Group 1: Studies in language and literature

Language A is the student’s best language—used for reading, writing and critical analysis.

Course	For whom	Focus
Language A: Literature	Literature focus	Literary texts, analysis
Language A: Language and literature	Broader	Literature + non-literary media
Literature and performance	Interdisciplinary	Literature + theatre

Usually the language of instruction at school.

Group 2: Language acquisition

Language B and Ab Initio are for learning an additional language.

Course	Level	For whom
Language B	SL or HL	2–5 years of study; prior experience
Language ab initio	SL only	Beginners; little or no prior study

Language B: SL vs HL

• SL: Broader range of topics; less depth
• HL: More literature; deeper analysis; longer texts

Ab initio

• For beginners only
• SL only
• Focus on communication and cultural understanding
• Not for students with significant prior study in that language

Choosing the right level

• Language A: Your strongest language
• Language B: If you have 2+ years of study
• Ab initio: If you are starting from scratch

Schools may restrict choices based on timetabling and staffing.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports IB Language A, B and Ab Initio. Explore IB resources or book a free trial.

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Source: IB Languages

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