Language Acquisition

Group 2 – Language B: English, Swedish, French, Spanish

Content and Methodology

Language B is an additional language-learning course designed for students with some previous learning of that language. It may be studied at either SL or HL. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development of language skills. These language skills should be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts, and should be related to the culture(s) concerned. The material should be chosen to enable students to develop mastery of language skills and intercultural understanding. It should not be intended solely for the study of specific subject matter or content.

The language B syllabus approaches the learning of language through meaning. Through the study of the core and two of the five options at SL and HL, plus two literary works at HL, students build the necessary skills to reach the assessment objectives of the language B course through the expansion of their receptive, productive and interactive skills.

The core – Communication and media, Global issues and Social relationships

The options - Cultural diversity, Customs and traditions, Health, Leisure or Science and technology

Distinction between SL and HL

SL and HL students are taught as one group. The differences between levels are determined by the assessment objectives, the depth and breadth of syllabus coverage, the assessment details, the assessment criteria, the study of two works of literature at HL and suggested teaching hours. The focus of the SL Written Assignment is based on inter-textual reading based on the course’s core, the HL Written Assignment is based on one of the works of literature.

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: Spanish

Content and Methodology

The language ab initio course is organized into three themes.

• Individual and society
• Leisure and work
• Urban and rural environment

Each theme has a list of topics that provide the students with opportunities to practise and explore the language as well as to develop intercultural understanding. Through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills, students should be able to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situation.

The language ab initio course has intercultural understanding at its heart to demonstrate both its importance and its interrelatedness within the areas of language, texts and themes. Intercultural understanding is defined as an ability to demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity and/or similarity between the target culture(s) and the student’s own. The student develops a greater awareness of his or her own culture(s) through learning about another. Intercultural understanding provides both the link between the three areas of the course and the lens through which they should be addressed.

Distinction between SL and HL

Language ab initio is available at SL only.

Prior Knowledge

The language ab initio course is designed for students with little or no prior experience of the language they wish to study.