IB Studies in language and literature grade descriptors

Explore the official IB Studies in language and literature grade descriptors. Read what is expected at every grade, or choose a grade to focus on its performance expectations.

Grade expectations

All 7 grades

Group 1 (studies in language and literature) grade descriptors

Grade 7

Demonstrates: excellent understanding and appreciation of the interplay between form and content in regard to the question or task; responses that may be convincing, detailed, independent in analysis, synthesis and evaluation; highly developed levels of expression, both orally and in writing; very good degree of accuracy and clarity; very good awareness of context and appreciation of the effect on the audience/reader; very effective structure with relevant textual detail to support a critical engagement with the thoughts and feelings expressed in the work(s).

Grade 6

Demonstrates: very good understanding and appreciation of the interplay between form and content in regard to the question or task; responses that are, mainly, convincing, as well as detailed and independent to some degree, in analysis, synthesis and evaluation; well-developed levels of expression, both orally and in writing; good degree of accuracy and clarity; good awareness of context and appreciation of the effect on the audience/reader; effective structure with relevant textual detail to support a critical engagement with the thoughts and feelings expressed in the work(s).

Grade 5

Demonstrates: good understanding and appreciation of the interplay between form and content in regard to the question or task; responses that offer generally considered and valid analysis, synthesis and/or evaluation; good levels of expression, both orally and in writing; adequate degree of accuracy and clarity; awareness of context and appreciation of the effect on the audience/reader; clear structure with relevant textual detail to support an engagement with the thoughts and feelings expressed in the work(s).

Grade 4

Demonstrates: adequate knowledge and understanding of the question or task; responses that are generally valid in analysis and/or synthesis; satisfactory powers of expression, both orally and in writing; few lapses in accuracy and clarity; some awareness of context and appreciation of the effect on the audience/reader; a basic structure within which the thoughts and feelings of the work(s) are explored.

Grade 3

Demonstrates: some knowledge and some understanding of the question or task; responses that are only sometimes valid and/or appropriately detailed; some appropriate powers of expression, both orally and in writing; lapses in accuracy and clarity; limited awareness of context and appreciation of the effect on the audience/reader; some evidence of a structure within which the thoughts and feelings of the work(s) are explored.

Grade 2

Demonstrates: superficial knowledge and understanding of the question or task; responses that are of generally limited validity; limited powers of expression, both orally and in writing; significant lapses in accuracy and clarity; little awareness of context and appreciation of the effect on the audience/reader; rudimentary structure within which the thoughts and feelings of the work(s) are explored.

Grade 1

Demonstrates: very rudimentary knowledge and understanding of the question or task; responses that are of very limited validity; very limited powers of expression, both orally and in writing; widespread lapses in accuracy and clarity; no awareness of context and appreciation of the effect on the audience/reader; very rudimentary structure within which the thoughts and feelings of the work(s) are explored.