IB Diploma Guide - The International School Of Penang

The Course and Assessment Methods
Higher Level Languages A1
Language A1 Higher Level, whilst both stimulating and enriching, is uncompromisingly
demanding in terms of necessary ability and capacity for hard work. This is a comparative
literature course, using works written, originally or in translation, in the language A1.
The development of analytical critical skills coupled with creative and imaginative
interpretations of the literature are fundamental for success.
The course consists of the following four parts (15 works):
• A study of three World Literature texts; assessed by two written assignments
both 1000 – 1500 words in length marked externally; (20%).
• A detailed study of four texts; assessed by internal formal oral and commentary
assignments and externally moderated. (15%).
• A thematic study of a group of four works; assessed by external written examination
(50%).
• A study of four texts linked by genre, theme or period, providing the basis for
a variety of internal oral coursework (15%).
Standard Level Languages A 1
This course does not require the student to read the range of texts covered at Higher
Level, but does include works of World Literature in translation as well as those written
in English.
The course consists of the following four parts (11 works):
• A study of three World Literature texts in translation; assessed one written
assignment of 1000 – 1500 words which is marked externally (20%).
• A detailed study of two texts; assessed by an internal formal oral presentation
and externally moderated (15%).
• A thematic study of a group of three works, assessed by external written
examination (50%).
• A study of three texts linked by genre, theme, or period; providing the basis for
a variety of internal oral coursework (15%).
For both HL and SL, external assessment through written examination account for
70% of the final grade, and the internally assessed coursework, for 30%.
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