This week, I’ve developed 7 different outlines for the Individual Oral.  You can find them here.  They are meant to be used to support students in their thinking and planning.  Remember, the IO shouldn’t be fully written out and then memorized.  As well, these outlines could never be brought into the actual IO.  Why?  You must use the official IB outline form (10 bullet points).  As well, the ones offered here are too long and detailed, but they offer more guidance to students in the structuring and organizing their IO than the official IB form.  

I also think that there are many right ways to structure the oral and I’m trying to demonstrate that in this post.  But, I also realize that students need help and guidance.  Hopefully, this strikes that balance between supporting students in their learning without imposing a “template” or way of thinking upon them.  And you might not like some of them either!  That’s to be expected. 

Finally, and I cannot emphasize this enough, please don’t use these until May!  The IB is clear that the IO should not take place before the end of the first year.  Students should not be working on their final IO right now.  It’s February!  You haven’t covered enough content – in the eyes of the IB.  They respect us as professionals to do the right thing.  Let’s show them that they can continue to trust us in the future.   

Best,

Tim