What Are Fields of Inquiry in the IB?
In the IB Diploma Programme English A courses—both Language and Literature and Literature—the term "fields of inquiry" refers to five broad thematic categories that help students identify and develop global issues. These fields act as a framework for analyzing texts and are especially critical for assessments like the Individual Oral (IO).
Rather than being a fixed list of topics, fields of inquiry offer flexible thematic lenses that guide students in exploring the social, cultural, and ideological dimensions of literature and non-literary texts.
Why Fields of Inquiry Matter in IB English A
Fields of inquiry are central to the IO assessment, where students must connect a global issue to two texts—one literary, one non-literary (for Language and Literature students). The field serves as a starting point that helps students narrow down their focus and develop critical arguments.
These fields also:
- Promote interdisciplinary thinking
- Encourage cultural and contextual awareness
- Provide a structure for selecting and articulating relevant global issues
The Five Key Fields of Inquiry in the IB Diploma Programme
Each field of inquiry encompasses a range of social and cultural topics. Below is a breakdown of the five fields and what they include.
1. Culture, Identity and Community
This field examines:
- Family dynamics
- Racial and ethnic identity
- Gender and sexuality
- Migration and nationalism
- Cultural heritage and colonialism
Texts that explore social belonging, displacement, or cultural clashes often fall into this field.
2. Beliefs, Values and Education
Focuses on:
- Morality, ethics, and belief systems
- Religious or philosophical ideologies
- Educational access and inequality
- Social conditioning through learning
Ideal for analyzing texts that challenge norms or present moral dilemmas.
3. Politics, Power and Justice
This field addresses:
- Human rights and institutional power
- Government, law, and policy
- Wealth and class disparities
- Social justice and activism
It's commonly used for texts that explore conflict, hierarchy, or systemic issues.
4. Art, Creativity and the Imagination
Covers themes related to:
- The role of art in society
- Artistic expression and beauty
- Fiction, metaphor, and symbolism
- Imaginative storytelling
Useful for analyzing aesthetic elements or the impact of creative mediums.
5. Science, Technology and the Natural World
This field explores:
- Human interaction with the environment
- The role of technology in society
- Scientific innovation and ethics
- Climate change and sustainability
It’s perfect for texts that consider media, progress, or ecological themes.
How to Use Fields of Inquiry to Develop Global Issues for the Individual Oral
Moving from a Broad Field to a Focused Global Issue
While the fields are broad, the IB requires students to formulate a specific, nuanced global issue for the IO. Here's how:
- Start with the field: e.g., "Politics, Power and Justice"
- Narrow the theme: "Government oppression and surveillance"
- Formulate the global issue: "The use of state surveillance as a tool for silencing dissent"
Examples of Strong Global Issues Linked to Fields
Culture, Identity and Community
- Example Global Issue: Gender discrimination in media representation
Beliefs, Values and Education
- Example Global Issue: The tension between secular and religious education
Politics, Power and Justice
- Example Global Issue: Economic disparity and housing rights
Art, Creativity and Imagination
- Example Global Issue: The role of satire in political resistance
Science, Technology and Environment
- Example Global Issue: Ethical dilemmas in AI surveillance systems
Role of Fields of Inquiry in Other IB Assessments
Although most closely associated with the Individual Oral, fields of inquiry also influence:
- Paper 2 essay planning (especially for Literature HL)
- Written tasks where thematic focus guides comparative analysis
- Lesson planning as teachers select texts that reflect multiple global perspectives
Tips for Choosing the Right Field of Inquiry for Your Texts
- Review key themes in your texts and match them with field descriptors.
- Use the field to anchor your IO planning and shape your global issue.
- Avoid vague issues like “racism” or “technology” alone—add specificity and transnational relevance.
- Practice by linking quotes or stylistic features from texts to field themes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fields of Inquiry in IB
Q1: Are fields of inquiry only for the IO?
Primarily, yes. They are most essential for the IO, but they also support other assessments by giving thematic direction.
Q2: Can a global issue fit more than one field?
Yes. Fields often overlap, but choose the one that provides the strongest connection to both texts.
Q3: How specific should my global issue be?
Very specific. Instead of “war,” focus on something like “the psychological trauma of child soldiers in civil conflicts.”
Q4: Do I need to mention the field in my IO?
No, but your global issue must clearly align with a field, and your teacher will assess your conceptual understanding accordingly.
Q5: Can I reuse the same field for multiple assessments?
Yes, especially if it matches well with your chosen texts. Just ensure your global issue and arguments are unique.
Q6: Where can I find official guidance?
Visit the IBO Subject Brief or refer to this Fields of Inquiry PDF.
Final Thoughts: Engaging Critically with Texts Through Fields of Inquiry
Mastering the fields of inquiry in IB English A helps you think beyond plot and character. These thematic categories provide a lens through which to evaluate authors’ messages, audience impact, and the global relevance of texts. By grounding your oral and written work in these fields, you show depth, clarity, and critical engagement—hallmarks of a high-performing IB student.
🎯 Want to build your IO, develop your global issue, and get expert guidance?
Explore AI-powered revision tools and oral practice prompts at RevisionDojo.com
