101 Prompt Guide

The Ultimate 101 Prompt Guide: IB Diploma French B (Latest Update 2025)

2 months ago
10 mins
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Introduction

This guide is designed to help educators and students effectively use Generative AI to master the IB Diploma French B course for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Based on a detailed analysis of the official IB curriculum, these 101 prompts are tailored to the five prescribed themes, assessment formats, and required skills.

How to Use These Prompts:

  1. Copy and Paste: Select a prompt and paste it into your preferred AI tool (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT).
  2. Customize: Replace bracketed text [like this] with your specific topic, text type, or focus.
  3. Specify Level: Clearly state whether you are working at the SL or HL level to get the most accurate response, especially for assessment-related tasks.

The prompts are structured to follow the natural cycle of teaching and learning, from planning and understanding to assessment and enrichment.

Section 1 – Educator Prompts (50)

Group 1: Planning & Preparation (15 Prompts)

  1. Syllabus Outline: “Act as an experienced IB French B teacher. Generate a semester-long syllabus outline for an [SL/HL] class, mapping the five prescribed themes (Identités, Expériences, Ingéniosité humaine, Organisation sociale, Partage de la planète) to key activities and assessment milestones.”
  2. Unit Plan: “Create a detailed unit plan for the theme ‘Partage de la planète’. The plan should last 4 weeks and include lesson objectives, essential questions, potential text types for analysis (e.g., article, report), grammar points (e.g., subjunctive, conditional), key vocabulary, and ideas for formative assessments.”
  3. Resource Curation: “Find 5 authentic online resources (articles, videos, podcasts) in French suitable for an [SL/HL] class related to the sub-topic of [e.g., migration] under the theme ‘Expériences’. For each resource, provide a URL, a brief summary, and one potential classroom activity.”
  4. HL Literary Text Selection: “Suggest three French-language literary works suitable for an HL class. For each, provide a rationale explaining how it connects to at least two IB themes and why it’s appropriate for 17-18-year-old language learners.”
  5. Essential Questions: “For the theme ‘Ingéniosité humaine’, generate 10 thought-provoking essential questions that can guide a unit of study and encourage critical thinking in both SL and HL students.”
  6. Vocabulary Tiers: “For a unit on ‘Organisation sociale’ focusing on [e.g., the world of work], create a tiered vocabulary list: Tier 1 (basic), Tier 2 (academic/thematic), and Tier 3 (idiomatic expressions).”
  7. Text Type Features: “Generate a comparison table outlining the key conventions and structural features of three text types for Paper 1: [e.g., a formal letter, a blog post, and a speech].”
  8. Cross-Curricular Links: “Identify 3 potential links between the IB French B theme ‘Identités’ and the IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. Frame them as discussion prompts for students.”
  9. Differentiation Strategy: “Provide three strategies for differentiating a reading comprehension activity on an article about [e.g., scientific ethics] for a mixed-ability [SL/HL] class.”
  10. IA Planning: “Create a timeline and checklist for students to follow for the Individual Oral (IA) assessment, covering both SL (visual stimulus) and HL (literary extract) requirements.”
  11. CAS Integration: “Brainstorm three CAS project ideas that would allow students to engage with the theme ‘Partage de la planète’ in the local community using their French language skills.”
  12. Grammar Progression: “Design a logical progression for teaching complex grammar structures (e.g., si clauses, passive voice, relative pronouns) across the two-year [SL/HL] course.”
  13. Authentic Text Search: “Act as a research assistant. Find a recent French news article about [e.g., a technological innovation] that could serve as a stimulus for a class discussion on ‘Ingéniosité humaine’.”
  14. Intercultural Understanding: “For the theme ‘Expériences’, develop three activities designed to foster intercultural understanding by comparing [e.g., holiday traditions] in different Francophone regions.”
  15. Year Plan: “Generate a two-year pacing guide for an IB French B HL course in a table format, allocating time for all five themes, the study of two literary works, and dedicated exam preparation periods.”

Group 2: Lesson Delivery & Activities (15 Prompts)

  1. Discussion Starter: “Create five open-ended questions to start a class discussion on the topic of [e.g., online identity] related to the theme ‘Identités’.”
  2. Grammar Worksheet: “Generate a ‘fill-in-the-blanks’ worksheet with 15 sentences for practicing [e.g., the subjunctive mood after expressions of doubt]. Provide an answer key.”
  3. Role-Play Scenario: “Design a role-play scenario for a pair of students based on the theme ‘Organisation sociale’. Student A is a [e.g., job applicant] and Student B is an [e.g., interviewer]. Include objectives and key vocabulary.”
  4. Listening Comprehension Script: “Write a 250-word script for a listening comprehension exercise (Paper 2 style) for SL students. The script should be a dialogue between two friends discussing [e.g., a recent trip] (Theme: Expériences).”
  5. Visual Stimulus Analysis: “Provide a step-by-step guide for students on how to analyze a visual stimulus (photograph) for the SL Individual Oral, using the 5 Ws (Qui, Quoi, Où, Quand, Pourquoi) and connecting it to the theme of [e.g., Sharing the Planet].”
  6. Debate Motion: “Formulate a debate motion related to the theme ‘Ingéniosité humaine’, for example: [e.g., ‘Artificial intelligence is more of a threat than a benefit to society’]. Prepare three arguments for and three against in French.”
  7. Interactive Activity: “Describe a 20-minute interactive classroom activity (e.g., gallery walk, jigsaw reading) to explore different facets of the theme [e.g., Social Relationships] under ‘Organisation sociale’.”
  8. Video-Based Task: “Take the transcript of a French news report on [e.g., environmental activism]. Create a set of pre-watching, while-watching, and post-watching questions for HL students.”
  9. Creative Writing Prompt: “Generate a creative writing prompt where students must write a diary entry from the perspective of a character experiencing [e.g., culture shock], related to the theme ‘Expériences’.”
  10. HL Literary Analysis: “For the novel [e.g., L’Étranger], create three discussion questions that ask HL students to analyze the author’s use of [e.g., symbolism] to explore the theme of ‘Identités’.”
  11. Text Deconstruction: “Take this article [paste French article text here]. Create a task that requires students to identify the text type, audience, purpose, and stylistic devices used by the author.”
  12. Vocabulary Game: “Design a fun, 15-minute vocabulary review game (like Pictionary or Taboo) using 20 key terms from the theme [e.g., Human Ingenuity].”
  13. Connecting Themes: “Create a Venn diagram activity that prompts students to find connections and overlaps between the themes ‘Identités’ and ‘Organisation sociale’.”
  14. Exit Ticket Questions: “Generate three ‘exit ticket’ questions to quickly assess student understanding at the end of a lesson on [e.g., the causes of pollution] (Theme: Partage de la planète).”
  15. Peer-Editing Checklist: “Create a peer-editing checklist for a Paper 1 writing task. The checklist should focus on three areas: message, conventions, and language, using criteria from the official IB rubric.”

Group 3: Assessment & Feedback (15 Prompts)

  1. Paper 1 Prompt Generation: “Generate three distinct Paper 1 writing prompts for an [SL/HL] class, one for each text type: [e.g., an email, a leaflet, and an article]. Each prompt must be based on a different core theme.”
  2. Paper 2 Reading Questions: “Using the provided French article [paste text], act as an IB examiner and create a set of Paper 2-style reading comprehension questions, including multiple-choice, true/false with justification, and short-answer questions.”
  3. Paper 2 Listening Questions: “Based on this French audio script [paste script], create a set of Paper 2-style listening comprehension questions.”
  4. IA Visual Stimulus: “Suggest 5 different images that could be used as a visual stimulus for the SL Individual Oral on the theme of ‘Expériences’. For each, list 3 potential talking points.”
  5. HL IA Extract Selection: “From this chapter of [literary work title], select a 30-line extract suitable for the HL Individual Oral. Justify why this extract is rich for analysis in relation to the theme of [e.g., Social Organization].”
  6. Rubric Creation: “Create a simplified, student-friendly rubric for a practice Paper 1 writing task, based on the official IB criteria for Language, Message, and Conceptual Understanding.”
  7. Feedback Generation: “Analyze this student’s practice paragraph [paste paragraph] for a Paper 1 task. Provide feedback using the ‘star and a wish’ method (one thing done well, one area for improvement) focusing on [e.g., use of sophisticated vocabulary].”
  8. Mock Exam Paper: “Design a complete mock Paper 2 for SL students, including three reading texts and three listening scripts (you can generate these too), all linked to the five core themes. Ensure a variety of question types.”
  9. Error Analysis: “Here is a short student essay [paste text]. Identify the top 3 recurring grammatical errors and create a mini-lesson to address them.”
  10. Model Answer: “Write a model answer for this Paper 1 HL prompt [paste prompt], ensuring it is between 450-600 words and exemplifies strong use of idiomatic expressions and complex structures. The text type is a speech.”
  11. IA Question Stems: “Generate a list of 10 follow-up questions an examiner might ask during the [SL/HL] Individual Oral after the student’s initial presentation on the theme of [e.g., Identities].”
  12. Justification Practice: “Create a worksheet with 10 true/false statements based on a text about [e.g., global warming]. Students must not only answer but also provide a justification by quoting from the text, mimicking the Paper 2 format.”
  13. Self-Assessment Tool: “Create a self-assessment checklist for students preparing for the Paper 1 exam. The list should include questions like ‘Did I use the correct register?’ and ‘Is my text organized logically?'”
  14. Predictive Questions: “Before reading a text on [e.g., the future of education], generate five questions that students can try to answer while reading, to improve active reading skills.”
  15. Grade Boundary Explanation: “Explain the IB French B [SL/HL] grade boundaries in simple terms. Create a hypothetical student profile with scores in each component (Paper 1, Paper 2, IA) and explain how their final grade from 1-7 would be determined.”

Group 4: Enrichment & Extension (5 Prompts)

  1. Film Analysis: “Choose a French-language film like [e.g., Intouchables]. Create a worksheet that connects scenes from the film to the IB themes of ‘Identités’ and ‘Expériences’.”
  2. Francophone Exploration: “Design a mini-research project where students explore a specific cultural aspect of a lesser-known Francophone region (e.g., [Senegal, Quebec, Martinique]) and present their findings as a blog post, linking it to ‘Organisation sociale’.”
  3. Connecting to a Global Issue: “Create a project outline that asks HL students to analyze how the UN Sustainable Development Goals are reflected in the IB theme ‘Partage de la planète’, using French-language sources.”
  4. Literary Movements: “Provide a concise overview of the [e.g., Existentialist] literary movement in France, explaining its key ideas and how they might appear in an HL literary work.”
  5. TOK and Language: “Generate a discussion prompt exploring the TOK question: ‘To what extent does the language we use shape our identity?’ Use examples relevant to the French language and Francophone cultures.”

Section 2 – Student Prompts (50)

Group 1: Understanding Concepts (15 Prompts)

  1. Grammar Explanation: “Explain the difference between the passé composé and the imparfait in French, as if you were a tutor. Provide 5 example sentences for each.”
  2. Theme Summary: “Summarize the key ideas and potential sub-topics within the IB French B theme ‘Ingéniosité humaine’ in simple bullet points.”
  3. Vocabulary Builder: “Give me 15 advanced vocabulary words and 5 idiomatic expressions related to the topic of [e.g., environmental protection] under the theme ‘Partage de la planète’. Provide a definition and an example sentence for each.”
  4. Text Type Clarification: “What are the main features of a [e.g., blog post] in French? Explain the expected tone, register, and structure for a Paper 1 task.”
  5. Concept Definition: “Explain the concept of ‘intercultural understanding’ in the context of the IB French B course. Why is it important?”
  6. HL Literary Device: “(HL Only) Explain the literary device [e.g., metaphor] and provide three examples from French literature.”
  7. Connector Words: “Create a table of French transition words (connecteurs logiques) categorized by function (e.g., addition, contrast, cause, consequence).”
  8. Pronoun Practice: “Explain when to use the relative pronouns qui, que, dont, and où. Give me a 10-question quiz to test my knowledge.”
  9. Subjunctive Triggers: “List 10 common verbs and conjunctions that require the use of the subjunctive mood in French.”
  10. Formal vs. Informal: “Show me how to rewrite 5 informal sentences into a formal register suitable for a formal letter in French.”
  11. Theme Connections: “How can I connect the IB theme ‘Identités’ with ‘Expériences’? Give me three concrete examples or scenarios.”
  12. Assessment Criteria: “Explain the Paper 1 assessment criterion ‘Language’ in simple terms. What does an examiner look for to award top marks?”
  13. SL IA Demystified: “(SL Only) What are the steps to successfully present and discuss a visual stimulus in the Individual Oral? Break it down for me.”
  14. HL IA Demystified: “(HL Only) How should I structure my presentation on a literary extract for the Individual Oral? Provide a template.”
  15. False Friends: “List 10 common ‘faux amis’ (false friends) between French and English and explain their true meanings.”

Group 2: Practicing Skills (15 Prompts)

  1. Writing Prompt Practice: “I need to practice for Paper 1. Give me a writing prompt for an [SL/HL] task. The theme is ‘Organisation sociale’ and the text type is [e.g., an article for the school magazine].”
  2. Draft Feedback: “Please review my draft for a Paper 1 task [paste your text here]. Check for grammatical errors, suggest better vocabulary, and tell me if I have addressed the prompt effectively.”
  3. Oral Presentation Script: “(SL Only) I have chosen this image for my IA [describe image]. Help me write a 1-minute introductory script linking it to the theme of [e.g., Identities].”
  4. HL Oral Practice: “(HL Only) Here is the literary extract for my IA [paste extract]. Help me brainstorm three main analytical points I could make in my presentation.”
  5. Listening Practice: “Act as a news anchor and write a short (200-word) news report script about [e.g., a recent cultural event] that I can read aloud to a friend for listening practice.”
  6. Reading Comprehension: “Find a short French article online about [e.g., healthy lifestyles] (Theme: Expériences). Then, create 5 comprehension questions about it for me to answer.”
  7. Sentence Rewriting: “Rewrite these 5 simple sentences using more complex structures (e.g., using relative pronouns, si clauses, or the subjunctive): [Paste 5 simple sentences].”
  8. Vocabulary Application: “I’m learning vocabulary for the theme ‘Ingéniosité humaine’. Give me 5 sentences with a blank, where I have to fill in the correct word from this list: [paste list of 5 words].”
  9. Dialogue Creation: “Write a short dialogue between a tourist and a local in [e.g., Paris], where the tourist asks for directions. This is for practicing speaking skills.”
  10. Text Type Transformation: “Take this formal text [paste formal text] and rewrite it as an informal email to a friend, while keeping the main message.”
  11. Idiom Practice: “Give me three scenarios where I could use the French idiom [e.g., ‘coûter les yeux de la tête’] in a sentence.”
  12. Justification Skill: “Here is a statement: ‘Technology is making people less social.’ Find one point from a French article to support this and one point to refute it. Quote the French text.”
  13. Grammar Drill: “Give me a 10-question multiple-choice quiz on [e.g., the agreement of the past participle with ‘avoir’].”
  14. Speaking Confidence: “I am nervous about my Individual Oral. Give me 5 phrases I can use to buy time, ask for clarification, or structure my arguments during the conversation part.”
  15. Summary Skills: “Read this article [paste article text] and summarize its three main arguments in French, in no more than 50 words.”

Group 3: Revising & Self-Assessment (15 Prompts)

  1. Flashcard Creation: “Create a set of 20 virtual flashcards for the topic [e.g., politics and government] under the theme ‘Organisation sociale’. One side should have the French word, the other its English definition.”
  2. Mind Map: “Generate a mind map structure for the IB theme ‘Partage de la planète’. The main branches should be the key sub-topics (e.g., environment, ethics, globalization), with smaller branches for key vocabulary and ideas.”
  3. Self-Quiz: “Create a 10-question quiz covering all five prescribed themes. The questions should be open-ended and make me think critically (e.g., ‘How does technology influence personal identity?’).”
  4. Revision Guide: “Create a one-page revision guide for the Paper 1 writing exam. It should include key reminders about text types, register, structure, and a pre-writing checklist.”
  5. Check My Understanding: “I think the plus-que-parfait is used to describe an action that happened before another past action. Is this correct? Give me an example to confirm.”
  6. Grammar Cheat Sheet: “Generate a compact ‘cheat sheet’ for the main uses of the French subjunctive.”
  7. Thematic Vocabulary List: “Generate a list of the 20 most essential nouns, verbs, and adjectives for the theme ‘Expériences’.”
  8. Mistake Journal: “Here are three sentences where I made mistakes: [paste sentences with errors]. Explain my mistake in each and how to correct it.”
  9. Exam Strategy: “What is the best strategy for managing my time in the Paper 2 exam, which has both listening and reading sections?”
  10. Rubric Self-Evaluation: “Here is the IB rubric for the SL Individual Oral. Turn it into a series of ‘I can…’ statements so I can self-assess my readiness.”
  11. One-Sentence Summaries: “For each of the five IB themes, help me write a single, complex sentence in French that summarizes a key issue within that theme.”
  12. Key Quotations: “(HL Only) For the book [book title], identify 5 key quotations that are useful for analyzing the theme of [e.g., conflict].”
  13. Audio Summary: “I just listened to a French podcast about [e.g., artificial intelligence]. Help me structure my summary notes under the headings: Main Idea, Supporting Arguments, and New Vocabulary.”
  14. Last-Minute Review: “It’s the day before my French exam. Give me a 5-point checklist of the most important things to review.”
  15. Track My Progress: “Create a simple table I can use to track my practice scores for Paper 1, Paper 2, and my IA. It should include columns for date, task, score, and one area for improvement.”

Group 4: Preparing for Assessment (5 Prompts)

  1. Simulate an Examiner: “Let’s practice my [SL/HL] Individual Oral. I will start by presenting my [image/literary extract]. After I finish (I will type ‘FIN’), please act as an examiner and ask me three follow-up questions.”
  2. Paper 1 Conditions: “Give me a Paper 1 HL writing prompt about ‘Identités’ (text type: speech). I will write my response. After I’m done, give me feedback based only on the official IB criteria.”
  3. Unseen Text Strategy: “What is a good step-by-step strategy for tackling an unseen reading text in Paper 2? Explain how to skim, scan, and read for detail.”
  4. Choosing a Prompt: “In Paper 1, how do I choose the best prompt for me out of the three options? What should I look for?”
  5. Mental Prep: “I’m feeling stressed about my upcoming French exams. Can you give me 3 mindset tips and practical relaxation techniques to help me perform my best on the day?”

Section 3 – Bonus Universal Prompt (1)

  1. The Interdisciplinary Challenge: “Act as a panel of IB experts including a French B teacher, a TOK coordinator, and a CAS supervisor. Design a project-based learning task that synthesizes all three components. The project must be based on the French B theme [e.g., Sharing the Planet], require students to investigate a real-world issue (e.g., [fast fashion’s environmental impact]) in a Francophone context, analyze it through a TOK lens (e.g., [ethical responsibility and knowledge]), and propose a tangible CAS-style action or service. The final output should be a proposal written in formal French.”
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