Language A - English
Curriculum Guide

Description

The aim of studying Language A in the MYP is to encourage students to develop a personal appreciation of literature; skills in literary criticism; strong written and oral skills; respect for the literary heritage of their first language and an international perspective. The range of texts studied in language A1 courses is broad, and students grow to appreciate a language’s complexity, wealth and subtleties in a variety of contexts. A specific aim is to engender a lifelong interest in literature and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression.
(IB Website 2007)

Language A objectives

A Content
This criterion refers to the student’s ability to demonstrate: an awareness of the function of language A through critical and creative writing; an understanding of the works studied; and an effective response to literature.

B Organization
This criterion covers the student’s ability to: express ideas with clarity and coherence; structure arguments in a sustained and logical fashion; and support these arguments with relevant examples.

C Style and language usage
This criterion refers to the student’s ability to use language for a variety of purposes, including description, analysis and persuasion. Appropriate register and language should be chosen, according to intention and audience.

Language A assessment

Periodically during the year, students are awarded a level of achievement for each criterion. For each assessment criterion a number of band descriptors are defined, which indicate the progress of the student.

Criterion	Level	Band descriptor for the highest level possible
A Content	0-10	Level 9-10 The student demonstrates a perceptive understanding of the relevant aspects of the topic or theme. The work consistently displays illustrative detail, development and support. Creative pieces reflect a high degree of imagination and sensitivity. The student’s response to literature demonstrates a sophisticated analysis of the author’s intention and techniques.
B Organization	0-10	Level 9-10 The student’s work is consistently well organized, clear and coherent, and arguments are presented in a perceptive and persuasive manner. Paragraph structure and transitions effectively develop and substantiate the ideas being expressed. When such devices are required, critical conventions and apparatus are used in a sophisticated manner.
C Style and language usage	0-10	Level 9-10 The student’s use of vocabulary is always appropriate and greatly varied with very infrequent errors in spelling, pronunciation, punctuation and syntax. The student has mastered the use of a register suitable to intention and audience.

Assessment criteria; rubrics

Course outline