French B
Language B is an additional language-learning course designed for students with some previous learning of that language. It may be studied at either SL or HL. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development of language skills. These language skills should be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts, and should be related to the culture(s) concerned. The material enables students to develop mastery of language skills and intercultural understanding. It should not be intended solely for the study of specific subject matter or content.
There are six assessment objectives for the language B course. Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- Communicate clearly and effectively in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes.
- Understand and use language appropriate to a range of interpersonal and/or intercultural contexts and audiences.
- Understand and use language to express and respond to a range of ideas with fluency and accuracy.
- Identify, organize and present ideas on a range of topics.
- Understand, analyse and reflect upon a range of written, audio, visual and audio-visual texts.
Presently at GPS Brookes Kochi, Language B is offered at both HL and SL in French and Hindi.
Course structure
The course has five prescribed themes that are common to the syllabuses of language B and language ab initio; the themes provide relevant contexts for study at all levels of language acquisition in the DP, and opportunities for students to communicate about matters of personal, local or national, and global interest.
Course Structure
| Theme | Guiding principle | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Identities | Explore the nature of the self and what it is to be human. | Life styles, Health and well-being, Beliefs and Values, Subcultures, Language and identity |
| Experiences | Explore and tell the stories of the events, experiences and journeys that shape our lives. | Leisure activities, Life Stories, Holidays & Travel, Rites of passage, Customs and Traditions, Migration |
| Human ingenuity | Explore the ways in which human creativity and innovation affect out world. | Artistic Expressions, Entertainment, Communication & Media, Technology, Scientific Innovation |
| Social organization | Explore the ways in which groups of people organize themselves, or are organized, through common systems or interests. | Social relationships, Law and Order, Community, Education, The working world, Social engagement |
| Sharing the planet | Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals and communities in the modern world. | Peace & Conflict, Human rights, Equality, The environment, Globalization, Ethics, Urban and Rural environment |
The themes allow students to compare the target language and culture(s) to other languages and cultures with which they are familiar. The themes also provide opportunities for students to make connections to other disciplinary areas in the DP. Language B students must study authentic texts that explore the culture(s) of the target language. In addition, the study of two literary works is required at HL
Assessment at Standard Level
| Assessment component | Weighting |
|---|---|
| External Assessment | |
| Paper 1 (1 hour 15 minutes): Productive skills - Writing | 25% |
| Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes): Receptive skills - Listening & Reading Listening comprehension (45 minutes) (25 %) Reading comprehension (1 hour) (25%) | 50% |
| Internal Assesment | |
| Individual oral | 25% |
Assessment at Higher Level
| External assessment | |
| Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes): Productive skills - Writing | 25% |
| Paper 2 (2 hours): Receptive skills – Listening & Reading Listening comprehension (1 hour) (25 %) Reading comprehension (1 hour) (25%) | 50% |
| Internal Assessment | |
| Individual oral | 25% |