Five prescribed themes are common to the syllabuses of language ab initio and language B; the themes provide relevant contexts for study at all levels of language acquisition in the DP, and opportunities for students to communicate about matters of personal, local or national, and global interest. The five prescribed themes are:

  • identities 
  • experiences 
  •  human ingenuity 
  • social organization 
  • sharing the planet

Identities: explore the nature of the self and how we express who we are.

Prescribes topics

  • Personal attributes 
  • Personal relationships 
  • Eating and drinking 
  • Physical wellbeing

Experiences: explore and tell the stories of the events, experiences and journeys that shape our lives

  • Daily routine
  • Leisure
  •  Holidays 
  • Festivals and celebrations

Human Ingenuity: explore the ways in which human creativity and innovation affect our world.

  • Transport 
  • Entertainment
  • Media 
  • Technology

Social organisations: explore the ways in which groups of people organize themselves, or are organized, through common systems or interests.

  • Neighbourhood
  • Education
  • The workplace
  • Social issues

Sharing the planet: explore the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals and communities in the modern world.

  • Climate
  • Physical geography 
  • The environment
  • Global issues





Possible questions


  • How do I present myself to others? 
  • How do I express my identity? 
  • How do I achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle?



  • How does travel broaden our horizons? 
  • How would my life be different if I lived in another culture? 
  • What are the challenges of being a teenager? 
  • How are customs and traditions similar or different across cultures?


  • How do science and technology affect my life? 
  • How do I use media in my daily life? 
  • What can I learn about a culture through entertainment?



  • What purpose do rules and regulations have in society?
  • What is my role in society?
  • What options do I have in the world of work?



  • What can I do to help the environment?
  •  How do my surroundings affect the way I live?
  • What can I do to make the world a better place?