Paper 1 IB Language B

Paper 1: Productive Skills - Writing

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Weighting: 25% 

Paper 1 is based on the five themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, sharing the planet. 

This examination is externally set and externally assessed. It consists of a choice from three tasks with a variety of audiences, contexts and purposes. Each task is based on a different theme from the syllabus. 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. 

Although the general format of paper 1 at HL resembles that of paper 1 at SL, it must be stressed that the nature of the tasks set will require more complex language and structures, as well as demanding higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis and interpretation. The higher word range has been provided in order to accommodate the more complex responses required at this level. 

The aim of this component is to assess the ability to communicate in writing for a variety of purposes. In order to fulfill the requirements of this assessment component, students need to show, through their choice of text type, register and style, that they understand the concepts of audience, context, purpose, meaning and variation, and can apply them to their written language. 

Paper 1 assesses the degree to which students can: 

• communicate clearly and effectively in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes

• understand and use language appropriate to a range of interpersonal and/or intercultural contexts and audiences 

• understand and use language to express and respond to a range of ideas with fluency and accuracy 

• identify, organize and present ideas on a range of topics. 

Students’ factual knowledge of topics within the themes will not be tested; however, it can be used to support any ideas that the student wishes to communicate.