Language B is a language acquisition course designed for students with some previous experience of the target language. In the Language B course, students further develop their ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes and texts. In doing so, they also develop conceptual understandings of how language works, as appropriate to the level of the course.
Our Language B subjects are available at both SL and HL. At both levels of Language B (SL and HL), students learn to communicate in the target language in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. They describe situations, narrate events, make comparisons, explain problems, and state and support their personal opinions on a variety of topics across 5 themes: Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organisation and Sharing the Planet.
The study of two literary works originally written in the target language is required only at Language B HL. The distinction between Language B SL and HL can also be seen in the level of competency the student is expected to develop in the receptive, productive and interactive skills. They continue to develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their conceptual understanding of how language works, in order to construct, analyse and evaluate arguments on a variety of topics relating to course content and the target language culture(s).
Languages is a complementary subject that allows students to develop skills applicable to a wide range of academic disciplines and career options in the future. Universities and employers value Languages very highly and there is a huge demand for language specialists. You may also need languages for all sorts of career destinations- doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists need language skills to communicate effectively with patients whether they work in the UK or overseas; businessmen, bankers and entrepreneurs all need language skills to make deals and sell products on the global market. Politicians, historians, geographers and holiday reps all need language skills to get to know the people and area that they are passionate about. A foreign language B certificate will complement and enhance your other studies.
Paper 1 – Productive Skills-Writing Paper
SL – 75 minutes (25%). 250-400 words – One writing task from a choice of three. Each from a different theme and the text needs to conform to a given text type such as letter, brochure, mail etc.
HL – 90 minutes (25%). 450-600 words – One writing task from a choice of three. Each from a different theme and the text needs to conform to a given text type such as letter, brochure, mail etc.
Paper 2 – Receptive skills-Reading and Listening Paper
SL – Listening 45 minutes / Reading 60 minutes (50%). Comprehension exercises on three audio passages and three written texts, drawn from all 5 themes studied.
HL – Listening 60 minutes / reading 60 minutes (50%). Comprehension exercises on three audio passages and three written texts, drawn from all 5 themes studied.
Individual Oral
SL – 12 to 15 minutes (25%). A conversation with the teacher, based on a visual stimuli, followed by a discussion based on an additional theme.
HL – 12 to 15 minutes (25%). A conversation with the teacher based on an extract from one of the literary works studied in class, followed by a discussion based on one or more of the themes.
