The aims of the teaching and study of MYP Language and Literature are to encourage and enable students to:

• use language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, self-expression, analysis and social interaction
• develop the skills involved in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting in a variety of contexts
• develop critical, creative and personal approaches to studying and analyzing literary and non- literary texts
• engage with text from different historical periods and a variety of cultures
• explore and analyze aspects of personal, host and other cultures through literary and non-literary texts
• explore language through a variety of media and modes
• develop a lifelong interest in reading
• apply linguistic and literary concepts and skills in a variety of authentic contexts

The following assessment criteria have been established by the IB for Language and Literature in the MYP.

Criterion A: Analyzing

Through the study of language and literature students are enabled to deconstruct texts in order to identify their essential elements and their meaning. Analyzing involves demonstrating an understanding of the creator’s choices, the relationships between the various components of a text and between texts, and making inferences about how an audience responds to a text (strand i), as well as the creator’s purpose for producing text (strand ii). Students should be able to use the text to support their personal responses and ideas (strand iii). Literacy and critical literacy are essential lifelong skills; engaging with texts requires students to think critically and show awareness of, and an ability to reflect on, different perspectives through their interpretations of the text (strand iv).

Criterion B: Organizing

Students should understand and be able to organize their ideas and opinions using a range of appropriate conventions for different forms and purposes of communication. Students should also recognize the importance of maintaining academic honesty by respecting intellectual property rights and referencing all sources accurately. 

Criterion C: Producing text

Students will produce written and spoken text, focusing on the creative process itself and on the understanding of the connection between the creator and their audience. In exploring and appreciating new and changing perspectives and ideas, they will develop the ability to make choices aimed at producing texts that affect both the creator and the audience. 

Criterion D: Using language

Students have opportunities to develop, organize and express themselves and communicate thoughts, ideas and information. They are required to use accurate and varied language that is appropriate to the context and intention. This objective applies to, and must include, written, oral and visual text, as appropriate.