IB English B HL
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Past Papers
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Course Structure and Content
Paper 1 (25%) in the English B Higher Level course assesses written productive skills. In a nutshell, students must write a single text of 450 to 600 words, chosen from three prompts, each of which is linked to a prescribed theme.
Paper 2 (50%) has two separate sections. The reading comprehension part is worth 40 marks and must be completed in one hour. The paper consists of three texts, one of which will be literary. Each text will be linked to a theme from the course (Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, Sharing the Planet). The listening comprehension section is worth 25 marks and must also be completed in one hour. The paper presents three different audio passages (conversations, interviews, podcasts, etc) needed to complete a variety of tasks.
The Individual Oral (25%) is conducted at school and moderated by the IB. Students are given a passage from a literary work studied in class and will have a conversation based on this extract, followed by a Q&A linked to some of the themes and subthemes of the course. The IO is assessed out of 30 marks and is a great opportunity to showcase language understanding and production in a conversational context.
Tips for Success
Paper 1 Writing
Always read the task carefully and evaluate each option to identify the right one. Underline key words in the prompt, and make sure you include every detail. Make sure you pay attention to the tone and register needed to fulfil the task. Plan your writing, make a list of words you want to include in your text. Whenever possible, add references to English-speaking countries (their culture, food, traditions, festivals, etc). Make a list of conventions of the chosen text type and include every detail to score the highest in Criteria C.
Paper 2 Reading and listening
Use your reading time effectively, read each task carefully, underline key words, and predict the answers. Answer all questions without leaving empty spaces. Do not leave practicing for the last minute, this test is skills-based, and skills develop over time. Practice and study a little every day.
Individual Oral
Top Tip: Before the exam, make a collection of important passages from your studied texts and practice recording yourself to master timing!
Use prep time effectively. Make notes about the characters in the extract, contextualize the passage: What happened before? What happens after it? Connect the stimulus to a theme/subtheme of the course, explain this connection in your own words. Do not prepare a “speech”, you should speak naturally. When you do not know a specific word, work your way around it, describe it or try to find a synonym.