1. Exam Structure and Weighting
Language B assessments are split between external exams (75%) and an Internal Oral Assessment (25%) for both SL and HL levels. The structure is the same for SL and HL; what differs is the complexity expected at HL.(International Baccalaureate®)
2. Paper 1: Receptive Skills (Reading & Listening)
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Content: A mix of reading comprehension tasks and listening exercises based on core themes.
- Weight: 75% of final mark when combined with Paper 2(cosmopolitanschool.de)
3. Paper 2: Written Productive Skills
- Format: Two compulsory writing tasks—typically a short response and a longer essay, themed around IB course topics.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Weight: Combined with Paper 1 to make up 75% of your grade(International Baccalaureate®)
4. Internal Oral Assessment (IO)
- Structure: Based on visual stimulus tied to IB themes; includes a presentation followed by a discussion on at least one additional theme.
- Timing: 12–15 minutes total, with 20 minutes supervised preparation time.
- Weight: 25% of final grade
- At HL, extracts and discussion are more complex, and assessors evaluate fluency, vocabulary range, cultural understanding, and thematic depth.(TutorChase, TutorChase)
5. Skills & Themes Assessed
Assessments across both exams and IO focus on:
- Receptive skills: Understanding written and spoken texts
- Productive skills: Structured writing and speaking
- Interactive skills: Responses in discussion and oral tasks
All tasks tie back to one of five IB themes: Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the Planet.(International Baccalaureate®, toddleapp.com, TutorChase, International Baccalaureate®)
6. How SL and HL Differ
Component Standard Level (SL) Higher Level (HL) Written complexity Moderate-level writing aligned with themes More advanced writing & stylistic expression Oral depth Interaction and presentation based on themes Analysis of literary extracts plus discussion Expectations Clear, organized tasks with accurate expression Greater fluency, detail, and analytical insight
HL demands more nuanced vocabulary, cultural references, and deeper engagement with IB themes.(revisiondojo.com, North Avenue Education, fmv.edu.tr, TutorChase, International Baccalaureate®)
7. What RevisionDojo Practice Looks Like
- Mock examination packs simulate both papers under timed conditions.
- Oral practice modules include stimulus practice, sample responses, and feedback templates.
- Theme-aligned writing tasks reinforce structure, vocabulary, and task coherence relevant to IB criteria.
These tools help improve pacing, accuracy, and confidence under real-time conditions.(revisiondojo.com)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will all exams test all four skills?
A: Yes — speaking, writing, reading, and listening are all assessed across papers and the IO.
Q2: Are visual prompts part of official exams?
A: Yes, visual stimuli are central to the Internal Oral Only, not written tasks.
Q3: How many themes must I prepare?
A: All five prescribed themes should be well understood, as any may form the basis of prompts or discussion.
Conclusion
IB Language B assessments test real-world language ability—not just vocabulary. Your performance across listening, reading, writing, and speaking reflects how well you’ve internalized structure, fluency, and thematic relevance. RevisionDojo-aligned practice that mirrors exam formats ensures you're ready to perform with clarity and confidence.
Call to Action
✅ Want to prepare with precision?
- Use RevisionDojo’s Paper 1 & 2 timed mock packs
- Practice oral prompts with stimulus-led speaking worksheets
- Build fluency and task coherence using theme-based writing drills
