Language-ab-initio · IB Diploma Programme
Language ab initio Exam Tips
In IB Language ab initio Paper 1, the word limit of 70 to 150 words is not a suggestion—it is a strict criteria boundary. Over-writing or under-writing directly damages your score in Criterion B (Message). Writing fewer than 70 words usually prevents you from developing your idea…
Papers
2
Total marks
70
Time limit
2h
Grade scale
1234567
Additional note
Calculator policy
A calculator is not normally required for this subject.
2
Papers
5
Strategies
6
Mistakes
- In IB Language ab initio Paper 1, the word limit of 70 to 150 words is not a suggestion—it is a strict criteria boundary. Over-writing or under-writing directly damages your score in Criterion B (Message). Writing fewer than 70 words usually prevents you from developing your ideas with the necessary detail, while exceeding 150 words often leads to rambling, repetitive language, and a lack of communicative focus. Top-scoring candidates aim for a sweet spot of around 110 to 130 words. This allows you to fully address all three bullet points in the prompt while maintaining tight grammatical control and avoiding penalties for over-development.
Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.