PastPaper.question 1 · Extended Response
30 PastPaper.marksYour school recently implemented a comprehensive 'zero-waste' initiative, but many students are still not participating actively or are confused about how to separate waste properly. Write a text to motivate your peers to support this initiative and provide practical advice on how they can reduce waste daily at school. Choose the most appropriate text type from the three options: [1] An article for the school magazine, [2] A speech to be delivered at the student assembly, or [3] An open letter to the student body. Write between 250 and 400 words.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
To achieve high marks (25-30 marks), the response must demonstrate excellence across three key criteria:
1. Criterion A: Language (12 marks): The vocabulary should be varied and appropriate to the topic of environmental sustainability (e.g., 'biodegradable', 'conservation', 'landfill', 'single-use plastics'). The grammar should show a range of complex structures (e.g., conditionals, passive voice, modal verbs for advice) with high accuracy. The register must be appropriate for peers (engaging, persuasive, yet respectful).
2. Criterion B: Message (12 marks): The message must address all parts of the prompt. It should explain why the zero-waste initiative is important (motivation) and outline at least 2-3 practical steps students can take (e.g., using reusable bottles, separating recyclables from compost, reducing food waste). The ideas should be organized logically with clear cohesive devices.
3. Criterion C: Conceptual Understanding (6 marks): The student must choose one text type and strictly follow its conventions:
- If an Article: Needs an engaging title, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a call to action or concluding thought.
- If a Speech: Needs an opening address (e.g., 'Good morning, teachers and fellow students...'), rhetorical devices (e.g., rule of three, rhetorical questions), and a closing thank you.
- If an Open Letter: Needs a clear salutation (e.g., 'Dear fellow students,'), a stated purpose for writing, a structured argument, and an appropriate sign-off (e.g., 'Sincerely, [Name]').
1. Criterion A: Language (12 marks): The vocabulary should be varied and appropriate to the topic of environmental sustainability (e.g., 'biodegradable', 'conservation', 'landfill', 'single-use plastics'). The grammar should show a range of complex structures (e.g., conditionals, passive voice, modal verbs for advice) with high accuracy. The register must be appropriate for peers (engaging, persuasive, yet respectful).
2. Criterion B: Message (12 marks): The message must address all parts of the prompt. It should explain why the zero-waste initiative is important (motivation) and outline at least 2-3 practical steps students can take (e.g., using reusable bottles, separating recyclables from compost, reducing food waste). The ideas should be organized logically with clear cohesive devices.
3. Criterion C: Conceptual Understanding (6 marks): The student must choose one text type and strictly follow its conventions:
- If an Article: Needs an engaging title, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a call to action or concluding thought.
- If a Speech: Needs an opening address (e.g., 'Good morning, teachers and fellow students...'), rhetorical devices (e.g., rule of three, rhetorical questions), and a closing thank you.
- If an Open Letter: Needs a clear salutation (e.g., 'Dear fellow students,'), a stated purpose for writing, a structured argument, and an appropriate sign-off (e.g., 'Sincerely, [Name]').
PastPaper.markingScheme
Assessment is based on the official IB Language B writing rubric (Total: 30 marks):
- Criterion A: Language (12 marks): Assesses grammatical accuracy, vocabulary range, and appropriate register.
- Criterion B: Message (12 marks): Assesses how well the task is fulfilled, the relevance and development of ideas, and structural coherence.
- Criterion C: Conceptual Understanding (6 marks): Assesses the choice of text type, register, and style in relation to the audience, purpose, and context.
- Criterion A: Language (12 marks): Assesses grammatical accuracy, vocabulary range, and appropriate register.
- Criterion B: Message (12 marks): Assesses how well the task is fulfilled, the relevance and development of ideas, and structural coherence.
- Criterion C: Conceptual Understanding (6 marks): Assesses the choice of text type, register, and style in relation to the audience, purpose, and context.