Introduction
The IB Chinese B curriculum is structured around five prescribed themes:
- Identities
- Experiences
- Human Ingenuity
- Social Organization
- Sharing the Planet
These themes are the backbone of the course. Every Paper 1 writing prompt, Paper 2 comprehension text, and oral exam discussion links back to them. Understanding how Chinese B connects to these themes is essential for success, as it helps you prepare relevant vocabulary, cultural examples, and analytical insights.
This guide breaks down each theme, explains its focus, and gives practical strategies to master it in the IB Chinese B context.
Quick Start Checklist
- Know the five themes: Everything connects back to them.
- Prepare thematic vocabulary: Organize notes by theme.
- Use cultural examples: Festivals, traditions, social issues.
- Practice comparisons: Chinese vs global perspectives.
- Apply to all assessments: Writing, reading, listening, oral.
- HL expectation: Go beyond description to analysis and global context.
Theme 1: Identities (身份认同)
Focus
Explores personal attributes, lifestyle, health, and cultural identity.
Examples in IB Chinese B
- Health and fitness habits.
- Food and diet in Chinese culture.
- Role of family and relationships.
- Cultural identity and values.
How to Prepare
- Learn vocabulary on health (健康, 饮食, 锻炼).
- Practice writing about daily routines.
- In the oral, compare Chinese and Western health views (e.g., Traditional Chinese Medicine vs Western medicine).
Theme 2: Experiences (经历)
Focus
Covers personal experiences, hobbies, holidays, and life events.
Examples in IB Chinese B
- Travel experiences in China.
- School life and education systems.
- Festivals and cultural celebrations.
- Leisure activities and hobbies.
How to Prepare
- Practice diary entries and blogs about trips or holidays.
- Learn festival vocabulary (春节, 中秋节, 元宵节).
- In discussions, connect personal experiences to cultural context (e.g., celebrating Spring Festival vs New Year).
Theme 3: Human Ingenuity (人类创造力)
Focus
Explores creativity, technology, and innovation.
Examples in IB Chinese B
- Role of technology in education.
- Impact of media and communication.
- Art, music, and literature in Chinese culture.
- Environmental technology innovations in China.
How to Prepare
- Collect vocabulary on technology (科技, 网络, 手机应用).
- Practice persuasive writing on tech benefits and drawbacks.
- In the oral, discuss how apps like 微信 (WeChat) influence communication.
Theme 4: Social Organization (社会组织)
Focus
Covers community, education, government, and social structures.
Examples in IB Chinese B
- School and education systems.
- Role of community and volunteering.
- Government and law.
- Work and career structures.
How to Prepare
- Learn terms for education and society (教育, 学校制度, 社区服务).
- Practice formal writing (letters, reports) suggesting improvements.
- Discuss cultural differences in education (Chinese 高考 vs IB).
Theme 5: Sharing the Planet (共享地球)
Focus
Explores global challenges and responsibility.
Examples in IB Chinese B
- Environmental issues: pollution, climate change.
- Global resources and sustainability.
- Human rights and equality.
- Cultural cooperation across nations.
How to Prepare
- Build vocabulary on environment (环境保护, 可持续发展, 气候变化).
- Practice speech writing about global responsibility.
- In oral exams, connect local issues to global challenges.
How the Themes Appear in Assessments
Paper 1 (Writing)
Every prompt is linked to a theme. Example:
- Diary entry → Experiences.
- Blog → Human Ingenuity.
- Speech → Sharing the Planet.
Paper 2 (Listening & Reading)
Texts always come from one of the five themes. For example:
- Article about recycling (Sharing the Planet).
- Interview with an artist (Human Ingenuity).
Individual Oral
Stimulus connects to a theme, and questions expand into broader issues.
Strategies for Mastering the Themes
- Organize Vocabulary by Theme
Keep a notebook divided into five sections. Add words and expressions under each theme. - Connect Personal Experience
Be ready to link themes to your life. Example: Connect Experiences to your own school activities. - Include Cultural Examples
Examiners reward awareness of Chinese perspectives. Learn at least two cultural references per theme. - Compare and Contrast
Develop the ability to compare Chinese practices with global or personal experiences.
Common Mistakes with Themes
- Memorizing vocabulary without context: Always practice using it in sentences.
- Forgetting cultural awareness: Examiners expect connections to Chinese society.
- Treating themes separately: In reality, they overlap (e.g., technology and environment).
- Over-focusing on one theme: Be prepared for any theme in the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which theme is most common in exams?
All five appear regularly, but Sharing the Planet and Human Ingenuity are especially frequent in recent exams.
2. Do I need to know Chinese history for the themes?
Not in depth. General cultural knowledge (festivals, traditions, social values) is enough. Focus on making meaningful connections.
3. How can I study themes efficiently?
Use thematic word banks, practice past-paper questions by theme, and prepare cultural comparisons in advance.
Conclusion
The five prescribed themes — Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the Planet — are the foundation of IB Chinese B. Mastering them ensures you’re prepared for Paper 1, Paper 2, and the Individual Oral.
By organizing vocabulary, practicing cultural connections, and preparing personal examples, you can approach every theme with confidence.
RevisionDojo provides theme-based vocabulary lists, practice tasks, and cultural guides that make mastering the five themes easier and more effective. With the right preparation, the themes become not a challenge, but an advantage in IB Chinese B.
