IB English B Paper 2 (listening) Format and Timing Notes

IB English B Paper 2 (Listening): Format and Timing

1. Both SL and HL: Comprehension tasks based on audio recordings.
   1. Tasks: Multiple choice, short answer, gap fill, matching, or true/false
   2. Audio sources: Dialogues, interviews, podcasts, speeches, or news reports
   3. Playback: Each recording is played twice. Once straight through, then again with pauses
2. Timing and marks:
   1. SL: 45 minutes, worth 25 marks
   2. HL: 1 hour, worth 25 marks

Why it matters

1. Listening is where IB checks if you can survive the “real world” of the language.
2. Anyone can memorize vocab lists, but can you follow a podcast, understand a train announcement, or catch someone’s opinion in an interview? That’s what Paper 2 proves.
3. Doing well here shows you’re not just learning the language for a test, but actually able to use it in real life.