IB Arabic: Enjoyably Easy with ThinkSmart Tutors

Feeling swamped by IB Arabic? Don't sweat it. 

We're here to help you understand everything clearly. 

Boost your grades with our friendly, expert tutors.

Think Smart IB Tutors are the most qualified in the industry at offering first-rate tutoring to students in international school environments.

We specialize in IB and MYP, but can also tutor other international curricula and tests such as SAT or ACT.

Think Smart Tutoring is rated excellent on

Think Smart students now attend

No Need to Feel Behind in IB Arabic

IIs IB Arabic giving you a tough time?  We got your back.  At ThinkSmart, We’ve come across every hurdle IB students face.  We’re more than ready to help clarify and guide you through every aspect of the IB Arabic course.

Texts and literature

Literary or visual analysis, features, and terms

Essay structure

Revision

Oral Exam preparation & guidance

We’ll even match you with the right tutor based on your specific needs.

Secure the Best IB Arabic Grades With Long Term Tutoring

  • Did you know? Students who get tutoring usually feel less stressed and do better than those who don't.

  • It's true - one-on-one tutoring beats just using textbooks and study guides.

  • With our help, you can boost your IB Arabic grades faster. Many students see at least a 2-point jump in their scores with regular tutoring.

  • And the best part? You'll start feeling more confident and ready from the very first session!

Let’s Break Down the IB Arabic Syllabus:

Here's a quick, easy rundown of what you need to know for the IB Arabic both at SL and HL.

IB Arabic Language A: Literature vs. IB Arabic Language B vs IB Arabic ab Initio - How Are They Different?

Choosing your IB Arabic course? Here’s a quick guide to understand what sets each one apart:

IB Arabic Language A: Literature: Dive deep into Arabic literature. Perfect if you're already comfortable with Arabic, maybe a native speaker or you've been learning for a while. You'll explore a mix of classic and modern texts, getting to grips with different cultures through literature.

IB Arabic Language B: This one's if you've got the basics down but still polishing your skills. It’s not just about reading and writing; it's about getting better at speaking and understanding too. You’ll tackle real-life themes like identities, experiences, and social organization, all to help you use Arabic in everyday situations.

IB Arabic Ab Initio: Starting from scratch? This is where to begin. It focuses on the basics, building up your language skills without a deep dive into literature. It’s about getting to a point where you can handle simple conversations and understand basic texts.

Each course has its own flavor and challenges. Whether you're dissecting literature in Language A, exploring cultural themes in Language B, or starting your language journey in Ab Initio, there’s a path for every level of Arabic learner.

Overview of the differences between the IB Arabic Syllabi:

IB Arabic Language A: Literature Assessment Overview:

  • Paper 1 (External Assessment): Literary commentary and analysis on unseen texts. Weighting varies by level.

  • Paper 2 (External Assessment): Comparative essay on works studied in class. Different weightings for SL and HL.

  • Individual Oral Commentary (Internal Assessment): Analysis of a literary text studied in class.

  • Higher Level Essay (HL only): A critical essay on a topic of the student's choice related to the works studied.

IB Arabic Language B Assessment Overview:

  • Paper 1 (External Assessment): Text handling exercises on four written texts. Weighting is identical for SL and HL.

  • Paper 2 (External Assessment): Writing tasks in response to prompts, with options including articles, essays, and letters. Weightings differ for SL and HL.

  • Individual Oral (Internal Assessment): Based on a visual stimulus and prompts related to core topics. In HL, it includes analysis of a literary text.

  • Listening Comprehension (HL only): Specific to HL, this component assesses students' understanding of spoken language.

IB Arabic Language ab initio Assessment Overview

  • Paper 1 (External Assessment): Comprises various language exercises focusing on text handling. This paper tests the students' understanding and ability to respond to different types of text in Arabic.

  • Paper 2 (External Assessment): Involves written production tasks. Students are required to produce short pieces of writing, such as messages, letters, or articles, based on given prompts.

  • Individual Oral (Internal Assessment): This assessment is conducted internally and recorded for external evaluation. It typically involves a conversation based on a visual stimulus, allowing students to demonstrate their spoken Arabic skills.

  • Interactive Skills Assessment: Throughout the course, students' interactive skills in Arabic are developed and assessed. This includes both understanding spoken Arabic and participating in spoken exchanges.


Key Differences - Which IB Arabic Level should you choose?

  • Literary Focus vs. Language Application: In Language A, you're diving into literary analysis and interpretation, really getting into the heart of Arabic literature. Language B, on the other hand, is all about using Arabic in practical situations, which includes sharpening your listening skills, especially at HL.

  • Oral Components: Both have oral exams, but they're looking for different things. Language A's oral is your chance to show off your literary analysis skills. For Language B, you'll engage in discussions based on visual stimuli, and if you're at HL, you'll also tackle some literary analysis.

  • HL Components: For the heavy hitters in Language A at HL, you'll be crafting a critical essay. This is your opportunity to deep dive into literature. In Language B at HL, you'll face a listening comprehension test, tuning your ear to the nuances of spoken Arabic.

  • Starting from Scratch: The ab initio course is your starting line if you're new to Arabic. It's all about laying down a solid foundation and gradually building up your skills to communicate effectively.

Whether you're analyzing texts in Language A, engaging in practical language use in Language B, or starting your Arabic learning journey from zero in ab Initio, each path offers its own set of challenges and rewards.

Understanding the Difference: IB Arabic B Standard Level (SL) vs. Higher Level (HL)

Unlike IB Arabic A, aimed at native speakers, IB Arabic B is perfect for students who already have some experience with the language. Here's how SL and HL differ in IB Arabic B:

  • Teaching Hours: SL students are looking at 150 hours of Arabic learning, while HL students ramp it up to 240 hours. More hours, more Arabic!

  • Level of Proficiency: Both SL and HL aim to boost your Arabic speaking, reading, and writing skills. But, HL takes it a notch higher, expecting you to get really good at the language and grasp the cultural nuances behind the words.

  • Stepping Up at HL: HL students, you've got an extra challenge. You'll dive into two works of literature originally in Arabic, giving you not just language skills but also a deep dive into Arabic culture.

No matter if you're in SL or HL, mastering IB Arabic comes with its hurdles. But hey, that’s what Think Smart Tutors are here for. We’re pros at making even the toughest parts of IB Arabic clear and manageable, turning your learning journey from daunting to doable.

IB Arabic Exam

What are the 5 themes for the IB Arabic B Exam?

Both IB Arabic B HL and SL exam share the following topics / themes:

  1. Identities

    • Explore language, culture, and identity, including the influence of past experiences and travel perspectives.

  2. Experiences

    • Analyze scientific advancements, cultural expressions, and the impact of personal and global experiences.

  3. Human Ingenuity

    • Assess how scientific progress, technological innovations, and cultural expressions shape human ingenuity.

  4. Social Organization

    • Examine the role of language in society, the impact of rules and regulations, and the organization of schools and communities.

  5. Sharing the Planet

    • Address environmental issues, consider sustainability in daily life, and evaluate challenges brought by globalization.

The three text types used to explore the 5 themes:

  1. Personal: Casual writing like emails, texts, and diary entries.

  2. Professional: Formal communication such as business letters and proposals.

  3. Mass Media: Speeches for wide audiences, like podcasts and web pages.

Getting your head around all these themes and texts for the IB Arabic exam might seem a bit much, but that's where we come in. Practice with our IB Arabic tutors, and you'll iron out any doubts you have about IB Arabic Language B in no time.

Are you all set for the IB Arabic final exams?

When marking your Arabic IB exam, three key aspects are considered:

  1. Language: 

    • Demonstrate a strong command of the language, including grammar rules, vocabulary variety, and the use of idioms and expressions.

  2. Message:

    • Convey a clear and relevant message, developing arguments logically with supporting examples.

  3. Conceptual Understanding:

    • Show an appropriate tone for the text type, considering the audience, purpose, and context.

Now that we've explored the themes in the IB Arabic Language B Exam, let's move on to the Paper 1 and Paper 2 components of the IB exam.

What is Paper 1 in IB Arabic Language B?

  • External assessment lasting: 

    • 1 hour and 15 minutes for IB Arabic SL

    • 1.5 hours for HL

  • 25% of overall marks.

  • Choose one task out of three, each based on a different theme.

    • Tasks may include personal diary entries, essays on environmental issues, or mass media tasks like speeches.

  • Write approximately 450-600 words expressing opinions and incorporating relevant facts.

  • Adapt writing style to the required tone, considering formalities.

What is Paper 2 in IB Arabic Language B?

  • External assessment lasting:

    • 1 hour and 45 minutes for IB Arabic SL

    • 2 hours for IB Arabic HL

  • 50% of overall marks.

  • Demonstrate receptive skills by comprehending 3 audio passages.

  • Showcase reading skills by understanding 3 written passages.

  • Multiple-choice questions, antonyms/synonyms, true/false statements, etc.

  • Questions are based on course themes and exam texts. 

Still feeling unsure about how to get ready? Our IB Arabic tutors have plenty of tips and tricks for both IB Arabic Paper 1 and Paper 2.

What is the Individual Oral IB Arabic Exam for Language B?

  • An interactive oral exam

  • Accounts for 25% of final marks

  • Lasts 12-15 minutes

  • Conducted by your teacher, recorded and externally moderated

For IB Arabic SL Exam Oral you'll present using a visual stimulus, such as a prescribed theme-based photo. Choose from two pictures. Prepare 10 bullet points within 15 minutes. Showcase fluent spoken Arabic and interactive conversation skills.

For IB Arabic HL Exam Oral your presentation shifts from a visual stimulus to a talk about an extract from one of the two studied literary works (maximum 300 words). Prepare for 20 minutes and create around 10 bullet points, focusing on key ideas rather than complete paragraphs.


The sooner you start tutoring, the better your chances of success.

Worried about university admissions? We've Got Your Back

At Think Smart, we’re not just tutors; we’ve been through the IB grind ourselves. We know the stress and the pressure all too well. But here’s the good news: we’re here to transform fear into excitement for the future.

Talking about university, we know it’s a competitive world out there. But guess what? Having an IB tutor by your side can be a game-changer. Think of us as your personal guide through the maze.

Getting an early start with tutoring can save you from a lot of stress down the line. It’s all about keeping one step ahead. With the demand for tutors on the rise, our team is expanding to help meet your needs. 

Just remember, spots are limited, so it’s better to start looking for your ideal tutor sooner rather than later.

And don’t worry about having your own approach to learning. Whether you’re into online sessions or the traditional in-person approach, we offer flexible tutoring that fits your preferences. Our long-term plans won’t break the bank either. We’re here to support you from now until you're settling into your university dorm!

 IB Arabic FAQs

  • Arabic is unique because it's written right to left and has its own alphabet. It's the language of over 20 countries and the key to understanding rich cultures and histories. Unlike many languages, Arabic has a classical form used in literature and a variety of dialects spoken daily. Learning Arabic opens up opportunities in diplomacy, business, and travel.

  • Learning Arabic can set you apart in the job market, especially in fields like international relations, translation, and commerce. It’s not just about the language; it's about understanding diverse cultures and perspectives. Plus, it's a gateway to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, offering insights into history, science, and philosophy.

  • The IB Arabic course doesn't just teach the language; it dives into the culture too. You'll explore Arabic literature, art, traditions, and societal norms. The course covers modern and classical texts, giving students a broad understanding of the Arab world's cultural richness. It’s a holistic approach that prepares you for a globalized world.

  • Many students wonder about the challenge level of IB Arabic. Here’s the deal: like any language, Arabic has its complexities, such as a different script and a variety of dialects. However, with the right approach and support, mastering IB Arabic is entirely achievable. It’s all about practice, exposure to the language, and understanding cultural contexts. Our tutors are here to guide you through the tough spots and make learning Arabic a rewarding experience.

  • Learning IB Arabic isn't just an academic achievement; it's a door opener to a world of opportunities. Fluency in Arabic can lead you to exciting careers in diplomacy, international business, education, and much more. It also gives you a deeper understanding of the Arab world, which is invaluable in today's globalized society. Whether you're looking at working in the Middle East, engaging in international relations, or simply expanding your cultural horizons, Arabic is a key asset.

Successful graduates have given us a 4.9 on Google

Want help with another subject?

We offer:

Get the IB scores you need for your dream university.

We’ve guided hundreds to academic success.

Don’t hesitate - talk to our tutors today and take charge of your future!

2k+

students trained

94%

success rate

11+

years of experience