Introduction
IB English B HL focuses on language acquisition and cultural understanding, testing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Scoring highly requires strong comprehension, essay writing, and oral fluency.
This guide covers the 2025 grade boundaries for IB English B HL (Timezone 1), including Internal Assessment (Oral), Paper 1, Paper 2 Listening, Paper 2 Reading, and the final grade thresholds.
Quick Start Checklist for IB English B HL
- ✅ Learn the boundaries for each component (Oral, Reading, Listening, Writing).
- ✅ Practice analytical writing for Paper 1.
- ✅ Build active listening strategies for Paper 2 Listening.
- ✅ Train reading speed and comprehension for Paper 2 Reading.
- ✅ Refine oral presentation skills for the IA.
IB English B HL Grade Boundaries 2025
Internal Assessment (Oral, out of 30)
- Grade 7: 27–30
- Grade 6: 22–26
- Grade 5: 18–21
- Grade 4: 13–17
- Grade 3: 7–12
- Grade 2: 4–6
- Grade 1: 0–3
Paper One (Written, out of 30)
- Grade 7: 28–30
- Grade 6: 22–27
- Grade 5: 16–21
- Grade 4: 10–15
- Grade 3: 7–9
- Grade 2: 4–6
- Grade 1: 0–3
Paper Two Listening (out of 25)
- Grade 7: 23–25
- Grade 6: 19–22
- Grade 5: 14–18
- Grade 4: 10–13
- Grade 3: 7–9
- Grade 2: 4–6
- Grade 1: 0–3
Paper Two Reading (out of 40)
- Grade 7: 37–40
- Grade 6: 31–36
- Grade 5: 26–30
- Grade 4: 20–25
- Grade 3: 12–19
- Grade 2: 6–11
- Grade 1: 0–5
Final IB English B HL Grade Boundaries (out of 100)
- Grade 7: 90–100
- Grade 6: 73–89
- Grade 5: 56–72
- Grade 4: 39–55
- Grade 3: 24–38
- Grade 2: 12–23
- Grade 1: 0–11
Tips for Scoring a 7 in English B HL
- Paper 1: Organize essays clearly, use advanced vocabulary, and include cultural context.
- Listening: Train with podcasts, audiobooks, and past papers to increase comprehension speed.
- Reading: Skim for structure, scan for detail, then evaluate tone and intent.
- Oral IA: Prepare well but stay natural—fluency and interaction are rewarded more than memorization.
FAQs
1. Is English B HL harder than SL?
Yes, HL requires stronger essay writing and cultural analysis. Listening and reading sections also demand deeper comprehension.
2. How important is the oral IA?
It’s critical—worth 30% of the grade. Strong oral skills can significantly boost weaker exam scores.
3. What’s the best way to prepare for Paper 2 Listening?
Practice with authentic English audio (news, podcasts, debates). The more exposure you have, the easier the exam becomes.
Conclusion
IB English B HL rewards consistent practice in listening, reading, and writing, as well as confident oral skills. With clear knowledge of the 2025 grade boundaries, students can better set goals and track their progress toward a 7.
