IB English B is a two-year course, and a subject that falls within the Group 2: Language B category of the IB Diploma.
IB English B can be taken at High Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL).
At both levels of Language B (SL and HL), students learn to communicate in the target language in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. They describe situations, narrate events, make comparisons, explain problems, and state and support their personal opinions on a variety of topics relating to course content.
The study of two literary works originally written in the target language is required only at language B HL.
The distinction between language B SL and HL can also be seen in the level of competency the student is expected to develop in the receptive, productive and interactive skills described below.
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EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
These papers are completed during the exam period.
25% Paper 1 Written (75 minutes)
Students write a response of 250–400 words to one of the tasks, choosing a text type from among those listed in the examination instructions. This paper is marked out of 30 marks.
25% Paper 2 Listening Comprehension (45 minutes)
Students answer comprehension questions for three audio passagess. This paper is marked out of 25 marks.
25% Paper 2 Reading Comprehension (60 minutes)
Students answer comprehension questions for three written texts. This paper is marked out of 40 marks.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
25% Individual oral (30 minutes)
Students have 15 minutes to prepare notes based on a visual stimuls. They then have a 15 minute conversation based on this stimulus, and an additional theme from the syllabus. This assessment is marked out of 30 marks.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
These papers are completed during the exam period.
25% Paper 1 Written (90 minutes)
Students write a response of 450–600 words to one of the tasks, choosing a text type from among those listed in the examination instructions. This paper is marked out of 30 marks.
25% Paper 2 Listening Comprehension (60 minutes)
Students answer comprehension questions for three audio passagess. This paper is marked out of 25 marks.
25% Paper 2 Reading Comprehension (60 minutes)
Students answer comprehension questions for three written texts. This paper is marked out of 40 marks.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
25% Individual Oral (35 minutes)
Students have 20 minutes to prepare notes based on an extract from one of the literary works studied in class. They then have a 15 minute conversation based on this extract, and additional themes from the syllabus. This assessment is marked out of 30 marks.