Introduction
One of the biggest challenges in IB Chinese B Paper 1 is mastering different text types. Unlike general essays, the IB requires students to write in a variety of authentic formats — such as letters, diary entries, blogs, articles, reports, or speeches — depending on the exam question.
Scoring well depends not only on grammar and vocabulary, but also on following the conventions of the chosen text type. This guide explores the key features of each text type, strategies to practice them, and tips to apply in the Paper 1 exam.
Quick Start Checklist
- Know all common text types: Letter, diary, blog, article, report, speech.
- Learn conventions: Openings, closings, tone, layout.
- Adapt to audience: Formal vs informal style.
- Use connectors: Build flow across text types.
- Practice under time limits: Write in exam conditions.
- Proofread for accuracy: Check grammar and text-type features.
Step 1: Understand Paper 1 Requirements
- SL: 1h 15m, write 1 piece (250–400 characters).
- HL: 1h 30m, write 1 piece (450–600 characters).
- Choose 1 task out of 3, each linked to a theme.
- Assessed on Language, Message, and Conceptual Understanding.
Mastery of text types shows examiners you can adapt language to purpose and audience.
Step 2: Letters and Emails
Features
- Greeting: 亲爱的… (Dear…) or 尊敬的… (Respected…).
- Closing: 祝好 (Best wishes), 此致敬礼 (Yours sincerely).
- Tone: Informal for friends, formal for teachers or officials.
Example
亲爱的李华：
我想告诉你我最近的学校生活…
祝好！
Practice Tip
Write both informal letters to friends and formal letters to schools or organizations.
Step 3: Diary Entries
Features
- Date and day at top: 2025年5月1日 星期一.
- Personal tone: reflective, emotional.
- Use “今天我…” or “我觉得…”.
Example
2025年5月1日 星期一
今天我特别开心，因为我参加了学校的音乐会…
Practice Tip
Keep a real diary in Chinese a few times per week to develop fluency.
Step 4: Blogs
Features
- Informal, conversational style.
- Title + byline.
- May include rhetorical questions: 你有没有这样的经历？
- Address reader directly: 大家好！
Example
我的旅行经历
大家好！今天我想和你们分享一次难忘的旅行…
Practice Tip
Read authentic Chinese blogs to learn tone and expressions.
Step 5: Articles and Reports
Features
- Formal, structured style.
- Clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Use objective language: 根据调查…, 结果显示….
- Articles: persuasive or informative.
- Reports: factual and formal.
Example
环境保护的重要性
根据最近的调查，越来越多的学生关注环保问题…
Practice Tip
Practice summarizing news articles and writing reports on school surveys.
Step 6: Speeches
Features
- Opening greeting: 大家好！
- Persuasive or motivational tone.
- Rhetorical questions and calls to action: 你们愿意和我一起行动吗？
- Closing with encouragement: 谢谢大家！
Example
大家好！今天我想谈一谈健康饮食的重要性…
Practice Tip
Read speeches aloud to practice tone and fluency.
Step 7: Use Connectors Across All Text Types
Strong writing uses logical flow. Essential connectors include:
- Sequencing: 首先, 其次, 然后, 最后.
- Contrast: 虽然…但是…, 然而.
- Cause and effect: 因为…所以…, 因此.
- Conclusion: 总的来说, 总之.
Practice rewriting basic sentences using connectors to build sophistication.
Step 8: Adapt to Audience and Tone
- Informal: blogs, diaries, personal letters.
- Formal: reports, articles, formal letters, speeches.
Examiners reward students who adjust vocabulary and style to match audience.
Step 9: Practice Under Timed Conditions
- Write 1 practice text type per week.
- Use past-paper prompts linked to IB themes.
- Leave 5 minutes for proofreading.
Timed practice ensures you can write efficiently in the real exam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing formats: Writing a blog like a diary.
- Forgetting conventions: Missing date in a diary, or greeting in a letter.
- Ignoring audience: Using slang in a formal report.
- Overwriting: Going over the character limit wastes time.
Sample Weekly Practice Plan
- Monday: Write a diary entry (150–200 characters).
- Wednesday: Write a formal letter (250–300 characters).
- Friday: Write a blog or article (250–400 characters).
- Weekend: Simulate full Paper 1 under exam conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to memorize text-type phrases?
Yes, memorizing standard openings and closings saves time and ensures accuracy. For example: “大家好” for speeches or “此致敬礼” for formal letters.
2. What if I mix up text-type conventions?
You may lose marks in Conceptual Understanding. Practice each type until the format feels automatic.
3. How do I choose which task to answer in the exam?
Pick the one where you feel most confident with text type, vocabulary, and theme connection. Don’t waste time on a task you’re unsure about.
Conclusion
Mastering text types in IB Chinese B Paper 1 is essential for high scores. By learning conventions, adapting tone, and practicing under timed conditions, you’ll write fluently and appropriately for any prompt.
Remember: Paper 1 isn’t just about writing in Chinese — it’s about writing like a native speaker would, in the right format, for the right audience.
RevisionDojo provides model essays, text-type guides, and practice prompts to help students master IB Chinese B writing. With structured practice, you can walk into Paper 1 confident and prepared.
