Note: The IB Individual Oral (IO) is a formal internal assessment. It requires thorough preparation of content and strong presentation skills. This guide covers everything from understanding the IO structure to delivering an effective oral. Use the headings and tips below to navigate each aspect of your IO preparation.
What It Is: The IO is a 15-minute oral exam for IB English A: Language and Literature SL. You will give a 10-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A with the examiner (usually your teacher). In your IO, you must analyze one literary text and one non-literary text, connecting them through a common global issue. IB Literature students do two literary works instead, but for Lang & Lit it’s one of each.
Requirements: You choose one literary work (e.g. a novel, short story, play, or poem studied in class) and one non-literary text (e.g. a newspaper article, advertisement, speech, graphic, etc. studied in class) that both clearly relate to a global issue. Typically, you focus on a specific excerpt (up to ~40 lines) from each text that exemplifies the global issue. The presentation is internally assessed by your teacher and moderated by IB. For SL students, the IO counts for 30% of the final English grade (for HL it’s 20%), so it’s a significant component.
Structure: During your 10-minute presentation, you should include a short introduction, an analysis of each text (roughly equal time on the literary and non-literary text), and a conclusion. After that, the teacher will ask follow-up questions for 5 minutes to probe your understanding. You are allowed to bring a brief outline (max 10 bullet points) as a speaking aid, but you cannot read a full script. The outline should just jog your memory; your delivery needs to be natural and not fully read out.
Assessment Criteria: The IO is marked out of 40, divided into four criteria (each scored 1–10). Here’s what examiners look for:
Understanding these criteria can guide your preparation. Essentially, a perfect IO shows strong content (knowledge + analysis) presented in a well-organized and clear manner.
What is a “global issue”? In IB terms, a global issue is a significant contemporary issue that has broad relevance across the world. It should meet three key properties: wide significance, transnational impact, and everyday local relevance. In other words, it’s an issue that many societies face, crossing national borders, with tangible effects on ordinary people’s lives. The IB provides five broad fields of inquiry as inspiration:
Your chosen global issue can relate to one of these areas, but it must be more specific than the broad category. For example, “gender inequality” or “racial discrimination” are broad themes; a more focused global issue could be “gender bias in education and its impact on career opportunities” or “systemic racism in urban policing”. Avoid choosing an issue so broad that it becomes vague (like just “gender” or “war”), or so narrow that it’s only relevant to one country (e.g. a policy unique to one nation). A good global issue is clearly defined, globally relevant, and evident in both texts you select.
Choosing your global issue: Start by reflecting on the works you’ve read and texts you’ve studied in class. What big issues or themes interested you? Perhaps you noticed themes of identity, power, technology’s influence, inequality, etc. List a few possibilities, then check them against the criteria above. For each potential issue, ask:
Linking issue to texts: The global issue should form the through-line of your IO – it’s the lens through which you’ll analyze both texts. For instance, if your issue is “the conflict between tradition and modernity,” you might choose a short story about generational clashes and a magazine article about cultural change – both explicitly show that tension. Ensure that in each text the issue is prominent and can be supported with evidence (quotes, examples) in the extract you’ll use. If you find yourself stretching to explain how a text relates to the issue, consider selecting a different text or refining the issue.
It can help to formulate a focused statement or IO title that links the texts and issue. For example: “Exploring the impact of social media on self-image in a novel about teenage life and a cosmetics advertisement campaign.” This isn’t mandatory, but a clear focus statement or title can keep you oriented. Strong IO topics often mention both the thematic angle and the issue (e.g. “The impact of trauma on truth” as a title for an IO on how war trauma affects personal narratives). By contrast, a weak topic would be vague or only talk about techniques with no clear issue.
Tip: Choose something you are genuinely interested in – your engagement will come through in your analysis. Once you have a global issue and texts, make the global issue explicit from the start of your planning. Write a sentence stating how each text presents that issue. This clarity will ensure everything in your IO ties back to the global issue (a key to staying focused). For example: “In Text 1, the novel The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini illustrates the global issue of ethnic discrimination through the power imbalance between Pashtuns and Hazaras. In Text 2, a newspaper photo-essay on refugee camps, the issue of ethnic discrimination appears in the depiction of marginalized communities receiving unequal aid.” If you can clearly articulate such links, you’re on the right track.
When preparing your analysis, remember that the goal is to show how each text portrays or explores the chosen global issue. This requires a mix of understanding the text’s content, identifying stylistic/literary techniques, and considering context. Here are strategies to use:
Start with the extracts you’ve chosen from each text. Perform a detailed analysis of these passages. Identify important literary and stylistic features the author/creator uses, such as imagery, symbolism, tone, diction, metaphors, structure, or characters (for a literary text), and things like layout, color, camera angle, font, or rhetorical devices (for a non-literary text). For each feature, think: how does this choice help convey some aspect of the global issue? For example, if your issue is “oppression,” you might notice a metaphor in the novel comparing a character to a trapped bird – symbolizing loss of freedom. In a political cartoon on the same issue, you might note exaggerated size differences between figures to show power imbalance. Annotate your extracts with these observations. This close reading provides the evidence (quotes, specific details) you’ll use in your IO.
Don’t just stop at the extract – consider the broader text and context. How does the rest of the work or the author’s overall message relate to the global issue? For the literary work, understand its overall themes and plot: how is the global issue woven through the whole novel/play/poem? For the non-literary text, consider it as part of a “body of work” – e.g. if it’s an advertisement, what is the larger ad campaign or brand ethos? If it’s a speech or article, what is the broader context or other works by that author? This “wide” analysis ensures you can connect the extract to the work as a whole and show a deeper understanding. Also, think about the purpose and audience: Why did the author create this text? Who was it meant to influence? Understanding purpose can reveal how the global issue is being addressed – for instance, a satirical essay might use irony to criticize the issue, whereas a memoir might use personal anecdotes to humanize it.
Clearly identify the key theme(s) in each text that relate to your global issue. For example, if your global issue is “human rights violations,” a novel might explore themes of injustice and resistance, while a documentary might emphasize awareness and activism. Pinpoint which theme in the text aligns with the global issue and concentrate your analysis on that. This helps you filter out unrelated details and stay on topic. Always circle back to “what does this tell us about [global issue]?” whenever you analyze a part of the text. By continually linking detail -> effect -> relevance to global issue, you ensure your analysis stays focused.
Discuss authorial choices in each text – essentially, how the story or message is delivered. In literary works, consider narrative perspective, character development, setting, motifs, use of language (figurative language, tone, irony, etc.), and structure of the text. In non-literary texts, consider genre-specific techniques: for an article, look at persuasive language, statistics, or appeals to emotion; for an advertisement, analyze visuals, slogans, and design; for a speech, note rhetoric, repetition, or appeals to audience values; for a film, consider camera work, lighting, music, etc. Identify a few of the most significant techniques in each text that help portray the global issue. For instance, if the global issue is “environmental degradation,” a poem might use vivid natural imagery and an anguished tone to lament deforestation, while a photograph might use stark contrast (a small lone animal against a destroyed habitat) to evoke sympathy and urgency. Explain the effect of each technique and connect it to the global issue: e.g. “The poet’s somber tone reinforces the global issue of environmental loss by making the devastation feel personal and tragic.” By highlighting such techniques, you demonstrate how the craft of each text contributes to its message about the global issue.
Consider when and where each text was produced, as this can influence how the global issue is presented. Ask yourself:
Including brief context can enrich your analysis (just ensure it remains tied to how the issue is depicted). Always link context back to the text and issue (avoid giving a history lesson). Be careful to use context to enhance interpretation, not replace analysis.
While the IO isn’t a comparative essay, you can occasionally draw connections or contrasts between the two texts to deepen insight. This is optional and should not overshadow the individual analysis, but noting a similarity or difference can be insightful. For example, “Both texts highlight gender inequality, but one does so through satire while the other uses tragedy, showing the issue’s multifaceted nature.” Such observations demonstrate you understand the issue broadly. You might save direct comparisons for your conclusion (more on that later), to avoid disorganizing your main analysis. The key is each text’s analysis should stand on its own first. Any comparative comments should serve to illuminate the global issue further or highlight different facets of it.
Whatever points you make, back them up with specific evidence from the texts – quote a short phrase or describe a visual element – and use proper literary/media terminology. For example, instead of saying “the novel shows the character is sad,” you might say “the author uses despondent imagery and first-person narration to convey the character’s despair, emphasizing the psychological toll of the global issue (mental health stigma).” Citing a quick quote or specific detail makes your analysis concrete and convincing. Follow up each piece of evidence with an explanation of how it relates to the global issue. This shows the examiner you’re not just listing techniques – you’re interpreting their significance. Aim for depth: “analysis” means digging into why and how the text presents the issue, not just what it presents. Also, incorporate relevant terms (e.g. “metaphor,” “satire,” “juxtaposition,” “pathos,” etc.) correctly, as it demonstrates your literary/media literacy.
As you analyze, continually tie your observations back to the global issue. It can be helpful to explicitly mention the issue multiple times during your presentation (using synonyms or phrasing to avoid sounding too repetitive). For instance: “This harsh tone contributes to the global issue of toxic propaganda, as it exemplifies how language can be weaponized to dehumanize others.” Keeping the issue in the foreground will satisfy the examiner that you are addressing the IO task directly. Avoid mere summary of the text’s plot or content – any summarizing should be brief and only done to set up an analytical point. The examiner knows the text (or at least, they expect analysis, not retelling). Focus on why the author created the text in this way and how it impacts the audience’s understanding of the global issue. If you find a section of your analysis doesn’t connect to the global issue, consider trimming it or rephrasing to make the link clear.
A well-structured presentation helps the examiner follow your argument and is essential for Criterion C (organization). Below is a step-by-step approach to organizing your 10-minute IO. You can adapt this structure, but ensure you cover all parts clearly and keep a logical flow.
Your introduction should set the stage for the examiner by explaining what you’ll be discussing and how your IO is framed. In roughly one minute, include the following:
Introduce the Global Issue clearly: Start by stating your global issue in a concise way. Don’t assume the examiner knows exactly what you mean by a short phrase – define or characterize the issue briefly. For example: “I will be exploring the global issue of censorship in authoritarian regimes, which is significant worldwide as it impacts freedom of expression across many countries.” Give 1–2 sentences explaining the issue’s relevance or scope (why it matters globally, or the key aspect you’re focusing on). This shows right away that you have a concrete, compelling issue.
Introduce Text 1 (Literary): Provide the title, author, and text type of your first text. Mention the year or context if it’s relevant (especially for literature, giving the publication year or setting can situate the text). Keep it brief – e.g. “The first text is the novel The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) by Margaret Atwood.” If it’s an excerpt from a larger work, you can mention that (e.g. “an excerpt from the middle of the novel”). Do not start summarizing the plot here – just identify the work. Immediately after, add a sentence linking this text to the global issue: for example, “In this dystopian literary work, Atwood explores gender oppression – a form of censorship and control – which directly ties to my global issue.” This connection is crucial; it signals why you chose this text.
Introduce Text 2 (Non-Literary): Do the same for your second text. Give the text type and details – e.g. “The second text is a newspaper editorial by X, published in The Guardian in 2019, titled ‘The Web of Surveillance’.” If it’s a visual text like an advertisement or artwork, describe it briefly (e.g. the campaign or context). Then link it to the global issue in 1–2 sentences: “This non-literary text addresses censorship through the lens of mass surveillance and media control, offering a real-world perspective on the issue.” It’s often useful to explicitly mention which text is literary and which is non-literary for clarity.
(Optional) Thesis or Mapping Sentence: If you can, end your introduction with a statement of your overall argument or focus. This might be a thesis that encapsulates how the global issue is seen in both texts. For example: “Ultimately, both texts highlight how censorship serves as a tool of power: Atwood’s novel warns of its dystopian extremes through fiction, while the editorial condemns its presence in modern society.” This isn’t strictly required, but it provides a nice roadmap. However, do not go into comparisons or detailed points yet – save that for the analysis and conclusion. Also, avoid listing specific literary techniques here; introduction is for the big picture only.
This is the core of your IO, where you analyze each text in turn in relation to the global issue. Plan to spend about 4 minutes on each text’s analysis. You can choose to start with either the literary or the non-literary text – usually, students start with the literary work, but it’s not a rule. What’s important is to give roughly equal time to each so the discussion is balanced.
For each text, structure your analysis coherently. Here’s a suggested approach for each text’s 4-minute segment:
Repeat for Text 2: After finishing analysis of the first text, transition to the second text analysis. Follow a similar structure, adjusting your focus to the conventions of that text type. Always tie techniques back to what aspect of the global issue they highlight. Provide specific descriptions since the examiner may not have the image or article in front of them.
Maintain Balance: Ensure you don’t spend, say, 7 minutes on one text and only 3 on the other. This imbalance can cost you under Criterion C (organization) for not giving both texts sufficient treatment.
Use the final minute to wrap up your IO. The conclusion should summarize and synthesize what you’ve found, without introducing new evidence. Consider these elements:
(Don’t Forget to Stop): Time your presentation so you can conclude cleanly within 10 minutes.
While not exactly part of your 10-minute structured presentation, it’s important to prepare for the 5-minute Q&A that comes next. The teacher/examiner will ask you questions about what you’ve presented, usually to probe deeper into your understanding or clarify things. Common types of questions include:
The purpose of these questions is to ensure that the work is your own and to let you demonstrate further insight. Engage in a dialogue – listen carefully, take a moment if needed, and then respond fully.
Even with excellent analysis, your IO score can suffer if you don’t communicate your ideas effectively. This section provides advice on how to deliver your oral in a clear, confident, and engaging manner.
In summary, clear communication and engagement can significantly boost your IO performance. The examiner is looking not just for analytical content, but also your ability to articulate ideas in a coherent, persuasive manner.
To help visualize how everything comes together, here are a couple of sample IO outlines with example global issues, texts, and analytical points. These samples cover different text types and issues to illustrate how you might structure your own analysis.
Literary Text:
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri (2003 novel).
Non-Literary Text: “What Does It Mean to Be Indian in America?” (Op-Ed by an Indian-American writer, 2019).
Outline:
Introduction: Define the global issue as “cultural identity and belonging for immigrants (diaspora identity)”. Note that this issue is global as migration creates identity questions in many countries. Introduce The Namesake (literary) – a novel about a Bengali family in the U.S., and the op-ed (non-literary) – a personal essay discussing the author’s dual identity. State that both texts explore challenges of preserving one’s heritage while adapting to a new culture.
Analysis of The Namesake (Literary):
…and so on, linking back to the global issue of cultural identity in diaspora.
Analysis of Op-Ed (Non-Literary):
Conclusion: Both texts examine cultural identity in diaspora. The novel uses fictional narrative for emotional impact, the op-ed uses personal testimony for real-life perspective. Summarize how they each address the global issue of diaspora identity.
Literary Text:
“Barbie Doll” by Marge Piercy (1971).
Non-Literary Text: A 1950s print advertisement for a kitchen appliance (featuring a smiling housewife).
Outline:
Introduction: Define the global issue as “gender stereotypes, specifically the expectations placed on women by society.” This is global and enduring. Introduce the poem “Barbie Doll,” which critiques unrealistic standards imposed on women. Introduce the 1950s ad, which idealizes the housewife role.
Analysis of “Barbie Doll” (Literary Poem):
Analysis of 1950s Appliance Advertisement (Non-Literary):
Conclusion: Both the poem and the advertisement tackle gender stereotypes but from opposite angles: Piercy’s poem critiques them, while the ad exemplifies them. This underscores how deeply cultural narratives about women’s roles are embedded globally.
These examples illustrate how you can connect very different text types through a global issue, always tying back to the global issue in each analysis.
Preparing for the IO involves both refining your analytical skills and your speaking skills. Here are some practice exercises and questions to help you get ready:
The IO may seem daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to discuss literature and media in a way that you shape. Choose a topic you find compelling, and your genuine interest will shine through in your analysis. Be systematic in your preparation: understand your texts deeply, connect them with a meaningful global issue, and practice conveying your insights clearly. With preparation and passion, you can walk into your Individual Oral confident and ready to engage your examiner in an insightful discussion. Good luck!