Warm-up
Answer a few quick questions before today's lesson about language.
Listening
Listen to the recording and answer the questions in each part. You can replay the audio as many times as you need — click anywhere on the progress bar to jump to a specific moment. Read the questions in each part first, then submit when you are ready; your answers will be marked together at the end of each part.
Listening — Setting Goals for IB English B HL
This listening task is split into parts. The audio player stays at the top of the page so you can replay it freely — click anywhere on the progress bar to jump to a specific moment. For each part, read the questions first, then listen and answer. You can change your answers until you click Submit; feedback appears once you submit each part.
Reading
Read the passage on the left, then work through the questions on the right.
Reading — Starting Your Language Learning Journey
Read the passage on the left, then answer the questions one by one.
Starting Your Language Learning Journey
Welcome to your IB English B HL course! Whether you're beginning this journey or continuing one you started years ago, this is an exciting moment to reflect on who you are as a language learner and to set meaningful goals for the year ahead.
Language learning isn't just about memorizing vocabulary or mastering grammar rules—it's about opening doors to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. When you learn a language, you don't simply acquire words; you gain access to different worldviews and the ability to communicate across borders. Research shows that bilingual and multilingual speakers develop stronger cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. At the IB level, you're not just learning English; you're building a toolkit for global citizenship. Your portfolio this year will showcase this growth through personal writing, cultural analysis, and reflective pieces that demonstrate how language shapes identity.
As you begin, take time to honestly assess your current skills. What are your strengths? Perhaps you speak fluently but struggle with written accuracy. Maybe you understand most conversations but hesitate to speak. These observations aren't weaknesses—they're your starting points. Strong learners identify their gaps and create specific, measurable targets. Instead of saying "I want to improve my writing," ask yourself: "Which text types challenge me most? How many minutes per week will I dedicate to practice?" This clarity transforms vague ambitions into concrete action.
Your portfolio is central to this course. Unlike traditional exams that capture a single moment of performance, your portfolio evolves throughout the year, reflecting your authentic progress and voice. Include pieces that matter to you—journal entries about your cultural background, analyses of media from English-speaking countries, creative writing that experiments with new structures. When you choose what to include, you're making statements about what you value as a learner. By May, your portfolio will be a complete picture of your journey, not just a grade.
So begin today: reflect on why you're here, set realistic goals, and commit to the process. Your growth starts now.
Vocabulary Practice
Practise the 12 key vocabulary items from this lesson through three exercises.
Vocabulary Practice — Introductory Unit
Work through all three parts. Each part uses the same vocabulary in a different way.
Writing Task
Choose ONE of the following 2 tasks and write your response to it.
Task 1 — My Language Journey: A Letter of Introduction
{"Language is not just a tool for communication; it is a window into who we are." — Dr. Maria Chen, applied linguist}
You are beginning the IB English B HL course and your teacher has asked you to write a short introduction to yourself for the class portfolio. In this introduction, explain who you are, your relationship with language learning, and what you hope to achieve this year. Make sure to reference the quotation above and explain how it connects to your own experience. Write 250–400 words.
Address:
- Name, age, and where you are from or currently live
- Your language background: how many languages you speak and use
- Your experience learning English and your current goals
- How the quotation about language relates to your identity or ambitions
Task 2 — Language Learner Profile: A Classroom Introduction
{"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." — B.B. King, musician and songwriter (adapted context)}
Your English teacher is creating a classroom community profile for the IB English B HL programme. You have been asked to write a personal profile that will be shared with your classmates. Present yourself—your background, languages, interests, and what you hope to bring to this course. The quotation above should inspire your reflection on why you value learning. Write 250–400 words.
Address:
- Personal details: name, age, background, or cultural heritage
- Languages you speak and how you use them in your daily life
- Your strengths and challenges as an English learner
- How the quotation connects to your view of learning and growth this year
Speaking
Speaking task. Read the instructions, then complete the task.
After the Lesson
Reflect on what you learned and how confident you feel now.
Teacher Guide
Practise with
- brieflyadverb
for a short time; in a few words without unnecessary details
- broadlyadverb
in general without going into detail
- compatibleadjective
able to work or exist together without problems or conflict
- considerationnoun
careful thought about something before making a decision or taking action
- genuineadjective
real and not fake
- inevitableadjective
certain to happen and impossible to avoid
- involveverb
to include as a necessary part
- obviousadjective
easy to see or understand
- preciselyadverb
exactly and accurately
- principaladjective
most important or most significant
- rightlyadverb
in a way that is correct, fair, or appropriate; correctly or justly
- usagenoun
the way something is used