Group 2 - Language acquisition. Offered at HL and SL B and Ab Initio
The course focuses on the three ‘pillars’ of linguistic proficiency, as described in the IB Course Guide: language, cultural interaction and message.
The focus of the Language B course at Higher and Standard Levels is to develop these skills, promoting language acquisition and proficiency in communication in a variety of authentic situations. Students learn to understand and use language appropriately in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes. Communication and interaction - in writing, reading, listening or speaking - are the keynotes of the course, and only authentic material is used reflecting the culture of French-speaking countries.
Grammar is learned in the context of vocabulary, topic and genre. Students keep a file of material relating to the various types of texts and themes studied and/or chosen by them. They are asked to present material from these themes in class as an integral part of the course. Such activities will also help to prepare for the course work oral exercises which will be internally assessed. At Standard Level, there is limited use of literary texts, whereas the study of literature is integral to the Higher Level course.
The Language B course is designed for students who have already studied the language for two or more years, and have therefore acquired a reasonable level of proficiency.
Students who wish to study languages at university level or for whom the use of languages in their future professional life would do well to consider this course.
IB Language B Subject Brief
Students will develop receptive, productive and interactive skills and competencies through an exploration of a number of related topics:
e.g. Individual and Society, Food and drink, Shopping, Personal information and description
A good working knowledge of another language will be helpful in both business and leisure activities. Students who have taken the Ab Initio course should be able to access that language as a subsidiary subject at university level.
IB Language B Ab Initio Subject Brief