IB Chinese B Syllabus Guide: Themes & Topics (Explained by a Tutor)
- Aileen Ting
- Dec 20, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
If your child is taking IB Chinese, you might feel confused about what they actually need to study.
Parents often ask me: "Is there a vocabulary list my child needs to memorize?"
The answer is: Not exactly.
The IB DP Chinese B syllabus is not a list of words; it is a framework built around five specific themes. Schools use these themes to choose every reading text, listening audio, and writing task your child will face.
As an experienced IB Chinese tutor in Hong Kong, I use this same structure to plan lessons that directly support your child's schoolwork.
This guide provides the complete theme breakdown for SL/HL and the specific topic list for Ab Initio students.
The 5 Themes of the IB DP Chinese B Syllabus
For Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), the course is organized into five broad themes. While there is no fixed "vocabulary list" for these levels, exam texts are always drawn from these areas.
If you feel your child needs support navigating these themes, our IB Chinese classes are structured specifically around these IB requirements.
Theme 1: Identities (身份认同)
Focus: The nature of the self and what it is to be human.
Topics: Lifestyles (health/well-being), Beliefs & Values, and Language.
Theme 2: Experiences (体验)
Focus: The story of our lives and the world around us.
Topics: Leisure Activities, Holidays/Tourism, and Life Stories (migration/customs).
Theme 3: Human Ingenuity (人类发明创造)
Focus: How human creativity and innovation affect our world.
Topics: Technology (AI/Internet), Entertainment, and Media Impact.
Theme 4: Social Organization (社会组织)
Focus: The way groups of people organize themselves.
Topics: Education Systems, The Workplace, and Social Issues.
Theme 5: Sharing the Planet (共享地球)
Focus: Challenges and opportunities facing the global community.
Topics: The Environment (climate change), Human Rights, and Ethics.
Tutor Tip: If your child is struggling, check if they know the specific vocabulary for "Environment" or "Technology." These are the two most common areas where students lose marks because they lack technical words.
IB Chinese Ab Initio (The Beginner Stream)
The Ab Initio course uses the same 5 themes, but it is much more structured. It includes prescribed topic areas that students must cover.
Below is our Ab Initio Course Map. We use this checklist to ensure students don't miss any key vocabulary.
Unit 1: Family & Personal Details
About Me (Name, Age, Nationality)
My Family & Pets
My Home (Rooms, Furniture)
Unit 2: School
My School & Subjects
Extracurricular Activities
Life in School (Schedules, Rules)
Unit 3: Everyday Life
My Daily Routine (Time, Activities)
Modes of Transport
My Neighbourhood & Neighbours
Unit 4: Personalities
Physical Appearance
Personalities & Relationships
Hobbies & Interests
Unit 5: Food
Food & Beverage (Ingredients, Tastes)
Dining Out (Ordering, Menus)
Food & Culture
Unit 6: Health and Fitness
My Body (Parts, Illness)
Health Issues (Doctor visits)
Healthy Lifestyle (Exercise, Diet)
Unit 7: Holidays
Trip Preparation (Booking, Packing)
Going on Holiday (Activities, Transport)
Shopping (Clothes, Prices, Bargaining)
Unit 8: Hometown
Weather & Geography
Places in a City (Directions)
Famous Sights
Unit 9: Future Plans
University Plans
Volunteering & Summer Jobs
Unit 10: Teen Life
Teen Stress & Problems
Leisure & Entertainment
Teens & Technology
HL Extension: Literature & Advanced Topics
HL students follow the same themes as SL, but they have two extra requirements:
They must study two literary works (novels or plays).
They must show critical thinking.
For example, while an SL student might describe their recycling habits, an HL student needs to debate government climate policy or discuss the ethical impact of AI.
FAQ: IB Chinese B Syllabus
Is there a fixed vocabulary list for IB Chinese B?
For SL and HL, the IB does not provide a fixed list. Students must build vocabulary around the 5 themes of the IB DP Chinese B syllabus. For Ab Initio, vocabulary is closely tied to the prescribed topic areas listed above.
What is the main difference between SL and HL themes?
Both use the same 5 themes. However, HL requires deeper critical thinking. For example, an SL student might describe recycling habits, while an HL student might debate government climate policy.
What if my child has missed a specific Ab Initio topic?
Because Ab Initio is cumulative, missing a topic like "Directions" (Unit 8) can hurt future units. We can help identify and fill these specific gaps during our Mandarin Classes.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the syllabus is the first step to exam success. Whether your child is tackling the Ab Initio topics or the broader SL/HL themes, having a clear plan makes a huge difference.
If you feel your child needs more than just school homework to master these themes, structured practice is the best way to build confidence and fill any learning gaps.
Transparent Pricing
We offer flexible options for families who want focused support without long-term contracts.
1-to-1 IB Chinese Tutor
Flexible schedule · In-person (HK) or online · All IB phases
Service | Description | Price |
Trial Lesson (1 Hour) | Assess level & create a plan | HK$400 |
Single Lesson | Pay-as-you-go expert support | HK$600 / hour |
10-Hour Package | Structured progression | HK$5,000 |
20-Hour Package | Intensive term support | HK$9,000 |
30-Hour Package | Full semester support | HK$12,000 |
Group IB Chinese Class
Small groups (2–4 students) · In-person (HK) or online
Service | Description | Price |
Trial Package (10 Hours) | Introduction to themes | HK$2,500 |
Ongoing Package (20 Hours) | Deep dive into syllabus | HK$5,000 |
Written by Aileen Ting, Founder of Mandarin & Cantonese Tutor Hong Kong