In this course, students study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in a variety of media. By examining communicative acts across literary form and textual type alongside appropriate secondary readings, students will investigate the nature of language itself and the ways in which it shapes and is influenced by identity and culture. Approaches to study in the course are meant to be wide ranging and can include literary theory, sociolinguistics, media studies and critical discourse analysis among others. 

For English A, Speak to Ms Martin

For Thai A, speak to K Ya

Readers, writers and texts 

Non-literary texts are chosen from a variety of sources and media to represent as wide a range of text types as possible, and literary works are chosen from a variety of literary forms. The study of the non-literary texts and literary works focuses on the nature of language and communication and the nature of literature and its study. This study includes the investigation of how texts themselves operate as well as the contexts and complexities of production and reception. Focus is on the development of personal and critical responses to the particulars of communication. 

Time and space 

Non-literary texts and literary works are chosen from a variety of sources, literary forms and media that reflect a range of historical and/or cultural perspectives. Their study focuses on the contexts of language use and the variety of ways literary and non-literary texts might both reflect and shape society at large. The focus is on the consideration of personal and cultural perspectives, the development of broader perspectives, and an awareness of the ways in which context is tied to meaning. 

Intertextuality: connecting texts 

Non-literary texts and literary works are chosen from a variety of sources, literary forms and media in a way that allows students an opportunity to extend their study and make fruitful comparisons. Their study focuses on intertextual relationships with possibilities to explore various topics, thematic concerns, generic conventions, modes or literary traditions that have been introduced throughout the course. The focus is on the development of critical response grounded in an understanding of the complex relationships among texts. 

External assessment (3 hours) SL

Standard Level: 3 hours, 70%

Paper 1: 1 hour 15 minutes, 35%. Guided textual analysis. The paper consists of two non-literary passages, from two different text types, each accompanied by a question. Students choose one passage and write an analysis of it. (20 marks) 

Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, 35%. Comparative essay. The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question students write a comparative essay based on two literary works studied in the course. (30 marks) 

Higher Level: 4 hours, 80%

Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes, 35% Guided textual analysis. The paper consists of two non-literary passages, from two different text types, each accompanied by a question. Students write an analysis of each of the passages. (40 marks)

Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, 25% Comparative essay.  The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question students write a comparative essay based on two literary works studied in the course. (30 marks) 

HL essay: 20% Students submit an essay on one non-literary body of work, or a literary work studied during the course. The essay must be 1,200-1,500 words in length. (20 marks) 

Internal assessment 

Individual oral (15 minutes). 

Standard Level: 30%

Higher Level: 20%

Supported by an extract from one non-literary body of work and one from a literary work, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of questions by the teacher, to the following prompt: Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the content and form of one of the works and one of the bodies of work that you have studied. (40 marks) 

This course is an interdisciplinary synthesis of language A and theatre. It incorporates essential elements of literature and performance and aims to explore the dynamic relationship between the two. 

At the heart of the course is this interaction between (i) a conventional literary emphasis on close reading, critical writing and discussion and (ii) the practical, aesthetic and symbolic elements of performance. 

A distinctive outcome of this “marriage” is the performance of a piece transformed from poetry or prose. In this exciting, creative process text is viewed from different angles in a way that goes beyond what is characteristic of either literary or theatre studies as single disciplines. 

The course as a whole examines literary and dramatic texts and seeks to develop intellect, imagination and creativity. It encourages intercultural awareness through a study of texts from more than one culture. 

Speak to Ms. Martin, Miss Singh or Mr. Ken

Part 1: Critical study of texts

A range of literary texts are studied.  Students develop the skills to identify meaning and make viable interpretations. Students analyse the effect of literary features.  Students write and speak appropriately about literature. 

Part 2: Exploration of the chosen approach to the text 

Texts are explored in terms of their performance potential. Students generate ideas for the transformation of prose and poetry texts into dramatic form. Students speak and write appropriately about their ideas. 

Part 3: Realization of texts in performance 

Students develop the skills to prepare their own pieces for performance, and to perform scripted drama.  Students perform to an audience. Students analyse and evaluate performance through appropriate speech and writing. 

External assessment 60% 

Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes, 35%, Comparative essay. The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question, students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. (30 marks) 

Written coursework: 25% In a written report of no more than 2,000 words, students critically examine significant moments from a scene within a play text. They analyse how the dramatic features of the text were staged through their own individual performance choices. 

The written coursework must be no more than 2,000 words in length. 

Internal assessment 40%

The internal assessment component consists of two compulsory parts: a. Students present one performance during the course. This must be a transformation based on a non-dramatic text studied in class. b. Students then complete an individual oral in which they discuss the process of transformation of the original text into performance. Both parts are assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course. 

The School Support Self Taught (SSST) option follows the requirements of the IB English A Literature course, but in a language not offered by the school. 

Where English or Thai is not the main language spoken by a student, SSST is the best option for Group 1.

Please note, students are required to have a suitable tutor for this subject. This tutor is likely to be external to the school and any payments for their services will be covered by the family.

While time is provided in the timetable for this subject, students will work largely independently to complete this course. Support will come primarily from their tutor, and their progress will be monitored by the IB Coordinator.

Students will focus exclusively on literary texts, adopting a variety of approaches to textual criticism. Students explore the nature of literature, the aesthetic function of literary language and textuality, and the relationship between literature and the world. 

Speak to Mrs. Brown

Students will study a total of 9 literature texts. 

At least four of the texts will be originally written in the target language. At least three of the texts must be works in translation.

The syllabus is divided into three topics, and at least two texts must connect to each of the following topics:

Readers, writers, texts:

This area of exploration looks at the ways in which literary texts are produced, read, interpreted, responded to and performed, and explores the role of literature. In it, students will be developing the skills and approaches required to engage with how meaning is created in texts. Students will be attentive to the words on the page, the literal meaning of words, the type of literary work being read, the themes, characters, setting, word choice and stylistic features.

Time and Space

This area of exploration considers how a literary text interacts with the context in which it is produced and received. In it, students will be developing skills and approaches required to explore how texts are affected by a wide variety of factors such as the life of the author, the times the author lived in, and the way the context of reception and the work impact each other. Students will look at how the works they are reading represent, reflect and become part of life and culture.

Intertextuality: connecting texts

This area of exploration focuses on the connections between and among diverse literary texts, traditions, creators and ideas. In it, students will develop skills and approaches required to compare and contrast texts in order to a gain deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of texts and the  interesting connections between them. Students will look at how texts affect each other, and at the wide range of ways texts can be connected and grouped.

External Assessment (3 hours)

Paper 1: guided literary analysis (1 hour 15 minutes)

The paper consists of two passages, from two different literary forms, each accompanied by a question. Students will be asked to choose one of the passages and write an analysis of it focusing on the technical or formal aspect the question proposes or another similar aspect of the student’s choice. (20 marks)

Paper 2: comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one of those questions, students will be asked to write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. (30 marks)

Individual oral (15 minutes)

This component consists of a prepared individual oral. Students will be asked to discuss two of the works studied in relation to a global issue present in both of them. The delivery of the oral must not take more than 15 minutes. (40 marks)