Unit 3 · Lesson 1
Text Types & Conventions
Paper 1 gives you a choice of three text types per prompt. Criterion C marks whether you chose the right one, used the right register, and applied the correct conventions.
Key idea
Paper 1 gives you three text type options per prompt. You pick one. Criterion C (/6) then assesses whether your choice fits the context, whether your register is consistent, and whether you applied the conventions correctly.
Criterion C — /6 marks
- → Text type choice appropriate to context/purpose/recipient
- → Register and tone consistent throughout
- → Text type conventions correctly applied
Note: Criterion B does not penalise factual inaccuracies — only coherence and development are assessed.
Official IB text type conventions
These are the specific elements examiners look for in each text type when marking Criterion C.
Article
Semi-formal- Author name
- Date
- Title
- Introduction
- Conclusion
Blog
Informal- Title
- Author name and/or date/time
- First person (je)
- Address the reader directly
- Note: multiple posts permitted
Exposé (speech)
Formal- Opening address (Mesdames et messieurs…)
- Introduction
- Stylistic devices (rhetorical questions, repetition)
- Strong conclusion
- Thank-you / closing formula
Instructions
Neutral / semi-formal- Title
- Logical sequential structure
- Subheadings, bullet points, or short paragraphs
- Address the reader directly
Proposition (proposal)
Semi-formal to formal- Title
- Introduction
- Clear structure (bullets or paragraphs)
- Convincing conclusion or final recommendation
- Note: can be sent as a letter or email
Read the prompt — it tells you the format
The prompt always contains context clues. Use the recipient, purpose, and setting to choose the right text type.
If the prompt involves…
“Sharing your opinion with classmates or a school audience”
Exposé or article (school paper)
Informal / semi-formalIf the prompt involves…
“Writing to a government body, competition organiser, or official organisation”
Proposition or formal letter
Semi-formal to formalIf the prompt involves…
“Sharing a personal experience or opinion with a general public audience”
Blog or article
Informal / semi-formalIf the prompt involves…
“Describing and promoting something to convince a broad audience”
Blog or article
Informal / semi-formalIf the prompt involves…
“Presenting a project or initiative to decision-makers”
Proposition
FormalIf the prompt involves…
“Addressing an audience at an event or debate”
Exposé
FormalReference cards
Click a card to flip it.
Paper 1: text types & Criterion C
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French
Article (journal / magazine)
tap to flip
English
Author name · Date · Title · Introduction and conclusion
Semi-formal. The IB specifically requires author name, date, title, and both an introduction and a conclusion for full Criterion C marks.
0 of 8 learned
Match the pairs
Match each text type to its IB conventions.
Text type conventions
0 / 6 matched
Click a French word, then click its English match.
Quick quiz
Apply what you know about text types and Criterion C.
Text types & conventions quiz
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You receive a Paper 1 prompt with three text type options. How should you choose?
Resources to study alongside this unit
Use these to write at a higher level.
Criterion A rewards linguistic range and complexity. Review these before your exam.
Le subjonctif →
Essential for formal writing: 'il faut que', 'bien que', 'pour que'
Le conditionnel →
Polite requests, hypotheticals, and recommendations
Le futur simple →
Predictions, plans, and consequences in your writing
Connecting words →
Connectors from A1 to C1: elevate your argument structure
Idiomatic expressions →
Add cultural fluency to your writing: Criterion A top band
Text types and conventions covered.
Next: register and audience: how to keep your tone consistent throughout.