IB English Language A: Literature Topics

As an IB Language A: Literature student, it can sometimes be challenging to find clear information about the content you need to study. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) offers Language A: Literature in different languages and students can take it at either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). While both SL and HL students study the same fundamental literary concepts, HL students explore additional texts and more complex analytical skills.

In this article, you’ll find a breakdown of all the key components of the IB Language A: Literature course, helping you understand exactly what you need to study and where to find the best revision resources to prepare effectively.

IB English Language A: Literature Topics

The IB English Language A: Literature courses falls under Group 1 of the IB Diploma Programme, which focuses on Studies in Language and Literature. There are three different courses in this category:

• Language A: Literature 

• Language A: Language and Literature 

• Literature and Performance 

Unlike some other literature courses, IB English Language A: Literature does not have a fixed reading list that all students must follow. 

Instead, each school selects texts from an approved IB Prescribed Reading List, ensuring a diverse range of works that span multiple cultures, genres and time periods. 

Here is an outline of the key areas of study:

Part 1: Readers, Writers and Texts

Focus: exploring the relationship between authors, texts, and readers while analysing how meaning is created through literary techniques, stylistic choices and cultural influences

• SL: 50 hours of teaching content required

• HL: 80 hours of teaching content required

Part 2: Time and Space

Focus: examining how the historical, social and cultural context of a literary work shapes its meaning and influences the reader’s interpretation.

• SL: 50 hours of teaching content required

• HL: 80 hours of teaching content required

Part 3: Intertextuality: Connecting Texts

Focus: exploring the connections between different literary texts, identifying recurring themes, stylistic influences and shared perspectives across multiple works

• SL: 50 hours of teaching content required

• HL: 80 hours of teaching content required

While both SL and HL students study the same key areas, HL students are required to engage in deeper literary analysis, with additional texts and comparative studies. HL students also complete the Higher Level (HL) Essay: an extended literary analysis of a chosen work.

What is covered in the IB English Language A: Literature Paper 1 exam?

In Paper 1, students are given two unseen non-literary texts. They must choose one passage to analyse in detail, focusing on how the writer uses language and structure to create meaning.

What to Expect

• The two passages will be from different types of texts (e.g., newspaper articles, speeches, travel writing, etc.)

• The passage could be a complete text or an extract from a longer piece

• Each passage comes with a guiding question, which suggests a key technical or structural feature to focus on

Text Types

The texts will always fall into one of these four categories:

• Fictional Prose: short stories or novel extracts

• Non-Fiction Prose: essays, memoirs, or articles

• Drama: scenes from plays

• Poetry: a poem or an extract from a longer poem

Standard Level (SL): students receive two unseen texts and must write a commentary on one.

Higher Level (HL): students receive two unseen texts and have to write a commentary on one or compare both. 

Skills Assessed

• Analysis of Literary Features: students must explore aspects like tone, structure, imagery, diction, syntax, symbolism, and themes

• Interpretation: students should demonstrate how literary techniques create meaning

• Coherence and Organisation: a well-structured response with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion is expected

• Use of Literary Terminology: precise use of literary terms enhances the response

• Personal Response: while maintaining an academic tone, students should provide an insightful commentary

What is covered in the IB English Language A: Literature Paper 2 exam?

In Paper 2, students must write a comparative essay, discussing two texts they have studied during the course. They will choose one question from a set of four - six general essay prompts.

What to Expect

• The four questions are the same for all students, regardless of whether they are taking the Literature or Language & Literature course

• The exam format and marking criteria are also identical for all students

• Students will not have access to their books or notes, so they must remember key themes, characters, and literary techniques

Text Types

Students must select two literary works from their prescribed reading list, which may include:

• Novels: classic and contemporary fiction

• Plays: tragedies, comedies, or modern drama

• Poetry collections: single poet or multiple works

• Short stories: thematic collections or single-author selections

Since Paper 2 does not provide excerpts, students must know their chosen texts well, including key themes, characters, and literary techniques, to successfully craft a comparative essay.

Exam weightings and timings for IB English Language A: Literature 

By understanding these topics and the exam structure, you can approach your IB English Language A: Literature studies with confidence. Having a good sense of what exactly could be covered in the exam means that those final exam texts won’t be so daunting.

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