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Exploring the IB Language B syllabus provides a clear view of the skills and knowledge you'll acquire throughout the course. Join us as we unpack the key concepts of the syllabus, giving you a better understanding of what to expect on your learning journey.
IB Language B Syllabus + Topics
It is important to mention that no matter which IB Language B you choose, whether it's English, French, Spanish, or Chinese, the syllabus remains the same. Hence, this guide is applicable to all IB Language B choices.
The IB Language B syllabus does not provide specific topics or concepts that students must comprehend. Instead, the syllabus has been divided into 5 main themes:
- Identities
- Experiences
- Human ingenuity
- Social organization
- Sharing the planet
The themes themself are quite vague and provide a very general framework, allowing for flexibility in what is covered and how it is approached, ultimately depending on your teacher's choice.
Theme 1: Identities
In this theme, students will explore the nature of the self and what it is to be human. Students will focus on what constitutes identity, its expression, culture, as well as healthy lifestyles.
In this topic students will cover the following topics:
- Lifestyles
- Health and well-being
- Beliefs and values
- Subcultures
- Language and identity
Theme 2: Experiences
In this theme, students will explore events, experiences and journeys that shape our lives. Students will examine how travel broadens our horizons, how our past shapes our present and future, and how different cultures celebrate important life moments.
Students will explore the following topics:
- Leisure activities
- Holidays and travel
- Life stories
- Rites of passage
- Customs and traditions
- Migration
Theme 3: Human ingenuity
In this theme, students will explore the ways in which human creativity and innovation affect our world. Students will focus on how developments in science and technology shape our lives, and how the arts help us understand the world. They will also consider what we can learn about a culture through its artistic expression and how the media influence the way we connect with one another.
Students will explore the following topics:
- Entertainment
- Artistic expressions
- Communication and media
- Technology
- Scientific innovation
Theme 4: Social organisation
In this theme, students explore the ways in which groups of people organize themselves, or are organized, through common systems or interests. examining the individual’s role within the community, the importance of rules and regulations in shaping society, and the role language plays in social structures. They will also reflect on the opportunities and challenges presented by the 21st-century workplace.
Students will explore the following topics:
- Social relationships
- Community
- Social engagement
- Education
- The working world
- Law and order
Theme 5: Sharing the planet
In this theme, students will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals and communities in the modern world. Students will examine environmental and social challenges facing the world and how they can be addressed. They will also consider ethical issues of modern life, the challenges and benefits of globalization, and the impact of changes in urban and rural environments.
Students will explore the following topics:
- The environment
- Human rights
- Peace and conflict
- Equality
- Globalization
- Ethics
- Urban and rural environment
Texts
While exploring the 5 themes outlined above, IB Language B students will concurrently study different text types. These include:
- Personal texts, such as:
- Blog, Diary, Email, Personal letter, Social media posting/chat room
- Professional texts, such as:
- Essay, Formal letter, Proposal, Questionnaire Report, Set of instructions, Survey
- Mass media texts, such as:
- Advertisement, Article (newspaper, magazine), Film, News report, Pamphlet, Poster, Public commentary, Radio programme, Review, Speech, Travel guide, Web page
Higher Level
It is important to note that the IB does not specify additional topics or concepts for Higher Level (HL) students. Instead, HL students are expected to demonstrate a deeper understanding, communicate with greater linguistic range and complexity, and overall achieve a higher level of proficiency in the language.
On top of that, HL students also study two literary works originally written in the target language.
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
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