Overview
The IB English A Internal Assessment is worth varies by component (Oral + written coursework) — often the difference between a 5 and a 7 when exams go wrong. Unlike past papers, the IA is coursework you control months before exams. This guide explains criteria, structure, and the mistakes moderators see every year.
What examiners mark
For the IB Diploma Programme, individual Oral (SL & HL): global issue, two works (one literary), 10-minute extract analysis + discussion. HL Essay (HL only): 1,200–1,500 words on a literary work. Lang & Lit adds written tasks on non-literary topics.
Recommended structure
For the IB Diploma Programme, oral: outline global issue → analyse extract (techniques + meaning) → connect to second work → questions. HL Essay: thesis on literary line/theme → sustained analysis with quotations.
Workflow for a top-band IA
For the IB Diploma Programme, choose a global issue you care about — passion shows in delivery. Rehearse with timer. HL Essay: one work, one sharp thesis, no plot summary.
Common pitfalls
For the IB Diploma Programme, global issue too vague; feature spotting in oral; HL Essay plot retell; written task wrong text type format (Lang & Lit).
Criterion practice on MarkScheme
Draft sections can be checked against IB assessment language — [get feedback on your IA writing](/mark?subject=ib-english-a-lang-lit-sl) where supported, and use syllabus [lessons](/ib/courses/english-a-lang-lit-sl) to strengthen methodology and subject vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.
Lang & Lit vs Literature?
Lang & Lit oral uses one non-literary + one literary work; Literature uses two literary works.
Recording?
Oral is recorded for moderation — practise with the same note policy you will use.
Courses?
Lang & Lit and Literature lessons cover Paper skills too.