Language A: Language and Literature IA Ideas

Hello, fellow IB students! As a seasoned IB writer, I’m here to share some golden nuggets on ace your Language A: Language and Literature Internal Assessment (IA). Having crossed these borders, I understand the challenges and excitement of this assignment. So, let’s get started on making your IA a successful one!

IA Requirements: Grasping the Basics of IA

First, it’s crucial to grasp what the IA expects from you. According to general IB criteria, this assignment involves deeply analyzing literary works. Remember, it’s not just about reading a book; it’s about dissecting and discussing its themes, style, and context. Your goal is to showcase your understanding in a clear, concise manner.

Moving on to research — the backbone of your IA. Here, quality trumps quantity. Focus on credible sources and take meticulous notes. Analysis is where you connect the dots. As I know from my work, analyzing involves not just stating facts but interpreting them in the context of your argument. To avoid common IA writing mistakes, read our blog.

Language A: Language and Literature IA Best Topics

Now, onto picking a topic. From my experience, a well-chosen topic is half the battle won. Aim for something that intrigues you; passion shines through in writing. However, keep it manageable and within the scope of the course. A great topic is like a good book; it keeps you engaged and curious. Below, we provide you with some ideas you can consider. We also recommend you check out Literature IA topic ideas.

Higher Level Topics and Research Questions

In the IB Language A: Language and Literature course, the IA for Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) have distinct differences in complexity and depth. HL IAs generally require a more comprehensive analysis, with students expected to engage critically with texts and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of literary concepts:

1. Impact of Social Media on Language Evolution. How has social media linguistically influenced modern English?
2. Dystopian Novels Reflecting Societal Anxieties. In what ways do contemporary dystopian novels mirror current societal fears?
3. Post-Colonial Literature’s Influence on Identity. How do post-colonial texts shape national identity perceptions in former colonies?
4. Shakespeare’s Language and Power Dynamics. Analyze the use of language in depicting power in a specific Shakespeare play.
5. Satire in Modern Political Literature. How is satire used to critique politics in 21st-century literature?
6. Modernist Poetry’s Break with Tradition. What defines the linguistic break from traditional forms in modernist poetry?
7. Language and Gender in 20th-Century Novels. How do 20th-century novels depict gender roles through language?
8. Evolution of Tragic Themes in Literature. How have tragic themes evolved from Greek to contemporary literature?
9. Narrative Techniques in Magical Realism. Analyze the narrative techniques used in a renowned magical realist novel.
10. Comparative Study of Non-Western Literature. Compare the themes and styles of two non-Western literary works.
11. Feminist Themes in Contemporary Literature. How have feminist themes evolved in literature over the past 50 years?
12. Cross-Cultural Influences in Modern Novels. How do modern novels incorporate and represent multiple cultures?
13. Eco-Criticism in 21st-Century Literature. How is environmental concern depicted in recent literary works?
14. Censorship and Literature. How has censorship influenced the development of literature in a specific region?
15. Narrative Techniques in Autobiographical Writing. What narrative techniques are prominent in autobiographical works of the 20th century?
16. The Interplay of Text and Image in Graphic Novels. How do graphic novels combine text and images to convey complex themes?
17. The Representation of War in Modern Poetry. How is the experience of war depicted in contemporary poetry?
18. Language as a Tool for Social Change. How have specific texts used language to advocate for social change?
19. Narrative Structure in Nonlinear Novels. How do nonlinear narrative structures affect the reader’s understanding of contemporary novels?
20. The Influence of Classical Literature on Modern Writers: How has classical literature influenced modern writers?
21. Exploring Existentialism in 20th Century Theatre. How do plays from the 20th century explore existential themes?
22. The Role of Irony in Satirical News. Analyze how irony is used in satirical news programs to critique society.
23. Stream of Consciousness in Modernist Literature. How does stream-of-consciousness narrative affect reader perception in modernist literature?
24. Language as a Reflection of Cultural Change in Novels. How do novels reflect cultural changes through language?
25. The Influence of Historical Events on Literary Themes. How have major historical events shaped the themes in literature?
26. Symbolism in 20th-Century Literature. What role does symbolism play in the works of 20th-century authors?
27. Narrative Devices in True Crime Literature. How do true crime authors use narrative devices to engage readers?
28. Language and Identity in Diaspora Literature. How is the theme of identity addressed in diaspora literature?
29. The Evolution of Comic Books as Literature. How have comic books evolved as a literary form over time?
30. Language and Power in Historical Speeches. Analyze the use of language in a famous historical speech.

These topics encourage analytical and critical thinking, which suits the depth and breadth required at HL in the IB Language A: Language and Literature course.

For a detailed breakdown of what you might expect to pay for your IA, read our comprehensive guide on the cost of writing an IB Internal Assessment.