How and on what will I be assessed for Arabic B?


In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), Arabic B is assessed through both external and internal assessments, each contributing to the overall evaluation of students' language proficiency. Here is an outline of the assessment structure and weighting:

External Assessment (75%):


Paper 1 (Productive Skills):
25%: Students are required to complete one writing task from a choice of three provided. This section assesses students' ability to express themselves coherently and effectively in writing. Total marks allocated for writing: 30 marks.



Paper 2 (Receptive Skills):
50% (25% for Listening and 25% for Reading):This paper comprises separate sections for listening and reading comprehension.

  • Listening Section: Students listen to audio recordings and respond to questions assessing their understanding of spoken Arabic.Total marks allocated for listening: 25 marks.
  • Reading Section: Students read and comprehend written Arabic texts, answering questions to demonstrate their comprehension skills.Total marks allocated for reading: 40 marks.

Internal Assessment (25%):

Individual Oral Assessment :This assessment involves individual oral presentations or conversations between the student and the teacher/examiner.Students are evaluated on their ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate fluency, and express themselves clearly in Arabic.Total marks allocated for the individual oral assessment: 30 marks.

Difference between SL and HL

The nature of the assessment differs between SL and HL levels.
For Language B HL, assessments require more complex language structures and higher-order thinking skills compared to SL. Additionally, the tasks set in paper 1 of Language B HL demand a higher word range to accommodate the more complex responses expected from students.
In the individual oral internal assessment, Language B SL students are presented with a visual image relevant to the course themes, while Language B HL students receive an excerpt from one of the two literary works studied. This distinction reflects the higher level of linguistic and analytical proficiency expected from HL students.


Assessment Themes

Identities

Explore the nature of the self and what it is to be human.

  • Lifestyles
  • Health and well-being
  • Beliefs and values
  • Subcultures
  • Language and identity

Possible questions:

  • What constitutes an identity?
  • How do language and culture contribute to form our identity?

Experiences

Explore and tell the stories of the events, experiences, and journeys that shape our lives.

  • Leisure activities
  • Holidays and travel
  • Life stories
  • Rites of passage
  • Customs and traditions
  • Migration

Possible questions:

  • How does our past shape our present and our future?
  • How and why do different cultures mark important moments in life?

Human Ingenuity

Explore the ways in which human creativity and innovation affect our world.

  • Entertainment
  • Artistic expressions
  • Communication and media
  • Technology
  • Scientific innovation

Possible questions:

  • What can we learn about a culture through its artistic expression?
  • How do the media change the way we relate to each other?

Social Organization

Explore the ways in which groups of people organize themselves, or are organized, through common systems or interests.

  • Social relationships
  • Community
  • Social engagement
  • Education
  • The working world
  • Law and order

Possible questions:

  • What is the individual’s role in the community?
  • What role do rules and regulations play in the formation of a society?

Sharing the Planet

Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals and communities in the modern world.

  • The environment
  • Human rights
  • Peace and conflict
  • Equality
  • Globalization
  • Ethics
  • Urban and rural environment

Possible questions:

  • What environmental and social issues present challenges to the world, and how can these challenges be overcome?
  • What challenges and benefits does globalization bring?

src: ibo.org