exercises on three audio passages and three written texts.

Prior Knowledge

Swedish ab initio is a language acquisition course designed for students with no prior experience of the target language, or for those students with very limited previous exposure.