What You Need to Know About the Language B IB Syllabus
Understanding the IB Language B syllabus is essential for setting clear academic goals. Whether you're selecting between SL and HL, preparing memorization strategies, or mastering IA and Paper formats—here’s everything explained, with direct leads to RevisionDojo’s expert article library.
1. What Is IB Language B & Who Should Take It?
Language B is a Group 2 course designed for learners with around 2–5 years of prior study—not meant for beginners. For clarity on eligibility and expectations, see “IB Language B Explained: Is It Worth It for Students Without Prior Knowledge?”
2. Core Themes and Course Structure
The syllabus revolves around five prescribed themes:
Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the Planet. These drive all reading, writing, and oral tasks. You can explore how these themes appear in exam prompts via RevisionDojo’s Language B Student Resources
3. SL vs HL: Academic Expectations Compared
- SL (Standard Level) includes a 250–400 word writing task, Paper 2 listening and reading sections, and an Individual Oral (IO) based on visual stimulus.
- HL (Higher Level) extends the writing task to 450–600 words, adds literary text analysis, and increases oral length and depth.
For a full breakdown, see RevisionDojo’s guide: “A Comprehensive Guide to the IB Language B Paper Format”
4. Internal Assessment and Individual Oral (IA / IO)
Language B's IA is the Individual Oral, where students prepare and present on a visual or literary prompt using course themes. Learn how to prepare and structure your oral in this detailed RevisionDojo piece: “Understanding IA and IO in IB Language B”
5. How to Use RevisionDojo to Navigate Your Syllabus
- For writing practice, model essays, and text-type templates: refer to the comprehensive paper format guide
For listening and reading revision, strategies including audio-text pairing: check out “How to Effectively Revise for Language B Exams”
For oral practice planning, vocabulary building, and anxiety management: see “Mastering Language B Oral Practice”
6. Tips to Excel in Each Component
- Writing: Plan word count and tone carefully. Use model answers and prompts from RevisionDojo for text types like articles, letters, or blogs. revisiondojo.com
- Receptive Skills: Integrate authentic listening (podcasts, news) and reading sources with flashcard review as explained in the revision guide.
- Oral Skills: Practice with visual stimulus and flashcards for themes. Record yourself and use mock prompts from the oral practice guide.
FAQs About Language B Syllabus
Do I need prior knowledge before choosing Language B?
Yes. Students typically need 2–5 years of structured study. Beginners should select ab initio instead. See the detailed guide: “IB Language B Explained…”
What does the IB expect for oral preparation?
Understand themes, learn prompts, practice timed responses, and internalize vocabulary categories from the oral practice guide.
Is higher level worth the extra work?
Only if you're comfortable with extended writing and literary analysis. HL includes a formal literature text component not in SL.
Conclusion: Use the Syllabus as Your Roadmap to Success
Knowing your syllabus—especially the tasks, criteria, and assessment weightings—gives you direction for effective preparation. With tools and structured support from RevisionDojo like oral practice banks, model responses, and vocabulary guidance, you’ll approach each task with confidence.
📘 For full syllabus breakdowns, revision planners, oral templates, and themed writing prompts—visit RevisionDojo.com today!
