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IB English Language and Literature

Explore the Power of Language and Literature: Develop Critical Thinking and Communication Skills Through Diverse Readings

Stories are for joining the past to the future.

-Tim O'Brien The Things They Carried

The IB Language and Literature course is designed to develop critical thinking and communication skills through a diverse range of readings. Students will engage with literature from different cultures and time periods, learning to analyze and interpret texts while developing their own unique writing style. Throughout the course, students will hone their skills in close reading, literary analysis, and effective communication. By the end of the course, students will have a deep appreciation for the power of language and literature, as well as the ability to think critically and communicate effectively in a variety of contexts.

Course Topics

  1. Introduction to Language and Literature
    • Elements of fiction and non-fiction
    • Reading and analysis of various texts
    • Writing exercises focused on style and structure
  2. Cultural Perspectives
    • Exploration of different cultures through literature
    • Comparison of literary themes across cultures
    • Analysis of cultural context in literature
    • Writing exercises focused on developing cultural awareness
  3. Language and Power
    • Exploration of the relationship between language and power
    • Analysis of how language is used to convey meaning and manipulate audiences
    • Study of persuasive techniques in literature
    • Writing exercises focused on developing persuasive writing skills
  4. Texts in Translation
    • Analysis of translated works and their impact on meaning
    • Exploration of different translation methods and their strengths and weaknesses
    • Writing exercises focused on translating texts and analyzing the effects of translation
  5. Creative Writing
    • Exploration of different forms of creative writing, such as poetry and short stories
    • Practice in writing creatively and experimenting with different styles and techniques
    • Analysis of published creative works and discussion of the writing process
  6. Exam Preparation and Review
    • Overview of the IB Language and Literature exam format and requirements
    • Practice in exam-style questions and tasks
    • Revision of course material and review of key concepts and skills

By the end of the course, students will have developed critical thinking and communication skills through the analysis and interpretation of various literary texts. They will have demonstrated their ability to write effectively and persuasively and to analyze texts in their cultural and historical contexts. Students will be well-prepared for the IB Language and Literature exam and will have a deep appreciation for the power of language and literature.

What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.

-Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez