Sharing the Planet as a Language Context
The theme of sharing the planet covers how people, communities, and societies navigate the world's shared resources, rights, and responsibilities. In English B, this theme is not a content subject. The task is to use it as a context for producing and understanding language that is precise, purposeful, and audience-aware.
Three broad areas come up repeatedly across all assessment components:
- Environment and sustainability: communicating about ecological challenges and practical responses
- Globalisation and ethics: discussing the costs and benefits of an interconnected world
- Human rights, peace, and equality / urban and rural challenges: arguing about fairness, access, and justice
In each area, the same core question applies: can you match your language, register, and text-type conventions to the audience and purpose of the task?
The content of these topics matters only insofar as it gives you something to write about. What the examiner rewards is the accuracy, range, and appropriateness of your English.
A factually rich answer with a mismatched register will score less than a focused, well-structured response that speaks directly to its intended reader.
Environment and Sustainability: Text Types
Tasks on environmental topics most commonly ask for a proposal, report, article, or formal email. Each has a distinct audience and set of conventions.
Proposals are addressed to a decision-maker, usually a school board, local council, or business. They present a problem, offer specific and measurable solutions, and close with a recommendation. The tone is professional but persuasive. Every suggestion should be realistic and costed in some way, even roughly.
Reports assess something that has already happened or currently exists. They describe findings objectively before offering recommendations. Headings, numbered sections, and formal register are expected.
Articles are usually for a peer or general audience. The tone can be engaging and conversational, but the argument must still be coherent and supported.
Formal emails to an authority require a clear opening formula, a polite but direct tone, and a specific request or action.
Before you write a single sentence, ask: who is reading this, and what do they want to hear? A school board cares about costs, timelines, and student outcomes.
A youth magazine wants something engaging and relatable. Matching your content to your reader's concerns is how you show audience awareness, which examiners look for explicitly.