IB Ab Initio
Ab initio is a Standard Level language acquisition course designed for students with little or no prior experience of the language. Over two years, students build listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills through five prescribed themes, developing both practical communication and intercultural understanding. Students with prior experience typically take Spanish B SL or HL instead.
IB ab initio Course Structure and Content
The IB ab initio exam consists of two external assessments (Paper 1 and Paper 2) and one internal assessment (Individual Oral). All assessment tasks are based on the five prescribed themes:
- Identities
- Experiences
- Human Ingenuity
- Social Organization
- Sharing the Planet
Paper 1 Writing
In ab initio Paper 1, students complete two writing tasks by choosing one option from Section A and one from Section B. Success depends on selecting the appropriate text type, organizing ideas clearly, and writing accurately for the intended audience and purpose.
Paper 2 Listening and Reading
Language ab initio Paper 2 assesses receptive skills through separate Listening and Reading examinations. Students answer a range of IB-style comprehension questions based on authentic written texts and audio recordings.
Individual Oral
The Individual Oral assesses students' interactive speaking skills. They present a visual stimulus, answer follow-up questions, and participate in a conversation linked to the prescribed themes. Throughout the course, students gradually develop the language needed to communicate effectively in both familiar and increasingly unfamiliar situations.