The IB English Language and Literature course, commonly referred to as English Lang and Lit IB, is designed for students who want to develop advanced analytical, interpretive, and communication skills through the study of both literary and non-literary texts. It goes beyond just reading books — it helps you understand how language is used in the real world, from novels to news articles to advertisements.
If you're preparing for this subject, here’s everything you need to know to succeed.
Why Choose English Lang and Lit in IB?
English Lang and Lit is the ideal option for students who enjoy both literature and contemporary media. It allows a broad exploration of communication — not just through fiction but through a variety of forms like speeches, social media posts, opinion columns, films, and more.
The course emphasizes:
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How meaning is constructed by authors and interpreted by audiences
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The impact of context, culture, and language choice
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Developing written and spoken communication that is clear, critical, and persuasive
Course Breakdown: Core Elements
The curriculum is organized into three core areas:
1. Readers, Writers, and Texts
Focuses on how we interact with texts and how authors construct meaning.
2. Time and Space
Explores how texts reflect the values of the time and place in which they were produced.
3. Intertextuality: Connecting Texts
Encourages comparisons between texts, identifying similarities in theme, technique, or purpose.
Texts You Will Study
The course combines literary texts (such as plays, poetry, and novels) with non-literary texts (such as political speeches, media articles, and infographics). Some commonly taught works include:
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Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
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A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
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The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
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News reports, visual advertisements, and opinion pieces
HL students study additional texts and write an extra essay (the HL Essay), which contributes significantly to their final grade.
Key Assessments
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Individual Oral (IO)
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Compare a literary and non-literary text through the lens of a global issue
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Paper 1: Textual Analysis
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Analyze unseen texts for structure, style, and meaning
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Paper 2: Comparative Essay
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Compare two literary texts on a shared theme
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HL Essay (HL only)
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A 1,200–1,500 word essay based on a literary or non-literary text of choice
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These tasks evaluate your ability to interpret, argue, compare, and write clearly under exam conditions.
How to Excel in English Lang and Lit IB
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Read actively – Take notes as you read, highlight literary devices and stylistic elements.
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Practice writing under time limits – Especially for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
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Use critical vocabulary – Terms like metaphor, diction, bias, juxtaposition, irony, etc., should be second nature.
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Engage with real-world texts – News articles, TED Talks, political ads, and blogs are all useful for non-literary practice.
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Connect themes – Link your texts through ideas such as identity, power, culture, gender, and resistance.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Balancing literary and non-literary texts
Many students are more comfortable with one than the other. Make sure you allocate equal time to both and get familiar with the stylistic features of each.
2. Understanding global issues for IO
Pick issues that recur across multiple texts, such as freedom of expression or inequality. Build a bank of relevant quotes and examples.
3. Writing with clarity and structure
Focus on essay organization: strong introductions, thesis statements, topic sentences, and smooth transitions.
Final Words
English Lang and Lit IB trains students to be thoughtful, analytical, and articulate — skills that are valuable far beyond the classroom. Whether you want to pursue humanities, social sciences, or even business and law, this course gives you a strong foundation in understanding how language influences the world around us.
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