IB English B SL
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Past Papers
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Course Structure and Content
The English SL course consists of an Internal Assessment externally moderated by the IB. This component, the Individual Oral, accounts for 25% of the final grade. The IA is a conversation based on a picture related to one of the course themes and a conversation related to an additional theme. It is marked out of 30 points.
The other two components are externally assessed. Paper 1 (75 minutes) evaluates writing skills through one writing. The student will choose a prompt out of three and write a 250-400 word response. Each prompt will be related to one of the themes of the course (Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, Sharing the Planet). This paper accounts for 25% of your overall final grade.
Paper 2 is divided into two separate sections. Both sections assess the comprehension of the language. The reading section is worth 40 marks and the listening section is worth 25 marks. The reading comprehension part will have three texts and a set of different exercises to assess the student’s understanding of written language. In the same way, the listening comprehension section will have three audio passages and a series of exercises assessing your understanding of spoken language.
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 pictures and practice recording yourself to master timing!
Use prep time effectively. Make notes about words that can be useful, highlight aspects of the picture you can talk about. Focus on the different elements present in the picture and the theme/subtheme the stimulus refers to. Go beyond what you can see and describe and analyze implicit elements in the picture. 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.