International Baccalaureate MYP and DP standards for Language B

In addition to the ACTFL standards, all world language classes are akey components of the International Baccalaureate Middle YearsProgramme and Diploma Programme.

Language B Aims:  The aims of the study of modern foreign languages are to:
•enable the student to use language(s) effectively as a means ofpractical communication, providing a sound base of communication skillsnecessary for future study, work and leisure
• enable the studentto understand the nature of language and the process of total languagelearning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural andsocial components
• enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts
• offer insight into the cultural characteristics of the communities where the language(s) is (are) spoken
• encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from other cultures
• promote involvement with different communities, where relevant
• provide access to varied sources of information
• foster curiosity, a lifelong interest and enjoyment in language learning.

Language B Objectives:  At the end of the course students should be able to:
• communicate information, ideas and opinions
• demonstrate comprehension of specific factual information and attitudes, expressed in spoken and written contexts
• identify main ideas and supporting details and draw conclusions from spoken and written texts
• understand and appropriately use structures and vocabulary
• request and provide information in both spoken and written contexts
• engage actively in oral production using comprehensible pronunciation and intonation
• take part in formal and informal exchanges related to the areas of interaction and to cultural and international issues.