Note: First assessment 2020
Language acquisition, also known as Group 2, aims to develop students’ ability in the use of languages other than their preferred language. It is a requirement for the IB diploma programme that students must study at least one language from Group 2. As a student who is doing IB English B, I will be doing an overview on this subject to help you have a better understanding of the course!
What will you learn?
The Language B curriculum framework compared to other subject groups is a bit more flexible. With the Language B guide providing specific guidance on topics or skills required for students. Students will mainly build their language ability (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) through exploring 5 different prescribed themes. These include identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation, and sharing the planet.
Assessment outline
Paper 1: Writing
Students will be required to complete one of three writing tasks, with different prescribed themes for each choice. SL students have to write 250-400 words within 1 hour and 15 minutes.HL students on the other hand have to write 450-600 words within 1 hour and 30 minutes. Paper 1 is out of 30 marks and it counts for 25% of your overall grade for both levels.
Paper 2: Reading and Listening
Paper 2 has two sections, one for reading and the other for listening. Students will complete a listening comprehension consisting of 3 audio passages that is out of 25 marks. The listening exam lasts 45 minutes for SL and 1 hour for HL.
The reading comprehension consists of three written texts that is out of 40 marks and it is an 1 hour exam for both SL and HL.
Individual Oral (IO)
The IO is internally assessed by your subject teacher and externally moderated by the IB. There is however a slight differences between SL and HL. In SL, the assessment consists of a conversation with the teacher based on a visual stimulus. following this is a discussion based on an additional theme.
Meanwhile, in HL, the assessment consists of a conversation with the teacher based on an extract from one of the literary works studied in class, followed by a discussion based on one or more of the themes from the syllabus.
SL or HL?
There isn’t really a major main difference between English B SL and HL, except for the assessment structure that is outlined above. Both SL and HL students will learn the same prescribed themes, text types, and conceptual understandings within the course.
The choice between SL and HL really depends on your interest in English. For me, I found it enjoyable to explore different global issues through the prescribed themes and to express myself by writing different text types, although it’s sometimes a bit challenging! I think another factor to keep in mind is how important your subject is for the universities or degrees you’re applying for university.
English B provides you opportunities to not only develop your language skills, but also to explore different global issues and cultures. You may find the course overwhelming at first because of the challenging assessment structur. In the end, however, everything will work out just fine and you will find the course rewarding.