A Language B Extended Essay explores an issue related to the culture, language, or society of the target language. It must be grounded in analysis of how meaning is communicated through language in context, not just description of a topic.
The Extended Essay must be written entirely in the target language.
French B → essay in French
Spanish B → essay in Spanish
German B → essay in German
Failure to write in the target language will result in the essay not meeting subject requirements.
is written entirely in the target language
investigates a cultural, linguistic, social, or media-based issue
uses a range of relevant sources, primarily in the target language
focuses on how meaning is constructed through language in context
demonstrates intercultural understanding
analyses language, representation, and cultural perspectives
It is not a literary essay.
It is also not a personal opinion piece or a simple description of culture.
The essay must remain analytical, based on clear evidence from target language sources.
The focus of the essay must be on:
how language is used
how meaning is constructed
how communication works in context
NOT just:
what the issue is
or what is happening in society
A strong topic:
focuses on a cultural or social phenomenon related to the target language
is narrow enough for depth
allows for interpretation and analysis
uses authentic sources produced for native audiences
explores how meaning is constructed in texts, media, film, language use, or behaviour
representation of identity in media
analysis of how a social issue is represented through target language texts
discourse analysis of public speeches, advertisements, or online content
cultural significance of a film, song, movement, or public figure
linguistic features of youth slang or social media communication
describing a cultural practice (for example food, festivals, tourism)
relying on English sources
offering personal impressions of culture
translating English sources into the target language
writing a literary analysis (this is Language A territory)
This is the area where students make the most mistakes, so clarity here is essential.
You must use sources in the target language wherever possible.
These can include:
articles, blogs, magazines
interviews, speeches, podcasts
films, television programmes, advertisements
public statements, policy documents, websites
survey responses in the target language
Your evidence must be drawn directly from these sources.
English sources (unless used sparingly for support only)
translated articles
English summaries of cultural issues
personal experiences or anecdotal evidence
anything written for language learners rather than native speakers
Your methods will depend on your topic.
Common and appropriate approaches include:
textual analysis
discourse analysis
media or film analysis
cultural comparison
qualitative data (for example surveys or interviews conducted in the target language)
analysis of representation or identity
Methods must be relevant to language, culture, and communication, not literary criticism.
A strong Language B argument:
analyses meaning within cultural context
interprets how language, image, or representation constructs that meaning
explores cultural perspectives and values
links evidence directly to the research question
moves beyond description to explanation and interpretation
The essay should clearly demonstrate how language, audience, and culture interact.
Your analysis should:
examine how language and visuals communicate meaning
interpret choices made by creators or speakers
consider different cultural perspectives
explore patterns, contrasts, or shifts in representation
identify bias, tone, or ideology where relevant
This is the type of analysis IB examiners expect in Language B.
Avoid these frequent errors:
relying on English sources or translations
describing culture without analysing it
choosing a topic that is too broad or generic
writing a personal reflection rather than an investigation
producing an opinion piece with minimal evidence
analysing a literary text as if it were Language A
using only one or two simple sources
choosing topics unrelated to the target language community
These issues consistently limit marks in subject reports.
These demonstrate the type of focus and direction that fit Language B.
In what ways does French news media represent environmental activism among young adults?
How does the film Roma portray class and identity in contemporary Mexican society?
How do Japanese advertisements construct ideals of femininity in urban youth culture?
In what ways has Spanish social media discourse shaped attitudes towards sustainable tourism in Barcelona?
How is national identity constructed through public speeches during political campaigns in Germany?
Each of these is specific, culturally anchored, and answerable through target language sources.