Exploring the Topics of Investigation in IB English A: An Independent Oral Presentation Guide
In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), the English A Language and Literature course does not explicitly structure its curriculum around "five fields of inquiry." However, the broader IB inquiry framework, which includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and general IB inquiry approaches, emphasizes key thematic or conceptual inquiry areas.
These core fields or frameworks of inquiry systematically guide students to explore complex global issues by framing questions, employing critical perspectives, and making meaningful connections across cultures and disciplines.
The five essential fields or categories guiding inquiry and learning across IB curricula can be summarized as follows:
- Transdisciplinary Themes that explore global/local issues such as "Who we are," "Where we are in place and time," and "Sharing the planet."
- Specified Concepts like Form, Function, Causation, Change, Connection, Perspective, and Responsibility which frame inquiry about phenomena, encouraging deep understanding and critical thinking across disciplines.
- Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills—communication, thinking, social, research, and self-management skills—which empower students to conduct inquiries effectively, communicate ideas, collaborate, and manage learning processes.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)—a core Diploma component that explores ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, encouraging students to critically examine language, logic, ethics, and knowledge acquisition methods.
- Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components involve independent research and experiential learning, fostering inquiry-driven exploration of issues relevant to the student.
In the IB Diploma Programme English A Language and Literature specifically, students explore global issues through inquiry guided by key concepts such as culture, identity, perspective, representation, and communication. These serve as lenses through which texts from diverse cultures and contexts are examined.
The inquiry approach encourages students to question and analyze how language and literature represent and influence global issues and human experiences, compare multiple perspectives and cultural contexts to develop international-mindedness, and reflect critically on their own views and the information they engage with.
Mastering these fields of inquiry in IB English A helps students think beyond plot and character, and the fields of inquiry are crucial for assessments like the Individual Oral (IO). In the Individual Oral assessment, students must connect a global issue to two texts, one literary and one non-literary.
Each field of inquiry encompasses a range of social and cultural topics. For example, texts that explore social belonging, displacement, or cultural clashes often fall into the Culture, Identity and Community field. Texts that consider media, progress, or ecological themes are perfect for the Science, Technology and the Natural World field.
When choosing the right field for texts, students should review key themes, use the field to anchor their IO planning, avoid vague issues, and practice by linking quotes or stylistic features from texts to field themes. A global issue can fit more than one field.
Examples of global issues linked to fields include:
- Science, Technology and Environment: Ethical dilemmas in AI surveillance systems
- Culture, Identity and Community: Gender discrimination in media representation
- Politics, Power and Justice: Economic disparity and housing rights
- Beliefs, Values and Education: The tension between secular and religious education
These fields of inquiry provide a lens through which to evaluate authors' messages, audience impact, and the global relevance of texts. They also influence Paper 2 essay planning, written tasks, and lesson planning, encouraging cultural and contextual awareness.
In summary, while the IB English A does not formally list "five fields of inquiry," the broader IB inquiry framework collectively fosters a comprehensive, critical, and international approach to understanding global issues in the English A course.
- To enhance their understanding and analysis of global issues, students in the IB Diploma Programme English A Language and Literature course can leverage revision tools focused on the fields of Culture, Identity and Community, Science, Technology and the Natural World, Politics, Power and Justice, and Beliefs, Values and Education.
- Incorporating these fields of inquiry into their educational and self-development routines can help students explore various aspects of literature and language effectively, thereby adopting a lifestyle that fosters critical thinking, international-mindedness, and empathy.
