Time Alloted
Standard Level (SL) – 1.15 hours
Higher Level (HL) – 1.15 hours
IB Language A Tuition: Literature
Understand the syllabus, exam format and get free resources.
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Why Ascend Now is the Top Choice for IB Language A Tuition: Literature?
68%
Of Ascend Now Students got 6+/7 in IB DP Language A: Literature
83%
Improved their IB DP Language A: Literature score by 1 point or more
12+
Certified IB DP Language A: Literature Examiners and Tutors
81%
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What is IB DP Language A: Literature? Why Study it?
The language A: literature aims at exploring the various manifestations of literature as a particularly powerful mode of writing across cultures and throughout history. The course aims to develop students understanding of factors that contribute to the production and reception of literature – the creativity of writers and readers, the nature of their interaction with their respective contexts and with literary tradition, the ways in which language can give rise to meaning and effect, and the performative and transformative potential of literary creation and response.
Your track record in the IB Language A Tuition: Literature course is one of the key factors that will determine your college acceptances. Work with certified IB Language A Tuition: Literature Examiners to get that 7/7.
Speak to an advisor todayIB DP IB DP Language A: Literature Syllabus: Topics + Overview
This course is available at higher and standard levels. Higher level study requires a minimum of 240 class hours, while standard level (SL) study requires a minimum of 150 class hours. Students study 13 works at higher level and 9 works at standard level from a representative selection of literary forms, periods and places. Students are assessed through a combination of formal examination and oral written coursework. The works you are required to study come from a set of 3 different types of works: works in translation, works originally in the language studies, and free choice text.
Component
SL
HL
Readers, Writers and Texts
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Works are chosen from a variety of forms. The topic includes the investigation of the response of readers and the ways in which literary texts generate meaning.
Recommended Learning: 50 Hours (SL) / 80 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Time and Space
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Works are chosen to reflect a range of historical and/or cultural perspectives. Their study focus on the contexts of literary texts and the variety of ways literary texts might both reflect and shape society at large.
Recommended Learning: 50 Hours (SL) / 80 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Intertextuality: Connecting Texts
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Works are chosen so as to provide students with an opportunity to extend their study and make fruitful comparisons. Their study focuses on intertextual relationships between literary texts with possibilities to explore various topics, thematic concerns, generic conventions, literary forms or literary traditions that have been introduced throughout the course.
Recommended Learning: 50 Hours (SL) / 80 Hours (HL)
Additional Sub-topics
Readers, Writers and Texts
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Works are chosen from a variety of forms. The topic includes the investigation of the response of readers and the ways in which literary texts generate meaning.
Recommended Learning: 50 Hours (SL) / 80 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Time and Space
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Works are chosen to reflect a range of historical and/or cultural perspectives. Their study focus on the contexts of literary texts and the variety of ways literary texts might both reflect and shape society at large.
Recommended Learning: 50 Hours (SL) / 80 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Intertextuality: Connecting Texts
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Works are chosen so as to provide students with an opportunity to extend their study and make fruitful comparisons. Their study focuses on intertextual relationships between literary texts with possibilities to explore various topics, thematic concerns, generic conventions, literary forms or literary traditions that have been introduced throughout the course.
Recommended Learning: 50 Hours (SL) / 80 Hours (HL)
Only HL
Additional Sub-topics
Download full sub-topic list for the IB DP Math AI SL and HL
Download SyllabusIB DP Language A: Literature Exams and Past Papers: Overview
Paper 1
For both SL and HL
35% of SL Final Exam Grade
35% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Poet
How does the poet use structure and language to evoke a particular mood or tone in the poem?
Paper 2
For both SL and HL
35% of SL Final Exam Grade
25% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Theme of Power
Compare how two works you have studied explore the theme of power and its impact on individuals and society
HL Essay
Only HL
NA
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Dr.Rank’s Function
Exploring Dr.Rank’s function as a foil character in A Doll’s House.
Individual Oral (IO)
For both SL and HL
30% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Topic
How oppression fuels rebellion.
Download all the free past papers
Download Free Test PaperIs IB DP Language A: Literature Difficult?
The IBDP Literature course is challenging due to its emphasis on deep literary analysis and critical thinking across a broad range of texts from different cultures and historical periods. Students are expected to engage with complex themes, diverse perspectives, and various literary forms, requiring strong analytical and interpretive skills. The course demands a significant commitment to reading, writing, and discussion, as well as the ability to articulate nuanced interpretations both in writing and orally. The Higher Level (HL) option, in particular, adds further depth and complexity with additional coursework and the HL essay, which can be demanding. However, for students passionate about literature and willing to invest the necessary time and effort, the course is rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
May 2023 Score Distribution
Standard Level
Higher Level
5,919
Number of SL students
30,431
Number of HL students
5.0
SL Mean Score
4.6
HL Mean Score
Ascend Now Examiner Tips
Use Your Voice
“Don’t be afraid to voice your interpretations, even if they differ from the norm. Originality and thoughtful analysis are highly valued.”
Urska
IB DP Language A: Literature
7+ years experience teaching English Language and Literature
Practice Your IO
“Practice your oral presentation regularly. Confidence and clarity in expressing your ideas are key to doing well in the individual oral assessment.”
Magda
IB DP Language A: Literature
8+ years of tutoring experience teaching English Language and Literature, and Visual Arts
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