The Individual Oral (IO) in IB English contributes a significant portion to a student's final grade, with its exact worth depending on whether the student is at Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL).
Understanding the IO's Weighting
The weighting of the IB English Individual Oral is specifically designed to reflect the depth and breadth of study expected at each level. This assessment component requires students to explore how literary and non-literary works use language to create meaning, and it assesses their oral communication skills.
IB English IO Weighting Breakdown
The percentage that the IO contributes to a student's overall IB English grade varies, ensuring a fair assessment reflective of the curriculum's demands.
| IB English Level | IO Worth (% of Total Grade) |
|---|---|
| Higher Level (HL) | 20% |
| Standard Level (SL) | 30% |
As shown, students studying IB English at Standard Level will find the Individual Oral to be a more substantial part of their overall assessment, accounting for 30% of their final grade. In contrast, for Higher Level students, the IO constitutes 20% of their total grade, reflecting the broader range of assessments and content covered at that level.
To excel in this component, students often focus on key strategies, including:
- Careful selection of extracts that allow for rich analysis.
- In-depth analysis of how language, literary devices, and non-literary features create meaning and impact.
- Clear, coherent, and well-structured oral delivery.
- Effective engagement with the provided guiding questions to demonstrate critical understanding.
For more detailed insights into preparing for the IB English IO, resources like BartyED's IB English IO Guide offer valuable strategies and examples.
