Language B

1. What makes a Language B EE different?

A Language B EE:

• is written entirely in the target language

• investigates a cultural, linguistic, social, or media based issue

• uses primary and secondary sources in the target language

• focuses on how meaning is constructed within a cultural context

• demonstrates intercultural understanding

• analyses language, representation, or cultural perspectives

It is not a literary essay.

It is also not a personal opinion piece or a simple description of culture.

The essay must remain analytical, based on clear evidence from target language sources.

2. Suitable topics for Language B

A strong Language B topic:

• focuses on a cultural or social phenomenon related to the target language

• is narrow enough for depth

• allows for interpretation and analysis

• uses authentic sources produced for native audiences

• explores how meaning is constructed in texts, media, film, language use or behaviour

Examples of suitable topic types

• representation of identity in media

• analysis of a social issue supported by target language sources

• discourse analysis of public speeches, advertisements, or online content

• cultural significance of a film, song, movement or public figure

• linguistic features of youth slang or social media communication

Examples of unsuitable approaches

• describing a cultural practice (for example food, festivals, tourism)

• relying on English sources

• offering personal impressions of culture

• translating English sources into the target language

• writing a literary analysis (this is Language A territory)

3. Rules for sources

This is the area where students make the most mistakes, so clarity here is essential.

You must use sources in the target language

These can include:

• articles, blogs, magazines

• interviews, speeches, podcasts

• films, television programmes, advertisements

• public statements, policy documents, websites

• survey responses in the target language

Your evidence must be drawn directly from these sources.

Avoid

• English sources

• translated articles

• English summaries of cultural issues

• personal experiences or anecdotal evidence

• anything written for language learners rather than native speakers

4. Research methods in Language B

Your methods will depend on your topic. 

Common and appropriate approaches include:

• textual analysis

• discourse analysis

• media or film analysis

• cultural comparison

• qualitative data (for example surveys or interviews conducted in the target language)

• analysis of representation or identity

Methods must be relevant to culture and communication, not literary criticism.

5. What your argument should do

A strong Language B argument:

• analyses meaning within cultural context

• interprets how language, image, or representation constructs that meaning

• explores cultural perspectives and values

• links evidence directly to your research question

• moves beyond description to explanation and interpretation

The essay should explicitly demonstrate your understanding of how culture, audience, and language interact.

6. Expectations for analysis

Your analysis should:

• examine how language and visuals communicate meaning

• interpret choices made by creators or speakers

• consider different cultural perspectives

• explore patterns, contrasts, or shifts in representation

• identify bias, tone, or ideology where relevant

This is the type of analysis IB examiners expect in Language B.

7. Common pitfalls in Language B EEs

Avoid these frequent errors:

• relying on English sources or translations

• describing culture without analysing it

• choosing a topic that is too broad or generic

• writing a personal reflection rather than an investigative essay

• producing an opinion piece with minimal evidence

• analysing a literary text as if it were Language A

• using only one or two simple sources

• choosing topics unrelated to the target language community

These issues consistently limit marks in subject reports.

8. Model research questions

These demonstrate the type of focus and direction that fit Language B.

1. In what ways does French news media represent environmental activism among young adults?

2. How does the film Roma portray class and identity in contemporary Mexican society?

3. How do Japanese advertisements construct ideals of femininity in urban youth culture?

4. In what ways has Spanish social media discourse shaped attitudes towards sustainable tourism in Barcelona?

5. How is national identity constructed through public speeches during political campaigns in Germany?

Each of these is specific, culturally anchored, and answerable through target language sources.