IB English Literature (or Language & Literature, depending on your school) is a compulsory subject in the IB Diploma Program. But it's pretty different from a normal high school English course! It focuses on a broad range of texts, to develop your interpretation, analysis, and evaluation skills. By the end of Year 12, you'll be able to appreciate all kinds of literature - and I mean anything! My final English exam was about a poem by someone who really, really, really liked cabbage.
I received a 7/7 in English Language & Literature, and one of the most important decisions I made happened way before I even started the course! Before you can even begin studying IB English, students must first decide between Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).
- What is the Difference between SL and HL?
- So which should I choose?
- FAQs
What is the Difference between SL and HL?
When choosing an English course, consider the course structure, the assessment, and how you will balance your workload across all your subjects. In addition, consider your past performance in English during high school, and what you plan to study during university (i.e. humanities, science, law, medicine, etc.). Ultimately, your choice should align with your interests, study timetable, and plans for higher education!
What would work best for you? These handy little tables will help you find out!
And here's a detailed assessment breakdown!
So which should I choose?
⭐️ SL English is ideal if you enjoy literature, but would like to focus on other subjects and have a more balanced workload! ⭐️
- Why? SL English is a broad, well-balanced course.
- Whether you enrol in Literature or Language & Literature, SL English is perfect for students who would like to do a little bit of everything.
⭐️ HL English is ideal if you are passionate about literature, enjoy analysis, and are considering studying humanities at university! ⭐️
- Why? HL English is an in-depth course. It will develop your critical thinking, close analysis, and writing skills for a wide range of text types! These skills are super useful at university.
- HL English is perfect for students who would like a challenging, enriching experience.
Conclusion
Depending on your strengths and interests, HL or SL would be the better choice for you. Have a chat with your tutor or teachers if you need more advice, or check out other IB Guides KIS Academics has to have a better idea of what IB entails:
FAQs
How do I study for IB English Exams?
- Sufficient and consistent practice! There is no 'hack' for English, you just have to put in the hard work.
- Find out more here.
Do I have to do English?
- If English is your first language, you are more than likely going to have to choose English as your Group 1 Language A subject in IBDP. Find out more about subject selection here.
- If English is not your first language, then it is not necessary to study English, unless you wish for that to be your Group 2 language.
Written by KIS Academics tutor for English, Amaaya Deen. Amaaya is currently pursuing a Bachelor Health Science (pre-medicine) at ANU and has received five-star reviews from students in Years 5-12. You can view Amaaya's profile here to request her as a tutor!
Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference!