If you’re curious about what IB English A: Language and Literature is all about, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re breaking down the main parts of the course to give you a clear idea of what you’ll be learning.

It is important to mention that IB English A: Language and Literature follows the same Language A: Language and Literature syllabus used across languages such as French, Spanish, or Chinese. This guide focuses on English A: Lang&Lit.

The IB English A: Lang&Lit syllabus does not provide specific topics or concepts that students must apprehend. Instead, the syllabus has been divided into 3 main Areas of Exploration. It is the subject teacher who directs the students and decides what exactly and how it will be studied.

Texts

In English A: Language and Literature, students study a mix of literary and non-literary texts across the three Areas of Exploration.

Literary Works

SL students study 4 works:

• At least 1 originally in the studied language (from Prescribed Reading List)
• At least 1 in translation (from the List)
• 2 can be freely chosen (from or outside the List)
• Must cover: 2 literary forms, 2 periods, 2 places, 2 continents
• Minimum 1 work per Area of Exploration

HL students study 6 works:

• At least 2 originally in the studied language (from the List)
• At least 2 in translation (from the List)
• 2 freely chosen
• Must cover: 3 literary forms, 3 periods, 3 places, 2 continents
• Minimum 2 works per Area of Exploration

A “work” is one full novel, 5–10 short stories, 5–8 essays, 15–20 poems, etc. All grouped texts must be by the same author. Please note that students may not study the same author twice or an author from another course.

Non-Literary Texts

Students also analyse a range of non-literary text types from various media and real-world contexts. These may include:

• Advertisements, Blogs, Cartoons, Diaries
• Essays, Infographics, Interviews, Letters
• Articles, Speeches, Reports, Screenplays
• Travel writing, Instructions, Film/TV scenes, Social media

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.