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What Is the IB English Curriculum? A Complete Breakdown of Literature and Language Courses

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What Is the IB English Curriculum? A Complete Breakdown of Literature and Language Courses

The IB English curriculum is one of the core pillars of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Whether you're studying English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature, both courses aim to develop critical thinkers, skilled communicators, and culturally aware readers.

This article explores the structure, goals, assessments, and study strategies for each English course in the IB.

1. Overview of IB English Courses

IB offers two main English A courses:

  • English A: Literature
  • English A: Language and Literature

Both courses are available at:

  • Higher Level (HL) – more in-depth and includes an additional assessment.
  • Standard Level (SL) – slightly fewer texts and less rigorous than HL, but still demanding.

These courses are usually mandatory for native or fluent English speakers, with English B reserved for second-language learners.

2. IB English A: Literature

Course Focus

  • Dedicated to the in-depth study of literary texts from different genres, cultures, and time periods.
  • Emphasizes close reading, literary analysis, and critical interpretation.

Course Content

  • 13 texts at HL
  • 9 texts at SL
  • Includes novels, plays, poetry, and short stories from world literature.

Assessments

  • Paper 1: Unseen literary text analysis (close reading).
  • Paper 2: Comparative essay on two literary works.
  • Individual Oral (IO): Presentation on a literary work linked to a global issue.
  • HL Essay (HL only): A 1,200–1,500-word analytical essay on a studied text.

Skills Developed

  • Interpretation of themes, tone, and symbolism.
  • Comparative literary techniques.
  • Advanced essay structuring and argumentation.

3. IB English A: Language and Literature

Course Focus

  • Combines the study of literary texts with non-literary texts like advertisements, speeches, social media, and political commentary.
  • Analyzes how language constructs meaning, reflects power structures, and influences audiences.

Course Content

  • 13 works at HL
  • 6 works at SL
  • Includes both fiction and nonfiction, often rooted in contemporary and global contexts.

Assessments

  • Paper 1: Comparative analysis of two unseen non-literary texts.
  • Paper 2: Literary essay comparing two works based on a thematic prompt.
  • Individual Oral (IO): Commentary connecting a literary and non-literary text to a global issue.
  • HL Essay (HL only): A 1,200–1,500-word critical essay on a studied text.

Skills Developed

  • Analysis of visual and written media.
  • Rhetorical and stylistic critique.
  • Cultural, social, and political interpretation of texts.

4. IB English Core Objectives

  • Develop critical reading and analytical writing skills.
  • Understand how language is used to inform, persuade, and entertain.
  • Cultivate cross-cultural appreciation and empathy.
  • Build tools for academic research, citation, and presentation.

5. How to Choose Between Literature and Language & Literature

Choose Literature if you:

  • Love reading fiction, poetry, and drama.
  • Want to dive deep into literary criticism and theory.
  • Enjoy writing long-form analytical essays on literary works.

Choose Language & Literature if you:

  • Are interested in both media and books.
  • Want to explore current events, politics, or cultural issues through text.
  • Like examining how language shapes identity and power.

6. How to Succeed in IB English

  • Stay organized with reading schedules and annotation techniques.
  • Practice Paper 1 responses regularly—timed analysis boosts performance.
  • Use past Paper 2 questions to prepare structured arguments.
  • Record IO practice sessions to improve oral delivery and clarity.
  • Join discussions and forums to gain perspectives on your texts.
  • Use Revisiondojo for topic-specific drills, past paper breakdowns, and essay feedback.

FAQs: IB English Curriculum Explained

What is the difference between IB English Literature and Language & Literature?
Literature focuses entirely on literary texts, while Language & Literature covers both literary and non-literary content.

Is English A: Literature harder than Language & Literature?
Not necessarily—each has unique challenges. Literature demands in-depth text analysis; Language & Lit requires broader media analysis skills.

Can I switch between the two during the IB course?
It depends on your school’s policy, but switching is generally discouraged after the first term due to syllabus pacing.

What’s the HL Essay in IB English?
A 1,200–1,500-word academic essay written independently, analyzing a studied text using a prescribed question.

Do universities prefer one course over the other?
Both are respected. Your choice should reflect your academic interests and strengths, especially if applying for humanities-related programs.

How can Revisiondojo help with IB English?
It provides guided practice for Paper 1 and 2, sample IOs and HL essays, plus targeted feedback to improve writing and speaking skills.

Conclusion: Mastering the IB English Curriculum

Whether you choose IB English Literature or Language and Literature, you’re engaging in a program designed to enhance your critical thinking, global perspective, and communication skills. These aren’t just academic requirements—they're life skills that set you up for success in university and beyond.

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