Top Tips for Oral Success

The IB English Individual Oral (IO) is one of the key assessments in the IB Diploma Programme. It may feel intimidating because it is a formal exam that is recorded and counts for a significant portion of your final grade. With proper preparation, a clear structure, and consistent practice, however, it can become an opportunity to excel.

This English IO guide explains everything you need to know, including what the IO involves, how it is structured, how to select strong texts and global issues, and the most effective strategies for success.

What Is the IB English IO & Why It Matters

The IB English IO is a 15-minute oral exam that plays a major role in your overall performance. It is divided into two parts:

• A 10-minute presentation, where you deliver your analysis of the chosen texts in relation to a global issue.
  
• A 5-minute discussion with your teacher, where you respond to follow-up questions and demonstrate a deeper understanding of your texts and ideas.

At the heart of the IO is the global issue. This central theme connects your chosen extracts and guides your analysis. The examiners expect you to show how this issue is presented, developed, and commented on through the author’s techniques.

The exact requirements vary depending on your course:

• In English A: Language & Literature, you must analyse one literary text and one non-literary text (such as an article, speech, blog, or advertisement).
  
• In English A: Literature, you must analyse two literary works, and one of them must be a work in translation, highlighting the international scope of the IB.

How much is the IO worth in IB English?

• At Standard Level (SL), the IO accounts for 30% of your final grade.
  
• At Higher Level (HL), it counts for 20% of your final grade.

Because of its high weighting, the IO is one of the best opportunities to boost your IB English grade early in your final year. Strong preparation can give you confidence and a valuable head start toward your overall result.

Mastering the IB English IO strengthens your final grade and builds essential skills in analysis, presentation, and critical thinking that extend beyond the exam.

Understand the IB English IO Structure

Knowing the IB English IO structure is essential if you want to approach your preparation with confidence. Understanding what is expected allows you to plan your oral effectively and avoid common mistakes. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

English Language & Literature IO

Students must select and analyse two different types of texts:

• One literary extract: This should be around 30–40 consecutive lines from a play, novel, short story, or poem. The extract must come from a literary work you studied in class.
  
• One non-literary extract: This could be a speech, article, advertisement, blog post, photograph, or even a graphic text. Again, it must be a text that was part of your class syllabus.

Combining literary and non-literary texts aims to show how global issues can be expressed across different communication and genres.

English Literature IO

For students taking English Literature, the requirements are slightly different:

• Two literary works are analysed in detail, rather than mixing one literary and one non-literary text. This allows students to focus more deeply on literary techniques, themes, and authorial choices.
  
• At least one of the chosen works must be a translation into English. This requirement ensures that students engage with global perspectives, encountering voices and cultural contexts beyond their own.
  
• Extracts must be chosen from different contexts, such as different time periods, cultures, or geographical settings, so that you can demonstrate how context shapes meaning.

Scoring Rubric

The IO is assessed out of 40 marks, divided equally across four criteria. Each is worth 10 marks:

1. Knowledge and understanding – showing strong familiarity with the texts, close reading of the extracts, and awareness of the wider work and context.
   
2. Analysis and evaluation – demonstrating how literary and stylistic techniques create meaning and how these relate to your chosen global issue.
   
3. Organisation – presenting your oral clearly and logically, balancing time equally between texts, and structuring your argument like a well-planned essay.
   
4. Language – using clear, precise, and academic English, including accurate literary terminology to explain and support your analysis.

Mastering these elements of the English IO structure gives you a roadmap for success. When you know what is required, you can focus your preparation on analysis and delivery rather than worrying about the format.

How to Choose Excellent Texts & Topics

The success of your English IO IB often depends on choosing the right texts and a well-framed global issue. Careful selection gives you the material to deliver a strong, well-supported analysis.

• Select extracts carefully. Aim for 20–40 lines that provide various analysis techniques. Sometimes, fewer lines are better if they allow you to go into greater depth rather than rushing through too much material.
• Choose a strong global issue. Your chosen issue should feel relevant today, resonate across cultures, and be narrow enough to explore meaningfully in ten minutes. For example:

Strong: “Social media leading to negative body image” (relatable and global).

Weak: “Healthcare crisis in the US” (too specific and localised).

• Match your texts. Select extracts that connect to your global issue in different but complementary ways. This allows you to show how the same issue can be explored from multiple perspectives, strengthening your commentary.

Always remember that the global issue is the foundation of your IO. A poorly chosen issue makes it difficult to structure your oral, while a thoughtful one sets you up for success.

Crafting Your IO Commentary: Structure That Wins

Your IO IB English presentation should follow a clear, balanced, and essay-like structure. Having a plan helps you stay organised and shows examiners that you can present ideas logically and effectively.

Clear Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your oral. Begin by stating your global issue in precise terms. This should immediately tell the examiner what your focus will be.

Next, introduce each text by giving the author’s name, the type of text (novel, speech, article, graphic novel, etc.), its context, and why it is relevant to your chosen issue. Keep this focused on essential details. Too much background can eat into your analysis time.

A strong introduction should be concise yet informative, lasting no more than one minute. Think of it as giving your examiner a roadmap of what to expect.

Analytical Body

This is the heart of your IO and should take up most of your time. Plan to dedicate around four minutes to each text.

For each text, use a balance of:

• Close analysis: Dive into specific lines, quotes, images, or stylistic devices. Show how techniques such as diction, imagery, symbolism, or visual layout create meaning.
  
• Wide analysis: Step back and connect these details to the broader context, the author’s purpose, and the intended audience. This shows that you understand not just the text, but also its significance.

Make sure every point links back to your global issue. This consistent connection keeps your commentary focused and prevents you from drifting into irrelevant analysis.

Well-Connected Conclusion

• Your conclusion should bring your oral full circle. In about one minute, summarise the key ways both texts present your chosen global issue.
• You may also highlight similarities or differences in how the texts address the issue. This can add depth, but it should remain brief and purposeful.
• End with a sharp, confident statement that reinforces the significance of the global issue and the insight your analysis provides.

A well-structured IO commentary with a clear introduction, focused analysis, and a strong conclusion gives you the best chance to impress examiners and achieve top marks.

How to Practice Effectively for English IO

Effective practice is the key to mastering the IB English IO, and the right techniques will help you refine both your analysis and delivery. Tips for success in the IB English IO include preparing with well-chosen extracts, practising timed responses, and developing clear connections to your global issue.

Rehearsal Techniques

Consistent rehearsal is one of the best ways to prepare for the IB English IO. Use a timer every time you practise so you get used to balancing your analysis evenly between the two texts. 

When rehearsing, treat it as if you are sitting the actual exam. You can only use your clean texts and the limited notes. This helps you simulate real conditions and build confidence under exam pressure.

Feedback Integration

Practising alone is useful, but feedback from others takes your preparation to the next level. Ask a peer, teacher, or tutor to listen to your IO and assess it against the IB rubric. This shows you exactly where you are strong and where to improve.

When self-marking, examiners use the same criteria: knowledge and understanding, analysis, organisation, and language. Honest self-assessment keeps your practice focused and productive.

Recording Yourself

Recording is a powerful rehearsal tool. Each time you practise, record your IO on your phone or computer. Then, play it back to check your timing, clarity, pace, and depth of analysis.

Hearing yourself helps spot filler words, rushed explanations, or unclear sections. After each recording, make small adjustments to improve your delivery. Over time, you will notice more confidence and polish in your oral performance.

Combining timed rehearsals, constructive feedback, and self-recording allows you to enter the exam room prepared, confident, and ready to deliver your best performance.

How TutorsPlus Can Support Your English IO Success

Many students find that professional guidance can make all the difference when preparing for the IB English IO. With the support of an experienced tutor, you can refine your analysis, strengthen your structure, and build the confidence needed to perform at your best.

At TutorsPlus, our IB English examiners and teachers help you choose texts and a global issue strategically, guide you in creating a strong IO structure, and provide targeted feedback on your practice recordings. With exam-style rehearsals and expert support, even just two or three lessons can significantly boost your performance.

“Ms. McCarthy’s lessons have taught me, fundamentally, how to approach the analysis of a literary text, and this has given me the ability to figure things out on my own.”

You can book a free trial today with one of our certified IB English tutors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What counts as “English IO”?
The English IO, short for Individual Oral, is the official internally assessed exam for IB English A. It requires you to deliver a structured analysis of selected texts concerning a global issue, and it is recorded for moderation by the IB.

How long should my oral last?
Your IO should last for 10 minutes of presentation, followed by 5 minutes of teacher-led questions. Staying close to this timing is important, as going significantly under or over may affect how well you meet the assessment criteria.

Can I use literary theory or specific terminology?
Yes. Using precise terms such as imagery, symbolism, diction, tone, or modality demonstrates strong analytical skills and earns you credit in the rubric. Just ensure your terminology serves clarity and explanation rather than unnecessarily complicating your oral.

How can I practice solo effectively?
You can practice alone by recording yourself, rehearsing with a timer, and self-grading with the IB IO rubric. Listening back will help refine your clarity and timing, while the rubric ensures you focus on the skills examiners are looking for.

Final Thoughts

The IB English IO can feel challenging, but you can deliver a strong oral with the right preparation, a clear structure, and consistent practice. By focusing on your global issue, carefully chosen texts, and thorough analysis, you will build confidence and maximise your grade.

If you find yourself struggling, our expert English IO tutors are here to help. Contact us at +41 22 731 8148 or for personalised support and guidance tailored to your needs.