ESOL & Literacy

    International Baccalaureate Organisation
    Vocational

    Specification: 600/0795/3

    The INTERNATIONAL-BACCALAUREATE-ORGANISATION Vocational ESOL & Literacy specification covers 14 topics with 70 learning objectives (600/0795/3). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    14

    Units

    70

    Learning Outcomes

    54

    Assessment Guidance

    59

    Key Skills

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing deponent verbs with passive forms, leading to mistranslation.
    • •Over-reliance on literal translation without considering English idiom, resulting in awkward phrasing.
    • •Misidentifying the case of a noun due to similar endings (e.g., dative vs. ablative in Latin).
    • •Confusing summary with analysis; simply retelling the content rather than examining how language crafts meaning.
    • •Neglecting to address the guiding question in Paper 1, leading to a general commentary.
    • •Failing to compare texts in Paper 2, instead treating them in isolation.
    • •Over-reliance on biographical or historical context without linking it to textual interpretation.
    • •Using terminology imprecisely or as a substitute for genuine analysis.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •In translation passages, first read the entire extract to grasp overall meaning before beginning to write.
    • •For commentary questions, always link linguistic features to the author’s intended effect or theme.
    • •Manage time carefully: allocate more time to the translation section as it carries higher weighting.
    • •For Paper 1, annotate the guiding question on the text to keep your analysis focused.
    • •In Paper 2, plan a comparative thesis that highlights both similarities and differences in how texts approach the topic.
    • •Practice timed essay writing to ensure you can develop ideas within the constraints.
    • •For the Individual Oral, choose extracts that allow for rich discussion of the global issue and literary/stylistic features.
    • •Build a bank of versatile analytical vocabulary and literary terms to use across assessments.

    Qualification Units

    14 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

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    International Baccalaureate Organisation Vocational ESOL & Literacy