Introduction
IB Language B exams test far more than vocabulary recall. Success depends on your ability to use the language confidently across contexts—reading unfamiliar texts, writing structured responses, listening accurately, and speaking fluently under exam conditions. For many students, the challenge isn’t effort, but knowing how to revise effectively.
This guide outlines practical, exam-focused strategies to help you prepare for IB Language B—whether you’re studying French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, or another IB language. Along the way, you’ll see how RevisionDojo’s updated Language B tools support each stage of revision in a structured, realistic way.
1. Building a Strong, Exam-Ready Vocabulary
Focus on High-Yield Vocabulary
Rather than memorising endless word lists, prioritise vocabulary that appears frequently in IB themes, text types, and exam questions. This includes opinion phrases, connectors, topic-specific terms, and common verbs used in analytical writing.
Learn Vocabulary in Context
Words stick when you see how they function in real sentences. Read short articles, opinion pieces, and model IB responses in your target language. Pay attention to tone, register, and how vocabulary adapts across formal and informal contexts.
Use RevisionDojo’s Language B Vocabulary System
RevisionDojo’s Language B resources organise vocabulary by theme, text type, and exam relevance, helping you focus on what actually appears in exams. Vocabulary practice is paired with context-based questions, so you learn how words are used—not just what they mean.
2. Improving Listening and Speaking Skills
Build Daily Listening Exposure
Listening is one of the hardest skills to improve quickly. Incorporate short, frequent listening practice—news clips, interviews, podcasts, or short videos in your target language. Focus on identifying key ideas, attitudes, and implied meaning, not just individual words.
Practice Speaking with Structure
Fluency improves when speaking becomes intentional. Practice:
- Describing images or situations
- Giving opinions with justification
- Responding to follow-up questions
Even solo practice—speaking aloud or summarising content—builds confidence.
Use RevisionDojo’s Oral Preparation Tools
RevisionDojo provides exam-style oral prompts, theme-based discussion questions, and guided speaking frameworks that mirror the IB oral exam structure. These help you practise clear, coherent responses under time pressure, rather than casual conversation only.
3. Mastering Reading and Writing
Active Reading, Not Passive Translation
When reading, train yourself to:
- Identify the text type and purpose
- Extract main ideas quickly
- Infer tone, intention, and audience
Avoid translating every word—focus on comprehension strategies used in exams.
Write Little, But Write Often
Regular short writing tasks are more effective than occasional long essays. Practise:
- Opinion paragraphs
- Emails, blogs, and articles
- Introductions and conclusions
Focus on clarity, structure, and accuracy, not perfection.
Use Examiner-Style Practice on RevisionDojo
RevisionDojo’s Language B practice questions are written to IB exam standards, with model responses and mark-focused feedback. This helps you understand what examiners reward in reading comprehension and writing tasks.
4. Preparing for the IB Language B Oral Exam
Know the Format Thoroughly
Confidence comes from familiarity. The oral exam requires:
- Clear description
- Personal engagement
- Relevant cultural and thematic connections
Understanding the structure prevents panic and rambling.
Prepare Flexible Topic Frameworks
Rather than memorising scripts, prepare adaptable ideas for common IB themes (identity, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation). This allows you to respond naturally, even when the prompt is unexpected.
Review and Refine
Recording yourself speaking is one of the fastest ways to improve. Listen for:
- Hesitation patterns
- Grammar slips
- Overuse of simple vocabulary
RevisionDojo’s oral prompts and structured speaking tasks make this practice focused and exam-relevant.
5. Exam-Day Strategies That Make a Difference
Stay Controlled, Not Rushed
For written papers, manage time carefully and leave space to check language accuracy. For the oral exam, speak clearly and steadily—fluency matters more than speed.
Use Focused Final Revision
In the final days, prioritise:
- Key connectors and opinion phrases
- Common text-type structures
- Oral theme vocabulary
RevisionDojo’s quick-review tools allow you to revise high-impact content efficiently, without overwhelming last-minute cramming.
Conclusion
Revising for IB Language B requires consistent exposure, structured practice, and exam awareness. Vocabulary alone isn’t enough—success comes from learning how the language functions across reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks.
By combining smart revision strategies with RevisionDojo’s examiner-aligned Language B resources, you can build confidence, accuracy, and fluency where it matters most. Start revising with intention, practise regularly, and your performance on exam day will reflect it.
