An introduction to the DP Language B course and assessments for students. Images courtesy of: www.englishb-inthinking.co.uk

1. Diploma
English B HL
An overview

2. Learning is centered
around 5 themes
3 compulsory themes
called ‘the core’
2 additional themes
which are called ‘the
options’

3. The Core

4. The Core

5. The Core

6. The options
Cultural
Diversity

7. The options

9. Assessment
2 timed exams (each
worth 25%)
1 group oral (10%)
1 individual oral (20%)
1 written assignment

10. Paper I: reading
comprehension
1 hour 30 minutes
5 texts which increase in
complexity
Fiction and non-fiction
Range of questions
25% of final grade level

11. Paper II: writing
Section A: writing in the
style of a given text type
based on a stimulus related
to the Options
Section B: writing a
developed personal
response to a stimulus
based on the Core

12. Group oral
Interactive based on the Core
May take the form of a balloon
debate, a Socratic seminar, panel
of experts conversation, a
discussion etc
Assessed on your conversational
speaking and listening skills
10% of final grade level

13. Individual oral
Based on a visual stimulus
related to the Options
15 minutes to prepare a
presentation
3-4 minutes presenting to the
teacher
5-6 minutes one-to-one
conversation with the teacher

14. Written assignment
Based on literature texts
Creative response to a significant
concept, key idea or issue in one text
studied
Show your understanding and
engagement with the literature
Must provide a rationale for your
writing
Takes place in class time during one
week (4 hours)