What to Expect from IB English Lang and Lit: A Complete Overview

IB English Lang and Lit is one of the most versatile and enriching courses offered in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Designed to help students develop advanced reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, this course blends the study of classic literature with the analysis of modern media, giving learners a unique, well-rounded understanding of how language shapes our world.

Whether you're aiming for university-level study in the humanities or simply want to improve your communication and analytical abilities, this course provides the perfect foundation.

What Is IB English Lang and Lit?

This course falls under IB Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature. It is distinct from pure literature courses because it focuses equally on literary works (like novels, poetry, and plays) and non-literary texts (such as articles, speeches, advertisements, and visual media).

Students explore how language is used across various forms to persuade, inform, entertain, and reflect cultural values.

Course Levels: SL vs HL

The course is available at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). While the core content is the same, HL students:

Study more texts
Write a longer external essay
Analyze two texts instead of one in Paper 1
Complete more in-depth oral and written work

The additional requirements at HL demand greater analytical depth and independent thinking.

Main Areas of Study

Readers, Writers, and Texts
Examines how authors and audiences construct and interpret meaning.
Time and Space
Focuses on how texts reflect their historical and cultural contexts.
Intertextuality: Connecting Texts
Encourages students to find thematic and stylistic connections between texts.

Each unit combines literary and non-literary texts, offering a balance between creative and real-world materials.

Assessment Structure

Individual Oral (IO)

Students analyze a literary and a non-literary text through the lens of a global issue of their choice. This presentation is followed by questions from the teacher.

Paper 1 – Unseen Textual Analysis

SL students analyze one text, HL students analyze two. These could be articles, speeches, blog posts, or even infographics.

Paper 2 – Comparative Essay

Students compare two literary texts based on a common theme or technique. Strong understanding of both works is essential.

HL Essay (HL only)

An academic essay (1,200–1,500 words) where students analyze a text of their choosing, offering an independent, detailed exploration.

Skills You Will Develop

Analytical reading of both fiction and non-fiction
Critical writing under time constraints
Public speaking and structured oral arguments
Comparative thinking between texts and contexts
Cultural awareness through exposure to global literature and media

These are highly transferable skills that are useful in university, professional communication, and everyday media literacy.

Common Texts and Materials

Schools select a wide variety of texts, often including:

Novels like The Great Gatsby or Never Let Me Go
Poetry by authors such as Carol Ann Duffy or Robert Frost
Media texts like news articles, advertisements, editorials, TED Talks
Plays such as A Doll’s House or Death of a Salesman

The combination varies depending on school and region, which keeps the course fresh and culturally relevant.

How to Succeed in IB English Lang and Lit

Engage with a wide range of texts. Don’t just rely on classroom materials—explore speeches, documentaries, or articles independently.
Practice timed responses. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 require writing under pressure.
Participate in class discussions. Sharing interpretations helps you see texts from multiple perspectives.
Use strong vocabulary. Learn literary and linguistic terms to express your analysis effectively.
Plan your essays. A clear structure can make your argument more persuasive and easier to follow.

Final Thoughts

IB English Lang and Lit challenges you to read between the lines—not just in literature but in daily life. It trains your eye to spot persuasive techniques in advertisements, understand deeper meanings in poetry, and analyze social issues embedded in fiction.

Whether you're passionate about literature, media, or communication, this course prepares you to think critically, write confidently, and speak persuasively. It’s more than just an English class — it’s a lifelong toolkit for interpreting the world.

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