IB Language B Text Types

News Article/Blog Post

●​ Purpose – Explains a concept or provides information about a topic to a general

audience. This text type is usually structured by introduction, body, and conclusion,

but can be written in a casual tone. ​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include a title, subheadings throughout the

text, an engaging opening, clear structure, and an informal or semi-formal tone.

In some articles/blogs, the author may include personal examples or anecdotes, as

well as a first-person narrative voice.

Social Media Post

●​ Purpose – Used to inform, persuade, or raise awareness about a topic in a short and

engaging format. Social media posts can also be used to express opinions, promote

events, or encourage interaction through comments, likes, or shares.​

●​ Typical Features – Social media posts often include short, catchy headlines to grab

attention (e.g., “Did you know …”) and use concise language to grab the viewer's

attention. The goal is to send a clear message within 2-3 sentences. Posts may

include a persuasive tone or call to action (e.g. Join us! / Let’s make a difference!).

Hashtags and mentions may be used to tag people, organizations, or trends. Emojis

are often commonly included to show friendliness and an informal tone.

●​ Purpose – Used for a variety of reasons, such as to request information, express

opinions, thank somebody, send invitations to an event, etc. The goal is to

communicate directly with a person or organization. Emails and letters are usually

informal in Language B assessments (e.g. to a friend or family member), but can also

be formal (e.g. letter to a company). ​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include a salutation at the beginning, an

introduction stating the purpose of the email/letter, body paragraphs explaining

the main point, and a conclusion that wraps up the main ideas discussed in the

body. A sign-off is usually provided at the end (e.g. Best regards, Yours faithfully,

etc.).

Essay

●​ Purpose – Analyse, argue, or evaluate an idea or issue using a structured argument.

The purpose is to demonstrate logical organization, critical thinking, and cohesive

arguments. Essays are a common text type that students may be asked to produce in

Language B Paper 1. ​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include a standard introduction, body, and

conclusion format, as seen in most essays. There needs to be a captivating hook and
 a memorable closing statement. Topic sentences must guide each body paragraph.

Essays are usually written in a formal tone.

Guidelines/Instructions

●​ Purpose – Used to instruct, advise, or inform readers on how to perform a specific

task or follow certain steps. The aim is often to educate the general public about a

certain issue (e.g. guidelines for reducing waste at a school). ​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include a clear title (e.g., “How to…” / “Steps

to…”), numbered or bullet points to show logical order, imperative verbs (Use,

Avoid, Check, Remember), and simple sentence structures. There may also be short

introductions or justifications explaining why the task to be completed is important.

Speech/Presentation/Debate

●​ Purpose – Used to communicate information, persuade someone about a point of

view, or inspire the audience about something. This can be in the form of a script

for a school speech, debate opening, or public presentation.​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include an opening greeting addressing the

audience (Dear classmates, teachers…), a captivating introduction, a structured

body with clear, logical points, and a conclusion with a strong closing statement or

call to action. Speeches/presentations/debates often use rhetorical questions,

Brochure/Leaflet/Pamphlet

●​ Purpose – To inform, advertise, or promote an idea, event, service, or product in a

visually appealing way. These text types focus on concise, persuasive language, as

well as maintaining the reader's interest.​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include eye-catching titles, short sections of

text, bullet points, visuals (e.g. images, charts), and persuasive language

convincing the reader to buy the product or engage in the activity (e.g. Discover, Join,

Don’t miss out!). Brochures, leaflets, and pamphlets often have a casual, happy tone

and may include practical details, such as dates, locations, and contact information.​

Interview

●​ Purpose – Present a dialogue that shares opinions, experiences, or insights from

another person. Interviews may appear as a magazine feature, a newspaper Q&A, or a

career profile informational interview. ​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include an introductory paragraph introducing

the intervieweeand the context behind the interview. The text is often presented in a

Q&A format, alternating between the interviewer (Q) and interviewee (A). A closing
 summary highlighting key insights or lessons is also provided. Interviews usually

follow a formal or semi-formal tone.

Diary Entry/Journal

●​ Purpose – Note personal thoughts, emotions, or daily experiences. Texts in this

category often explore feelings, daily changes, cultural experiences, internal thoughts,

and personal reflections. ​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include the use of a first-person perspective, an

emotional and reflective tone, the use of future tenses to show anticipation, and

descriptive language such as idioms and informal expressions. There may also be a

closing reflection or resolution (e.g., “I hope the next event will be better”).

News Report

●​ Purpose – To inform readers objectively about recent events, discoveries, or world

incidents. News reports are often focused on facts, accuracy, and aim to maintain

neutrality. The news can be formal such as world news, or informal such as a school

newspaper. ​

●​ Typical Features – Typical features include a main news headline to grab attention,

captivating body paragraphs giving chronological details, and the use of the

third-person, past tense, and neutral tone. News reports tend to avoid personal
opinions and may instead include ideas from experts or officials. These texts usually

tend to have a more formal tone.