Complete Guide to IB Italian A: Language & Literature and Literature
The IB Italian A courses offer a rich exploration of Italian language, culture, and literary expression. Whether you’re passionate about analysing texts or eager to understand how language shapes meaning and identity, both Italian A: Language & Literature and Italian A: Literature provide rewarding paths. This guide explains the structure, aims, assessments, and practical study strategies for each course, helping you succeed with confidence in your IB Italian journey.
Introduction
IB Italian A, part of the Studies in Language and Literature group of the IB Diploma Programme, is designed for students with strong Italian proficiency who use the language in academic settings. It develops critical reading, writing, and analytical skills while deepening appreciation for Italy’s literature and culture.
Students can choose between two courses: Italian A: Language & Literature and Italian A: Literature. The first explores both literary and non-literary texts, while the second focuses solely on literary works. Offered at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), each path suits different goals and workloads. This guide explains their structures, key differences, and practical strategies to help students succeed.
Deep Dive: Italian A — Language & Literature
Italian A: Language & Literature helps students explore how language shapes meaning, identity, and culture through the study of both literary and non-literary texts.
Course Aims, Philosophy & Key Understandings
Italian A: Language & Literature develops students’ analytical and interpretative skills through the study of literature, media, and visual texts. It enhances understanding of how language, culture, and context influence meaning, while improving both written and oral communication. The course fosters critical literacy, confidence, and curiosity about Italian identity and expression.
Curriculum Structure & Frameworks
The course is organised around three areas of exploration, each with its own focus and set of skills.
- Readers, Writers, and Texts: It focuses on how texts communicate meaning and how readers interpret them by analysing structure and authorial choices.
- Time and Space: It examines texts within their cultural, social, and historical contexts, exploring how Italian language and culture evolve across different periods.
- Intertextuality: Connecting Texts: It investigates how texts influence and respond to one another while developing comparative analysis skills through thematic or stylistic connections.
Each area encourages the study of both literary and non-literary works, ensuring that students experience a wide range of Italian voices, forms, and genres.
Text Selection & the Role of Translation
Text selection in Language & Literature is flexible, allowing teachers to choose from the IB Prescribed Reading List to balance literary forms, media, and cultures. Students study four works at SL and six at HL, alongside non-literary and translated texts. This mix enhances their understanding of how language and culture influence meaning across various contexts.
Assessment & Exams
Assessment in IB Italian A: Language & Literature evaluates both written and oral communication. Students demonstrate analytical depth, critical insight, and fluency in expressing ideas.
External Assessment
- Paper 1: Guided Textual Analysis
Students analyse unseen non-literary texts, one at SL for 1 hour and 15 minutes and two at HL for 2 hours and 15 minutes, focusing on interpretation, structure, style, and audience impact with a weighting of 35%.
- Paper 2: Comparative Essay
Both SL and HL students write a 1-hour 45-minute comparative essay analysing two studied literary works, worth 35% at SL and 25% at HL.
Internal Assessment / Orals & Written Tasks
- Individual Oral (IO): Students deliver a 10-minute analysis linking one literary and one non-literary work to a global issue, followed by a short teacher discussion worth 30%.
- HL Essay: HL students write a 1,200 to 1,500 word essay on one studied work, focusing on its form, content, or meaning and worth 20% of the final grade.
Together, these tasks encourage both analytical precision and creativity, ensuring students express their ideas coherently in both spoken and written Italian.
Differences Between SL and HL
Both levels share the same core philosophy; however, HL students study more texts, complete an additional essay, write longer exam responses, and engage in deeper intertextual and theoretical analysis. SL offers a balanced workload for students, enabling them to manage multiple subjects while developing their interpretation and writing skills.
Through its blend of analysis and cultural study, the course enables students to develop strong communication skills and cultivate a lasting appreciation for how the Italian language and expression evolve across various contexts.
Deep Dive: Italian A — Literature
The Italian A: Literature course offers an in-depth study of Italian and world literary works, helping students develop critical insight and a deep appreciation of literary art.
Course Aims & Literary Emphasis
The Italian A: Literature course focuses on literary works, helping students appreciate the artistry of language and the power of storytelling. It aims to build understanding of literary forms, analyse how meaning is shaped by technique and context, compare works across periods, and express interpretations clearly in speech and writing.
Curriculum Design & Exploration Areas
Like Language & Literature, this course is built on three areas of exploration, but its focus stays entirely on literature.
- Readers, Writers and Texts – Investigating how writers create meaning and how readers respond.
- Time and Space – Analysing how texts reflect historical and cultural contexts.
- Intertextuality: Connecting Texts – Studying relationships between works and themes.
Students study 13 works at HL and 9 at SL from the Prescribed Reading List, covering diverse authors, genres, and cultures to provide a balanced mix of Italian classics, modern works, and translations.
Assessment Model & Key Tasks
The Literature course evaluates interpretative depth and critical writing ability through a combination of external and internal assessments.
External Assessments
- Paper 1: Guided Literary Analysis
SL students analyse one unseen literary passage, while HL students analyse two from different text types, focusing on style, tone, imagery, and structure for 35% of the final grade. - Paper 2: Comparative Essay
Students write a comparative essay based on two studied works in response to one of four questions, lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 35% at SL or 25% at HL. - HL Essay
Students write a 1,200 to 1,500 word essay on one studied literary work, which counts for 20% of the final grade.
Oral Assessments & Coursework
Individual Oral (IO)
In Language & Literature, the oral is based on one literary and one non-literary text, while in Literature, both texts are literary. Students discuss how a chosen global issue is presented through form and content, demonstrating depth of understanding through reflection and analysis in a 15-minute assessment worth 30%.
By mastering literary analysis and exploring diverse voices, students gain both academic rigour and a lasting understanding of how literature shapes cultural and human experience.
SL vs HL Differences in Literature
HL students study thirteen works instead of nine and complete an additional essay that requires more independent research and analysis. Their tasks demand stronger engagement with literary theory and broader comparative perspectives.
SL students, on the other hand, concentrate on developing analytical skills and textual understanding without the extended essay component, offering a more balanced workload while still building strong literary insight.
By mastering literary analysis and exploring diverse voices, students gain both academic rigour and a lasting understanding of how literature shapes cultural and human experience.
Comparative View: Italian A – Language & Literature vs Literature
Comparing Italian A: Language & Literature and Italian A: Literature helps students choose the course that best matches their interests, skills, and academic goals.
Strengths & Trade-Offs of Each Option
Each Italian A course offers distinct advantages, and understanding their strengths and trade-offs helps students choose the path that best matches their skills and interests.
| Feature | Language & Literature | Literature |
| Focus | Combines literary and non-literary texts | Concentrates purely on literary works |
| Skills Developed | Analytical, linguistic, and media literacy | Critical interpretation and textual analysis |
| Types of Texts | Novels, plays, articles, speeches, films, adverts | Poetry, novels, plays, short stories |
| Creativity | Encourages broader communication styles | Encourages deeper literary thinking |
| Best For | Students interested in culture, media, and communication | Students passionate about literature and reading |
When Language & Literature Is a Better Fit
Choose Language & Literature if you enjoy analysing both fiction and media, want to explore how communication shapes identity, or plan to study journalism, linguistics, or communication. This course suits students who appreciate variety and enjoy applying literary thinking to real-world contexts.
When Literature Is a Better Fit
Opt for Literature if you’re passionate about in-depth reading, exploring complex ideas, and studying a wide range of authors, genres, and literary traditions. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing a degree in literature, the humanities, or writing at the university level, as well as those who wish to refine their analytical and academic writing skills.
Workload, Skill Emphasis & Assessment Differences
Understanding the workload, skill focus, and assessment differences between the two courses helps students choose the option that best suits their learning style and academic priorities.
| Aspect | Language & Literature | Literature |
| Number of Works Studied | 6 HL / 4 SL | 13 HL / 9 SL |
| HL Essay | Focuses on one work or media text | Focuses on one literary work |
| Oral Assessment | Combines literary and non-literary texts | Focuses entirely on literary texts |
| Analytical Focus | Context, audience, and purpose | Form, style, and meaning |
| Workload | Moderate to high | High, especially at HL |
Decision Factors for Students & Schools
When choosing between the two courses, students should consider their interest in literature or communication, academic and career goals, preferred assessment style, confidence in essay writing and orals, and the availability of time and resources. Schools often make decisions based on the expertise of their teachers and the linguistic backgrounds of their students.
Understanding these differences enables students to choose a path that aligns with their strengths and prepares them effectively for future studies and careers.
Study Strategies, Resources & Tools
Success in IB Italian A depends on consistent study habits and active engagement with texts.
1. Active Reading & Annotation
Highlight key themes, stylistic features, and tone changes, jot brief notes connecting ideas to global issues, and summarise each text afterward to ensure clear understanding.
2. Essay Planning & Comparative Writing
Plan essays with outlines, link two works through shared themes or contrasts, and build clear, well-supported arguments using strong textual evidence.
3. Oral Practice
Practise fluency by recording yourself explaining key ideas, rehearsing connections between literary and non-literary texts under timed conditions, and using sample IO prompts to refine your discussion of global issues.
4. Time Management
Break study tasks into manageable goals, such as reading, note-taking, drafting, and revising, and plan them on a calendar that aligns with assessment deadlines. Alternate between reading and essay work to stay focused and motivated.
5. Key Resources for IB Italian A
Key resources include the IB Subject Guide (2021–2025), past papers, and mark schemes. Support from TutorsPlus tutors can also offer targeted feedback and exam preparation. Tools like Quizlet for vocabulary, Notion or Trello for organisation, and BBC Languages or LingQ for listening practice can further strengthen study routines.
6. Peer and Tutor Collaboration
Join study groups to exchange interpretations, get one-to-one tutoring for essay and oral feedback, and share sample essays or notes to refine your understanding.
These strategies improve understanding and build confidence for assessments.
Take the Next Step in Your IB Italian Journey
Whether you choose Italian A: Language & Literature or Italian A: Literature, both courses deepen your understanding of the Italian language, culture, and creative expression. They strengthen analytical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills that are highly valued at university and in future careers.
With expert guidance from TutorsPlus, along with steady preparation and effective study habits, you can approach IB assessments confidently and enjoy the learning journey along the way. You can book a free trial lesson by contacting us at +41 22 731 8148 or .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between IB Italian A: Language & Literature and Literature?
Language & Literature includes both literary and non-literary texts, while Literature focuses solely on literary works such as novels, plays, and poetry.
Who should choose Language & Literature versus Literature?
Choose Language & Literature if you enjoy studying media and cultural communication. Choose Literature if you prefer in-depth textual analysis and reading.
What are the main assessment components for each course?
Both include two written exam papers and an oral assessment. HL students in both courses also complete an extended essay.
How many works do I need to study?
In Language & Literature, HL students study six works, while SL students study four. In Literature, HL students study 13 and SL students study 9.
Can I combine Literature and Language & Literature?
No. Students select one Italian A course to meet Group 1 requirements.
How do I choose between SL and HL?
Choose HL if you’re aiming for deeper analysis and have strong Italian proficiency. Choose SL if you prefer a balanced workload.
Are there recommended resources for IB Italian A courses?
Yes. Use the IB Subject Guide, past papers, and work with expert IB Italian tutors.
How does IB Italian A help in university and beyond?
It builds advanced analytical and communication skills, preparing students for degrees in languages, literature, communication, and international relations.
By Sara Lloyd
Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for 15 years, and is an expert on international IB education. She is also a parent of two lively children.
