Languages A2, B and Ab Initio
Discussion on Languages A2, B and Ab Initio. There is a separate subforum for Language A1!
1,222 topics in this forum
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Here are some tips that I think will help with formatting paper 2's for language B. Sorry it's not very well edited. Paper 2 Tips Overarching tips: -Register: Who are you talking to? Should you use “tu” or “vous”? Are you being subjective or objective? -Linguistic elements: Always remember to include a variety of tenses and colloquial language. However, when considering tenses always make sure to stay consistent and match the tense that the prompt requires. -Structure: For structuring, always make sure your paragraphs are cohesive and transitions are solid. As Lower would say “Give their eyes a break”. -Principal ideas: This is very important. So important it needs to…
Last reply by turtle turtle, -
Just out of interest, I wanted to ask people how many options their school offers their students in terms of Language B's. The most common Language B's being studied on this forum seem to be French, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, German and and Italian. Is anyone out there studying a very random language, or one that is not commonly spoken worldwide? If you are, why did you choose it instead of a more commonly used language? My own school offers French, Hebrew and Arabic as Language B (and a few students have taken Spanish, Italian and Finnish as a 7th subject).
Last reply by letryhard, -
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Ya hi. This is really effing late. My laptop is having issues so I had to get it fixed. Please don't hate me forever. Anywho I'll just explain to yall the format of the paper then give you some of the normal question formats that will be on the test. Mkay.Ready? Let's go! The Format Yall Ok so the paper 1 is divided into 4 different texts: A, B, C, and D. Each of these texts have their own set of questions and prompts. This paper tests two things: Your ability to respond to text based question and a written response to a text. The texts will be all in the language that you have taken and will be chosen externally. You have no say whatsoever in what they pick. Sorry. Altho…
Last reply by Swasub, -
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Greetings humans. The following are some tips I've compiled in order to make your oral a less painful and rather care free process in which you talk with the examiner (which may or may not be your teacher) about a topic that you have chosen (or not). So here we go with the tips... The Format Alright. The oral for language B consists of 9-12 minutes of you purely talking in your chosen foreign language. Whether it be French, Spanish, German, MAndarin, etc. the list goes on and on, the format will mostly be the same. (Unless I'm delusional in which case it isn't). It is also divided into three 3-4 minute chunks. These 'chunks' if you will each have a different component to …
Last reply by eatingpieisgreat, -
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Here are the links to the notes and sample works for Languages A2, B, Ab Initio we have on our Files archive. To be able to download files, you have to be a VIP member or a VIP subscriber. Please see the FAQ for information on how to become a VIP or how to buy a VIP subscription. If you want to donate and contribute files to our archive, please see this announcement or this FAQ section. Languages A2, B & Ab Initio Language A2 Language B and Ab Initio French: Notes and essays for French B and Ab Initio
Last reply by Survival Robot, -
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Hey, I finished writing my writing task (an opinion column) that's due tomorrow, but I don't know how to write the Rationale.. Can anyone please help me with what things need to be in there and how long it's supposed to be? PS: Is it gonna be graded? Thanks so much!! *Sera
Last reply by Gaby, -
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Heya people! I thought I should share some tips for Individual Oral ! Strategies you can use to describe pictures in French The single picture is mainly a test of vocabulary and of how well you can string a series of sentences together. Have a good look at the picture and think of all the things you can say; don't worry about the thing you don't know. The whole scene Introduce the whole scene before you start talking about the detail!Where is it? What is happening there? Typical scene: Families and friends out enjoying a day in the park A classroom, laboratory, library or school playground scene A shopping centre or market scene A hospital, doctor's surgery …
Last reply by ecieee, -
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Does anyone know where I can learn how to write the different formats for French B SL paper two? Our teacher did not teach us them and I hear that you get marks off if they aren't done properly...is this true? Whoever changed my post is just rude
Last reply by saquibkhan, -
Bonjour, tout le monde! Je m'appelle Caitlin, et je crois que pour ameliorer le francais, il faut le parler! Donc, si vous parlez le francais, repondez-vous a ce thread! B) Nous pouvons discuter en francais pour gagner les 7s!! Parlez de n'importe quoi: votre ecole, votre famille, votre leisures, qu'est que vous apprenez dans votre classe de francais? A bientot, mes petits poulets! Caitlin
Last reply by mariekur, -
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Hello everyone. My question is: approximately what are the equivalencies between DELF/DALF levels and IB French levels? I would suspect that French A1 HL would be equivalent to DALF C2 of course, but what about the other French IB levels (i.e. French AB Initio SL, B SL, B HL, A2 SL, A2 HL, A1 SL, A1 HL)? What DELF/DALF levels would these correspond to (i.e. A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2)? Thanks for taking the time out to read my query (and hopefully answer it).
Last reply by Indre, -
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I have a concern. As I have understood it from the language B syllabus the exam consists of the written part and the oral part. The written part is made up by paper 1, paper 2, and a written assignment. My teacher made us do the written assignment last week and she put us in a room for 3 hours and let us as it with the written assignment. She said we were absolutely not allowed to take it home and work on it. I thought it was a bit strange since I thought the written assignment would have been like that of in English A where you were worked on it on your own time and kept to the word count. I didn't see anything on the syllabus that said there was a certain time limit …
Last reply by emantse, -
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Hey guys, So it's the beginning of April in a few days, and I wanted to begin prepping for May Exams for this (SL French B). And besides obvious practice with reading and writing, what plans/schedules did you guys set out for yourselves? (and I'm referring to prepping for french from like the beginning of everything! -including the basics all the way to stuff we just learned) Thanks By the way, I have already completed all my orals and travail ecrit.
Last reply by ChocolateDrop, -
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Hi everyone, In about a month I have Spanish oral and I was wondering if you have any tips or words of advice? I started Spanish last year and although I do like learning it and stuff my teacher isn't consistent and we don't talk in lessons like at all. When doing the 'mock' oral in my own time I'm great but then I can use a dictionary and my phone, so it doesn't really count. Can anyone recommend me a website or what tenses should I know for sure or anything? I'm so stressed about it.
Last reply by IBSTRUGGLE2015, -
大家好， 汉语太难了。。。：（ 我是 安地， 我住在新西兰。 虽然我的汉语不好，我喜欢说汉语。 在这论坛里只能说汉语。 你好吗？
Last reply by Lei Chen, -
Written Task Spanish Written Assignment
by Guest- 7 replies
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Okay, so apparently in Spanish Ab Initio we have to write a written assignment with regard to four texts. I would like if you guys could help me out with this. It would also be great if I could get a sample written assignment as well. Regards.
Last reply by carpediem, -
So for some reason, my school allows fluent students to take Language B, instead of giving them a different language option. We had practice orals last week, and of course the fluent kids scored a near perfect on their interactive oral. Their parents only speak Spanish at home. I just dont see how this is ethical. The schools get a false reputation for language B curriculum, and the students taking the classes while fluent earn an easy grade. The language B is specifically designed for students who don't speak the language, not those who wish to earn an "easy 7". whats your school policy and take on this?
Last reply by BeezyW, -
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Hey everyone - I've been giving heaps of tips lately for people's French studies, so I've decided to make a master post, filled with everything that I can think of which has helped me over the past two years (sorry for my lack of accents, my laptop doesn't like inserting them in!) So firstly, get hold of a past exam (SL/HL/ab initio - whichever you're doing). Look at paper 1, and the sort of language you need to understand, and the type of questions you're going to have to answer. Then look at paper 2, and see what you need to write about, how much you need to write, and the sort of language (vocab/grammar etc.) you might need to know. That way, you know the sort o…
Last reply by El :3, -
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So this thread is for people who do Spanish. I figure we can make this thread Spanish-only, for people that want to learn Spanish. Post whatever you want, describe yourself etc. So from under the Line of Spanish, you can't speak any English, If you want to correct something PM them (Please do, it would help ) -----------------------------Line Of Spanish--------------------Línea de español------------------------------ Hola! Yo también juego al futbol pero ahora es verano mi no juego tanto.
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P2 Language B Paper 2 Text types- Confused
by Guest Sely1007- 4 replies
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Hey guys, Can anyone give me a huge help on this? I'm taking English B HL and my teacher is making me very confused. I know that for Paper 2 we have to write different text types, but I'm not sure exactly how to write them -format- He has shown different formats for the text types but they all seem so similar between one another. Do you know where I can find sample formats or sample texts of every type? Introduction to speech, letters, proposals, journal entries, articles, blogs, etc... It would really help me out!
Last reply by merging, -
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I have two friends that are taking Ab Initio. One has been taking Spanish for five years, and is taking Ab Initio, and one has been taking French for four years, and is taking Ab Initio. Is this right? I'm in french with one of them and its just difficult for me.
Last reply by Leti, -
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Hey would anyone happen to have some German Ab Initio past exam papers? I cannot find any!!! And I really need to find some Thanks
Last reply by Asterix, -
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Hi, so I'm the only student doing Latin this year and I'm pretty sure I'm the first ever student to do Latin at IB level at my school, so my IB Coordinator and I are pretty lost. I have private Latin lessons from a teacher who works at a public school, so she knows nothing about the IB at all. So, I have a couple of questions about the dossier. Please correct me if I'm wrong. It has to be about an Ancient Roman topic, right? Can it be a comparison of some aspect of society (e.g. women's rights) in Ancient Rome AND Ancient Greece or must it be solely about Rome? Also, it has to be in the language of examination (English for me), not in Latin, right? At SL maximum word cou…
Last reply by smartypants093, -
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What does it take to top french??? Omg it's so difficult and killing me these days... any tips for survival peoples? Merci
Last reply by cricketcrazynerd, -
7 in ab initio?
by Guest axe- 8 replies
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How hard is it to score a 7 in ab initio considering that you have no prior knowledge of the language? Is it even possible to write an essay in just two years of learning the language?
Last reply by JoeZell, -
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Hi guys , I'm currently in year 2 of IB course and have to choose a topic for my Spanish written assignment. Anyone who does Spanish ab inito may know about this task. Can you guys suggest me some topics that are worth written for the assignment and have a lot write about. Thanks
Last reply by Angel M., -
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So I've been seeing a lot of people on here with something called Ab initio for their language. I'm starting my second year of the IB in French SL and I was wondering: what's the difference between French SL and French Ab initio? I know 'Ab initio' means 'from the beginning' in Latin...
Last reply by Njofrica, -
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My french oral's tomorrow and I'm stressing out because I have no idea how hard its going to be. My topic is "The Tour de France."
Last reply by Emmi, -
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Next year I really want to take IB mandarin B SL but I'm not sure if I'll be able to because i've heard it's really hard. I don't have a chinese background but I've been studying it for 3 years. We haven't learnt much though because my teachers are quite bad. My other option is spanish ab initio but I'd really like to take mandarin because I really like the language. If I get a tutor and start working on my mandarin now do you think I'll be able to take it next year (school year starts Feb)? How many characters do you need to know? And has anyone with a non-chinese background ever done well at it? I'd love for any IB students to share your experience
Last reply by ppincus, -
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I am currently a sophomore and will be taking IB Mandarin SL next year. I actually only started Mandarin (the course was called Mandarin I) last year in my freshman year but since I displayed a higher-level of speaking and writing proficiency at the end of the year in comparison to the other students in my grade, they bumped me up to Mandarin III this year. I currently know how to write about 800 characters give or take, and can recognize about 1000. The book that we studied in Mandarin I and III follows the Yuan Dong publishing corp. from Taiwan. We also take supplementary grammar and vocabularies from the widely used Chinese Made Easy series as well for IB prep. So for …
Last reply by JONGong, -
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What's the real difference between them? Is Ab a mix of A and B? which one's harder?
Last reply by dessskris, -
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Hey, what is the word count for the rationale for the written assignment (creative written assignment)? On some places they say it is 150, other 150-250.. is that something to do with the changes for 2015?
Last reply by rainbowunicorn, -
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Hi! What have your teachers told you are the most important literary devices to comment upon when writing the comparative commentary in English paper 1? I have gotten different information from different people, and I'm starting to freak out 'cause it's soon exams... Thanks to everyone who can help me!
Last reply by moneyfaery, -
So according to some, having language pen-pals can count for creativity hours. How? Basically, what you have to do is find someone who is doing IB somewhere else (outside of your country of residence), and talk to them in a language that you are not fluent in. In this case, us IB students can use our language B to fit that criteria. The only requirement is that you conduct your email entirely in that foreign language, and that person will reply to you in their foreign language (one in which you can understand of course). The emails should be set about once or twice a week for about 15 minutes, depending on how free you are. However, you'll notice that if this is continue…
Last reply by MeganHickey, -
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French Idioms 1 2
by otter12- 21 replies
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occupe-toi de tes oignons - lit. look after your onions, really -mind your own business
Last reply by walking tea party, -
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i have to give in my subject and type of writing. what is something easy to do?? we are studying media
Last reply by alisonfaith297, -
So who amongst us is doing IB German B (SL or HL)? Might be a place to share tips? Advice? Strategies for coping with awful teachers? Shall I start then? I've got hold of the Alevel equivalant (NCEA) vocab list. Now, it's not fun, but have divided it up into weekly sections and am learning one section a week. Pretty boring but really helps! Any other ideas?
Last reply by Tilia, -
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Hey guys! Je vais créer une groupe sur Skype pour les étudiants de Français B. Les étudiants d'Ab Initio peuvent nous joindre aussi mais ça sera plus difficile pour eux. Si tu t'interesses à parler en français des sujets de la core (comme Thèmes Mondiaux, Relations Sociales etc.) ou les options (comme la santé etc.), tu peux m'envoyer une message et je t'ajouterai sur la groupe. Je ne sais pas combien de fois on va rencontrer et parler, mais j'espère qu'il y aura beaucoup de personnes. Maintenant, je n'ai personne, mais je souhaite au meilleur Je pense que ça sera cool On peut avoir les discussions ou les debats, ou même parler et connaître chacun. …
Last reply by turtle turtle, -
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Soooo we've just begun to take practice tests for French B SL, and I've noticed that I am significantly lacking in vocabulary. Is this true across the board, and if it's not, does anyone have helpful lists? My teacher has totally ignored the issue of vocab all year...
Last reply by Blackcurrant, -
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what are the differences in HL and SL spanish B? sorry if this has been asked before. i'm in spanish B SL1 and i have an A... so i was thinking i should do HL next year. i am not a native speaker. also, did they change the individual oral for B languages? i thought you picked a topic and presented it and then your teacher asked you questions about it, but my teacher said that they give you a picture and you have to describe it and then your teacher asks you about it... which is it? sorry if i seem kinda stupid in IB stuff haha... i start the whole program next year but they let you take your foreign language early if you have all the prerequisites at my school.
Last reply by Sofia., -
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I'm starting my IB this year and I'm worried about my English. Right now I have chosen English A2.I know that I will have to read literature, which I love, but I think I will be overcrowded and this course will be too tough for me as English is my second language. Is there any difference for Universities weather I have finished English A2 or English B course? Is it worth to study English A2 when I can get better marks in English B? Perhaps some of you could share your experience from your English B and English A2 lessons? Thank you for all your answers.
Last reply by Belle L, -
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So my oral exam is in two days but I was wondering if you guys had any useful tips for the Oral Exam? (where you get a picture, 15 minutes to prep and 3-4 minutes present to your teacher-with a tape recorder) btw this year IB has changed up some stuff for the SL French curriculum...
Last reply by ChocolateDrop, -
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I've always been decent at Spanish, but this year it's been kick my a**. Much of what we have been doing is taking practice Paper 1s, which are almost completely reading comprehension based. Does anyone have any tips or ideas that will help me to do better on these and just Spanish SL in general?
Last reply by Sandwich, -
Dear all, at this moment I am preparing for my IA French and could you share some of your experiances, advices etc.
Last reply by mickey, -
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Hey guys, So I was just wondering what the difference is between doing French B HL and French B SL. Is there, say, more content to cover, more things to do, any additional IAs, or are you just marked more harshly in the papers or something? I have no clue about this, so sorry if my questions are stupid! Thanks in advance!
Last reply by Tony Stark, -
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Hey, I'm having a bit of trouble deciding my 6th subject in the IB. I'm more language-orientated, but my school's offer for languages is pretty pathetic. I'm thinking that a possibility could be a self-taught language, like French or my other mother tounge that my school doesn't offer. HOWEVER my organisation skills are not that good and I'm really afraid that I find myself not studying the self-taught language at all...!! (I'm already worrying about how I'll organise the studying of the other five subjects that I'll study...) Anyway, has anyone got any experience/advice about this?? Would be much appreciated!!
Last reply by bulareo, -
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I'm a May 2010 candidate taking Spanish Ab Initio. I'm the only one at my school who takes this subject, and I basically I have to follow the syllabus on my own, since my teacher is not familiar with the IB-program. Consequently, I don't know if I should work harder or less. What have you done for Spanish Ab Initio so far? I have, in broad strokes, taught myself the regular verbs in every tense: present, perfect, imperfect, conditional, etc. Now I can just pump my head full of regular verbs and I'll know them in each tense. ^^ Soon I will start with common irregular verbs in each tense. Meanwhile, I learn new words and try to read, etc
Last reply by shreya123, -
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On the Spanish B SL Paper 2, what words are omitted from the word count, I know uno(a), unos(as), de, but what others?
Last reply by IBCONQUERER, -
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We got back our scores from the mock orals in French today, and I'm having mixed feelings about mine. I got 24/30, and while I realise it's good for someone who doesn't like to speak and dreaded this for weeks, I'm really not used to getting scores below 25. So I was wondering what you guys think is a good score... Thing is, these were mock orals but according to our teacher we're allowed to use them as the real ones if we're satisfied with the score, assuming we don't make another attempt. I asked my teacher if she thinks I could do better, and it sounded like she didn't expect me to get more than one or two points above what I already have. To be honest, I don't think t…
Last reply by Samra, -
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I have SL French and we're writing our first Preambule and I only sort of understand it. She told us it's basically an abstract to our writing, so like a rationale in Written Task 1 in English or the Abstract in the EE but is there a specific format, specific elements to be added...etc.? Please help, thank you!
Last reply by Blackcurrant, -
- 9 replies
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Hi, I have my Spanish ab initio oral (descrive a visual stimulus) in a week. I really want to get a good mark our of 30, hopefully a 7. Between now and then I am making sure that I will be able to cover everything. I know a lot of vocabulary and can achieve successfully good grammar features. E.g. for a photo in 10 minutes without dictionaries or resources, I can say what the photo is about/of, what is in the foreground/centre/right/left/background using vocab and prepositions, what something is doing, describe the main thing of the photo, describe weather if applicable, personal input: e.g. I have seen... I have been to... (just something related to the photo and I say w…
Last reply by Pwhdavey,
