How to Choose the Right Field of Inquiry for Your IB IO: A Practical Guide

Introduction to the IB IO and Fields of Inquiry

In the IB English A: Language and Literature course, the Individual Oral (IO) is a crucial internal assessment. Students must analyze how a global issue is represented in one literary and one non-literary text, using one of five official fields of inquiry to frame their response.

Choosing the right field can be the difference between a well-focused, high-scoring analysis and a vague, underdeveloped oral. This guide will help you understand how to select the most suitable field of inquiry for your IO confidently and strategically.

The 5 Fields of Inquiry Recap

The fields of inquiry are broad thematic lenses that guide your interpretation and argument in the IO:

1. Culture, Identity & Community
2. Beliefs, Values & Education
3. Politics, Power & Justice
4. Arts, Creativity & Imagination
5. Science, Technology & the Environment

Your chosen global issue must fall clearly under one of these fields to ensure clarity and cohesion.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Field

Before locking in your field, ask yourself:

• Do both of my texts clearly reflect this issue?
• Is the global issue genuinely global, not just personal or local?
• Does the field provide enough analytical depth for a 10-minute presentation?
• Am I interested in the topic? Motivation matters!

Choosing based on text compatibility rather than personal preference alone leads to stronger analysis.

Aligning Texts with Fields

Here’s how you can match your texts to the correct field:

• Literary Texts often contain multiple themes—focus on the dominant one that aligns with your global issue.
• Non-Literary Texts (e.g. speeches, ads, documentaries) must offer rich, analyzable content that ties into the same issue.

Evaluating Global Issues Within a Field

Ask: Is your global issue…

• Specific enough to explore deeply in two texts?
• Clearly rooted in the chosen field?
• Relevant to current global contexts?

Avoid broad topics like “violence” or “education” unless you narrow them down to a defined global context.

Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Field

• ❌ Choosing a field after the texts: Always develop your global issue first, then select the texts and field.
• ❌ Using overlapping fields: Don’t blur the line between fields like “Politics & Power” and “Beliefs & Education.”
• ❌ Picking a theme, not a global issue: “Love” or “sadness” aren’t global issues—they’re literary themes.

Sample Pairings and Why They Work

Example 1: Culture, Identity & Community

• Literary: Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe)
• Non-Lit: National Geographic photojournalism
• Issue: The impact of colonialism on cultural identity

Example 2: Politics, Power & Justice

• Literary: Animal Farm (Orwell)
• Non-Lit: Political propaganda poster
• Issue: Manipulation of truth in authoritarian regimes

Strategies for Finalizing Your Field

1. Draft a trial outline using each potential field.
2. Discuss options with your teacher for feedback.
3. Ask peers to review whether your issue and texts logically fit the field.
4. Practice a mini-oral using your top two options and compare performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can my global issue overlap multiple fields?
A: Yes, but your analysis must clearly stay within one main field of inquiry.

Q2: Can I change my field later?
A: Yes, until your final IO recording—but don’t leave it too late.

Q3: What if my text doesn't fit any field?
A: Reframe your global issue, or consider choosing another text.

Q4: Is one field better than another for scoring?
A: No. All fields are equally valid—it depends on your depth of analysis.

Q5: Do I state the field in my presentation?
A: Yes, clearly articulate your chosen field and global issue at the start.

Q6: Can two students use the same field and issue?
A: Yes, but ensure your texts and interpretation are original.

Conclusion

Selecting the right field of inquiry sets the foundation for a strong IB Individual Oral. It ensures your global issue is relevant, your analysis is focused, and your ideas are clearly framed. By understanding the scope of each field and how your texts engage with them, you’ll be ready to deliver a confident, high-quality IO.