The IB English course challenges students to think deeply about language, literature, and the way words shape our world. One of the key assessments in this subject is the Individual Oral (IO). It might sound formal, but in simple terms, the IO is a spoken presentation where students connect a literary text and a non-literary text (like an advertisement, speech, or news article) through a global issue.
For many non-native English speakers, the IO feels intimidating at first. Speaking in English, analyzing texts, and explaining ideas in front of a teacher can feel like standing under a spotlight. But here’s the truth: the IO can actually be a powerful tool to help non-native students grow. It gives them space to practice language, build confidence, and show that their ideas matter just as much as their words.
Let’s look at the challenges non-native students face and how the IO helps them overcome these barriers.
Challenges Non-Native Students Face in IB English
1. Speaking in a Second Language
The most obvious hurdle is the language itself. Non-native students may worry about their accent, pronunciation, or grammar mistakes. Even when they understand a text fully, expressing that understanding in fluent English feels difficult.
I remember one of my students, Maria, who spoke beautifully in Spanish but froze every time she had to present in English. She feared making mistakes and being judged. This fear is common, but the IO is designed to look at ideas and connections, not just flawless delivery.
2. Analyzing Texts Beyond Vocabulary
Another challenge is moving past the “what” to the “why.” Many non-native students are strong at summarizing: they can explain what happens in a text. But IB English expects deeper analysis—tone, imagery, context, and how language shapes meaning. For someone learning English, noticing these details while also juggling vocabulary can feel overwhelming.
3. Cultural References and Global Issues
IB texts often include cultural references or complex social topics. A student who is not familiar with Western traditions, history, or idioms may feel lost. For example, analyzing a poem about the American Dream or a satire on British politics can be difficult without background knowledge. Non-native students often need extra time to connect cultural context with personal understanding.
4. Building Confidence Under Pressure
Finally, the format of the IO—speaking for ten minutes, followed by teacher questions—can feel like a high-stress situation. For students who are already self-conscious about their English, this pressure can create anxiety.
How the IO Helps Develop Skills
Despite these challenges, the IO can actually empower non-native students. Instead of being a barrier, it becomes a tool for growth.
1. Strengthening Language Through Practice
The IO gives students a real reason to use English actively. Preparing for it requires reading, writing notes, and—most importantly—speaking. Each practice session strengthens fluency. Students learn new vocabulary, experiment with sentence structures, and get used to hearing their own voices in English.
For example, Maria (the student I mentioned earlier) practiced short, timed explanations with me. At first, she spoke slowly and hesitated. But by the time of her IO, she spoke with more flow and confidence, even if she still made small grammar mistakes. The key was that her ideas were clear.
2. Building Confidence in Public Speaking
Many non-native students avoid speaking in English outside the classroom. The IO forces them to face this challenge, but in a supportive, academic environment. Once students successfully deliver their oral, they often feel more confident in class discussions, interviews, and even casual conversations.
It’s like training for a marathon—once you’ve spoken for ten minutes in an exam setting, answering a quick question in class suddenly feels much easier.
3. Developing Analytical Thinking
The IO pushes students to go beyond memorization. They must connect a literary work with a non-literary text and discuss a global issue. For example, a student might connect George Orwell’s 1984 with a modern news article on surveillance, discussing how power controls people’s lives.
This type of analysis teaches non-native students to organize thoughts, build arguments, and explain connections clearly. These skills matter not only for English but across all IB subjects.
4. Encouraging Cultural Awareness
Through the IO, students engage with texts from different cultures and perspectives. This exposure broadens their worldview and helps them see connections between literature, media, and real-world issues. Non-native students bring their own cultural lens, which often adds richness to their analysis. For instance, when discussing themes of migration or identity, a student with personal experience of moving countries may provide powerful insights.
The Role of Preparation and Guidance
Preparation makes all the difference. Non-native students often feel overwhelmed at the start, but with steady practice, the IO becomes manageable—even enjoyable.
1. Breaking Down the Task
The IO may sound like one big presentation, but it can be broken into steps:
- Choosing extracts and a global issue.
- Writing notes on key techniques and themes.
- Practicing small sections (like the introduction or conclusion).
- Combining the parts into a full rehearsal.
This step-by-step approach helps students feel less overwhelmed.
2. Feedback and Support
Guidance is essential, especially for non-native speakers. Constructive feedback helps them see where they’re strong and where they can improve. For instance, they might need reminders to slow down, to use linking phrases (“on the other hand,” “this suggests that”), or to emphasize key words.
This is where IB Tutoring can play an important role. Experienced tutors understand the IB assessment criteria and the challenges non-native students face. They know how to guide practice sessions, refine analysis, and encourage students without making them feel pressured.
3. Practicing Under Real Conditions
One of the best ways to prepare is to simulate the IO itself. Practicing with a timer, speaking in front of a peer or tutor, and answering spontaneous questions can reduce anxiety. By the time students face the real assessment, the format feels familiar, not scary.
Closing Note
For non-native students, the IB English IO can seem like one of the scariest tasks in the program. But with preparation, practice, and support, it becomes a powerful chance to grow—not just in English, but in confidence and critical thinking.
Remember: the IB isn’t asking you to be a perfect native speaker. It’s asking you to show your understanding, your ideas, and your ability to connect texts with the world around you. Your accent, your unique cultural background, and even your struggles are part of what make your perspective valuable.
So, if you’re a non-native student facing the IO, take a deep breath. Each practice will make you stronger. And when you finish, you’ll realize that the IO wasn’t just an exam—it was a step forward in becoming a confident global communicator.
