IB MYP Language & Literature Curriculum, Criteria & Preparation Guide (Years 1–5)
The IB MYP Language & Literature (L&L) course develops students’ ability to interpret texts, analyse how writers create meaning, communicate effectively, and produce original writing for different purposes and audiences.
Across Years 1–5, students engage with:
- Literary texts: Novels, plays, poetry
- Nonfiction: Articles, speeches, essays, interviews
- Media texts: Advertisements, blogs, infographics, film scenes
- Creative texts: Stories, narratives, monologues
The course builds high-level thinking skills required for the IB Diploma Programme.
Assessment Criteria (A – D)
All Language & Literature subjects worldwide follow the same criteria. Each criterion is scored 0–8 → Total 32 → Converted to grade 1–7.
- Criterion A: Analysing
- Criterion B: Organising
- Criterion C: Producing Text
- Criterion D: Using Language
Criterion A – Analysing
Understanding, interpreting, and evaluating how meaning is shaped in texts.
Skill Growth: From identifying → explaining → analysing → interpreting → evaluating.
| Year | Focus of Analysis | Text Types | Evidence Required | Parent/Teacher Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MYP Year 1 / Year 7 / Grade 6 | Identify characters, setting, mood | Short stories, simple poems, comics | Point + simple evidence | Ask “What does this show?” |
| MYP Year 2 / Year 8 / Grade 7 | Describe techniques (simile, alliteration) | Novels, short films | Explain effect of technique | Create annotation color codes |
| MYP Year 3 / Year 9 / Grade 8 | Analyse structure, theme, perspective | Novel study + media texts | PEEL/TEEL analytical paragraphs | Teach paragraph frameworks |
| MYP Year 4 / Year 10 / Grade 9 | Examine author’s choices, style, context | Shakespeare, speeches, op-eds | Comparative paragraphs | Show exemplars of analysis |
| MYP Year 5 / Year 11 / Grade 10 | Deep literary analysis, intertextuality | Multimodal texts, classic lit | Full analytical essays (with thesis) | Timed analysis practice |
Criterion B – Organising
Structuring ideas clearly, logically, and effectively.
| Year | Organisation Skills | Output Examples | How to Build Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| MYP Year 1 / Year 7 / Grade 6 | Sequencing ideas | Basic paragraphs | Use storyboards |
| MYP Year 2 / Year 8 / Grade 7 | Topic sentences, transitions | Simple essays | Graphic organisers |
| MYP Year 3 / Year 9 / Grade 8 | Logical argument development | Multi-paragraph essays | Essay planning sheets |
| MYP Year 4 / Year 10 / Grade 9 | Structure for purpose & audience | Analytical essays, reports | Annotate model essays |
| MYP Year 5 / Year 11 / Grade 10 | Cohesion, coherence, flow | Literary & comparative essays | Teach thesis–body–conclusion |
What Students Must Show: Clear introduction, logical paragraphing, organised evidence, and structured conclusion.
Criterion C – Producing Text
Creative and personal writing with purpose, audience, and stylistic awareness.
| Year | Genres | Student Outcomes | Practice Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| MYP Year 1 / Year 7 / Grade 6 | Poems, personal stories | Simple creative pieces | Daily writing prompts |
| MYP Year 2 / Year 8 / Grade 7 | Descriptions, letters, speech drafts | Purposeful writing with details | Writer’s notebook |
| MYP Year 3 / Year 9 / Grade 8 | Narratives, articles, blogs | Theme + viewpoint control | Use mentor texts |
| MYP Year 4 / Year 10 / Grade 9 | Persuasive, editorial, memoir | Tone, voice, audience adaptation | Draft–Revise–Edit cycles |
| MYP Year 5 / Year 11 / Grade 10 | Creative hybrids, monologues, critique | Sophisticated structure & voice | Independent writing projects |
Criterion C Rewards: Imagination, purposeful style choices, voice, clarity, creativity, and audience awareness.
Criterion D – Using Language
Grammar, syntax, vocabulary, punctuation, stylistic precision.
| Year | Language Mastery | Evidence | Support Ideas |
|---|---|---|---|
| MYP Year 1 / Year 7 / Grade 6 | Basic grammar, full stops, capitals | Paragraph writing | Word-of-the-day activities |
| MYP Year 2 / Year 8 / Grade 7 | Sentence variety, correct tense | Descriptive writing | Grammar mini-lessons |
| MYP Year 3 / Year 9 / Grade 8 | Clause control, transitions | Formal writing tasks | Peer editing |
| MYP Year 4 / Year 10 / Grade 9 | Tone, register, stylistic devices | Essays + speeches | Editing checklist |
| MYP Year 5 / Year 11 / Grade 10 | Academic vocabulary, precision | Literary essays | Teach active voice & syntax |
Criterion D Growth: Moves from basic accuracy to stylistic sophistication, and from simple grammar to academic tone.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Year | Themes / Units | Text Types Students Study |
|---|---|---|
| MYP Year 1 / Year 7 / Grade 6 | Identity, stories, family, friendship | Short stories, simple poems, visual texts |
| MYP Year 2 / Year 8 / Grade 7 | Culture, adventure, emotions | Novels for young readers, letters, speeches |
| MYP Year 3 / Year 9 / Grade 8 | Media, conflict, society | Articles, novels, media analysis |
| MYP Year 4 / Year 10 / Grade 9 | Power, justice, ethics | Shakespeare, argumentative texts, global issues |
| MYP Year 5 / Year 11 / Grade 10 | Change, human experience | Modern classic novels, editorials, comparative texts |
Genre Progression (Academic + Creative)
| Genre | MYP Year 1-2 / Year 7-8 / Grade 6-7 | MYP Year 3 / Year 9 / Grade 8 | MYP Year 4 / Year 10 / Grade 9 | MYP Year 5 / Year 11 / Grade 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narrative | Story arc | Plot development | Character voice | Stylistic sophistication |
| Poetry | Rhyme & rhythm | Figurative language | Interpretation | Comparative poetry |
| Drama | Role play | Scenes | Shakespeare | Stagecraft analysis |
| Non-Fiction | Recounts | Articles | Persuasive writing | Critical essays |
| Media | Ads, posters | News reports | Editorials | Argumentative critique |
Speaking & Listening (Across All Years)
Students develop oral fluency, presentation skills, debate etiquette, listening comprehension, and interpretation of spoken texts.
Typical Activities:
- Dramatized readings
- Socratic seminars
- TED-style speeches
- Panel discussions
- Literary circles
How MYP L&L Prepares for DP (HL/SL)
By Year 5, students should be able to analyse unseen texts rapidly, write literary essays, produce texts in varied styles, and interpret global contexts. This feeds directly into:
- IB DP Language A: Literature
- IB DP Language A: Language & Literature
Yearly Preparation Strategy
| Term | Focus | What Students Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Reading + basic analysis | Annotate texts; vocabulary building |
| Term 2 | Writing + organisation | Creative + analytical writing tasks |
| Term 3 | Extended essays + comparison | Draft multi-paragraph essays |
| Term 4 | Summative + integration | Final exam + portfolio reflection |
ATL Skills Developed
- Thinking: Interpretation, inference, evaluation, synthesizing meaning
- Communication: Academic writing, oral presentation, stylistic control
- Research: Contextual study, quoting & citation, background analysis
- Self-Management: Planning writing cycles, managing reading deadlines
How Parents Can Support
- Encourage reading 20–30 minutes daily.
- Discuss themes, characters, and messages.
- Help your child find new genres to try.
- Watch films and compare them to written texts.
- Encourage writing ideas, stories, reflections.