European Baccalaureate Language 2 Advanced flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

L1 content versus language marks

The L1 written paper is marked on two separate axes: understanding of the source text and quality of argument, and accuracy and range of language. Both must be satisfied for a high grade.

Literary commentary evidence rule

A commentary must quote short precise extracts, name the stylistic device used, and state its effect on meaning or tone. Unanalysed quotation and plain paraphrase earn little credit.

Instruction verb: analyse

In an L1 essay, 'analyse' requires decomposing the material into components and explaining how they relate. It is not satisfied by describing or summarising the content in sequence.

Thesis statement function

An L1 essay introduction should state a contestable thesis that answers the question directly. Body paragraphs then each defend one claim with textual evidence, and the conclusion returns to the thesis.

L1 register and cohesion

Analytical L1 essays are assessed on varied sentence structure and appropriate logical connectors. Colloquialisms lower the register mark, while empty formal padding does not compensate for weak content.

L1 time allocation rule

For a three to four hour L1 paper, spend roughly a quarter of the time reading and planning, most of the remainder drafting, and the final tenth revising agreement, tense consistency and spelling.

L2 reformulation requirement

In L2 reading comprehension, answers must be expressed in your own words in the target language. Lifting full sentences from the text is normally excluded from the mark even when correct.

L2 grammar final-pass checklist

Before submitting an L2 script, check tense and aspect consistency, adjective and participle agreement, pronoun placement, word order in subordinate clauses, and any subjunctive or conditional triggers.

L2 word-count compliance

L2 production tasks specify a word range, for example 200 to 250 words. Both substantial under-length and over-length are penalised, so plan paragraph count to land inside the range naturally.

L2 genre conventions

Formal letters need layout and closing formulae, articles need a headline and hook, reports need headings and neutral register, and informal messages permit contracted forms. Genre errors cost marks.

L1 interference in L2

Predictable L2 errors come from the first language: false friends, literal translations of idioms, and transferred word order. A final check for calques is a high-yield revision step.

L2 cohesion connectors

L2 production is scored on linking devices for addition, contrast, cause, consequence and concession. Avoid repeating one connector more than twice in a short text; vary the repertoire.

Product rule

The derivative of a product of two functions is (uv)' = u'v + uv'. Identify which factor is u and which is v before differentiating, and keep the order explicit to avoid sign errors.

Quotient rule

The derivative of a quotient is (u/v)' = (u'v - uv')/v squared. The numerator order matters: reversing it changes the sign of the result, a common examination error.

Chain rule

For a composite function, d/dx f(g(x)) equals f'(g(x)) multiplied by g'(x). Differentiate the outer function first, leaving the inner function unchanged, then multiply by the inner derivative.

Integration by parts

The integral of u dv equals uv minus the integral of v du. Choose u so that differentiating it simplifies the expression, and apply the formula to definite integrals with both bounds.

Curve sketching sequence

Sketch by finding domain, symmetry or periodicity, limits and asymptotes, first derivative for monotonicity and extrema, second derivative for concavity and inflection, then intercepts.

Conditional probability formula

The probability of A given B equals the probability of A intersect B divided by the probability of B, provided B has nonzero probability. Independence means the joint probability factorises.

Binomial mean and variance

For a binomial distribution with n trials and success probability p, the mean is np and the variance is np(1-p). The standard deviation is the square root of that variance.

Proof by induction structure

A complete induction proof states the base case, states the induction hypothesis explicitly, uses that hypothesis in the inductive step, and ends with an explicit conclusion. Missing the hypothesis loses marks.

Two-axis marking in option papers

Essay-based option subjects separate knowledge and understanding from analysis and evaluation. Recounting content without weighing significance, causation or interpretation stays in the lower bands.

Source evaluation in history

Assess each source through origin, purpose, value and limitation, then integrate it into the argument. A separate descriptive paragraph about the source does not earn analysis credit.

Science answer format

Write the formula, substitute values with units, then state the final answer with correct significant figures and units. A bare number without working or units is routinely penalised.

Data-response question rule

Quote the specific value and condition from the stimulus, state the trend or relationship it shows, and only then offer an explanation. Explanation without cited data earns limited credit.

Command word: explain

In option subjects, 'explain' requires a mechanism or causal chain linking factors. It is not satisfied by a description of what happens, however accurate that description is.

Command word: evaluate

'Evaluate' requires stated criteria, evidence weighed against those criteria, and an explicit judgement. Listing advantages and disadvantages without a conclusion does not meet the requirement.

Graph axis conventions

In science papers, label each axis with quantity and unit, use a ruled line, and state the scale. Unlabelled axes or missing units lose marks independently of the plotted data.

Oral preparation time split

Divide the preparation period into reading and annotating the stimulus, structuring three or four points with evidence, and rehearsing the opening and closing sentences for fluent delivery.

Oral assessment criteria

Oral marks typically cover comprehension of the stimulus, structure and coherence, range and accuracy of language, and interaction. Subject orals taught through L2 also assess subject-specific terminology.

Clarification request in orals

If a panel question is unclear, ask for reformulation in the target language. A reasoned clarification request is not penalised, whereas an off-topic or guessed answer is.

Signposting the oral

Announce the plan, develop each point with one example or piece of evidence, and signal the conclusion. Examiners credit explicit signposting because it demonstrates structural coherence.

Reading a script in orals

Reading a written script verbatim in an oral examination is typically capped in marks because it does not demonstrate spontaneous control. Use brief notes as prompts and maintain eye contact with the panel.