Spanish

IB Spanish B Oral Exam: Master the SL and HL Speaking Assessment

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••6 min read

What Is the IB Spanish B Oral Exam?

The IB Spanish B Oral Exam is an internal assessment that forms an essential part of the Language B component of the IB Diploma Programme. This oral test measures a student’s ability to communicate in Spanish on familiar and abstract topics while showcasing their fluency, comprehension, cultural awareness, and argumentation skills.

In 2025, the format continues to distinguish between Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students, with each version tailored to reflect appropriate depth and complexity.

  • SL Weighting: 25% of final grade
  • HL Weighting: 20% of final grade
  • Duration: 12–15 minutes

Structure of the Oral Exam: SL vs HL Comparison

Standard Level (SL): Visual Stimulus-Based Assessment

SL students are given two visual stimuli, typically photographs, related to one of the five IB themes (Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the Planet). The oral exam is divided into three parts:

  1. Presentation (3–4 minutes): Describe and interpret the image.
  2. Follow-up Conversation (4–5 minutes): Answer open-ended questions about the visual.
  3. General Discussion (5–6 minutes): Converse on a different theme from the syllabus.

Higher Level (HL): Literary Extract Analysis

HL students choose between two unseen extracts (max 300 words) from literary works studied during the course. The structure mirrors SL but with a deeper analytical focus:

  1. Presentation (3–4 minutes): Summarize and analyze the extract; relate it to the full work.
  2. Follow-up Conversation (4–5 minutes): Discuss themes, characters, and cultural connections.
  3. General Discussion (5–6 minutes): Explore another theme from the IB Spanish B syllabus.

Detailed Timing and Components Breakdown

Preparation Time and Bullet Points

  • SL: 15 minutes with 10 bullet points allowed.
  • HL: 20 minutes with 10 bullet points.
  • Students may annotate the stimulus but cannot write full sentences.

Presentation Phase

  • Requires structured delivery.
  • Emphasis on describing, analyzing, and linking to themes.
  • HL students are also expected to give opinions and relate content to cultural knowledge.

Follow-up Conversation

  • Assesses ability to engage in a spontaneous exchange.
  • Students must demonstrate:
    • Ability to elaborate on ideas
    • Use of complex structures and vocabulary
    • Cultural insight and personal reflection

General Discussion

  • Encourages broad thematic discussion.
  • Ideal opportunity to showcase:
    • Fluency and adaptability
    • Cultural awareness
    • Personal experiences related to course content

Assessment Criteria and Marking Scheme

The oral exam is assessed using the following criteria, applicable to both SL and HL:

Ease of Expression

  • Fluency, natural flow, and minimal hesitation
  • Capacity to maintain conversation independently

Grammatical Accuracy and Sentence Complexity

  • Appropriate use of verb tenses, conjugations, and structures
  • Use of compound and subordinate clauses

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

  • Wide range of topic-specific vocabulary
  • Clear pronunciation, good intonation, and rhythm

Preparation Strategies to Excel in the Oral Exam

Practicing with Visuals and Literary Texts

  • Use past paper images or literary extracts to simulate the experience
  • Practice making connections to IB themes
  • Describe settings, emotions, and possible backstories

Cultural References and Personal Connections

  • Bring in real-world examples from Spanish-speaking cultures
  • Use personal anecdotes to make conversations more natural
  • Mention historical or contemporary contexts where relevant
  • Stimulus
    • SL (Standard Level): Two visual images
    • HL (Higher Level): Two literary extracts

  • Preparation Time
    • SL: 15 minutes
    • HL: 20 minutes

  • Presentation
    • SL: Description and analysis of the image
    • HL: Summary and analysis of the extract + personal opinion

  • Follow-up Conversation
    • SL: Based on the stimulus
    • HL: Cultural and thematic exploration

  • General Discussion
    • SL: Related to course themes
    • HL: Related to course themes

  • Assessment Weight
    • SL: 25% of final grade
    • HL: 20% of final grade

FAQs About the IB Spanish B Oral Exam

Q1: Can I memorize responses in advance?
No. The IB values spontaneity and natural conversation, so memorized answers may score poorly.

Q2: Can I refer to my bullet points during the oral?
Yes, but only briefly. They should serve as prompts, not scripts.

Q3: Are the themes the same for SL and HL?
Yes. All students study the same five core themes, though HL adds literary texts to deepen analysis.

Q4: How can I improve my fluency?
Practice daily conversations, record yourself, and listen to native speakers through podcasts or news.

Q5: Can I discuss personal opinions?
Absolutely. In fact, HL students are expected to express individual viewpoints and insights.

Q6: Will I lose marks for minor pronunciation mistakes?
Not necessarily—clarity and communication are prioritized over perfection.

Final Thoughts: Prepare with Confidence and Cultural Awareness

The IB Spanish B Oral Exam is your chance to showcase your language fluency, analytical thinking, and cultural understanding. Whether you're at SL describing a visual scene or at HL interpreting literature, success lies in active practice, thematic awareness, and conversational confidence.

Use practice stimuli, engage with real-world Spanish media, and simulate exam scenarios regularly to build the skills needed to shine.

¡Buena suerte!