Quick answer
The Sharing the planet theme covers the challenges and opportunities of living together on one planet: the environment, rights, equality, globalization, ethics, and urban and rural life. This page gives 20 useful words and phrases in 4 topic groups with an example sentence for each. The IB does not publish a required vocabulary list, so treat this as a working set to use in your own sentences, not as a list to memorize for the exam.
How to use this list
Pick one topic group at a time. Read the example, cover it, then write your own sentence about your school, town or family using the same word. A word you have used three times in your own sentences is far more likely to appear when you need it in an exam than one you have only read.
The topic groups follow the optional recommended topics that the Language B guide lists under this theme. They are suggestions for teachers, not a list of exam questions.
The environment
Useful language for tasks and discussions about the environment.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| carbon footprint | the amount of carbon dioxide a person or group produces | Flying less is the fastest way to cut a carbon footprint. |
| renewable | from a source that does not run out | The island runs on renewable energy for most of the year. |
| drought | a long period without rain | The drought forced farmers to sell their cattle. |
| biodiversity | the variety of living things in an area | Wetlands protect biodiversity near the city. |
| to dispose of | to get rid of something | Many people do not know how to dispose of batteries safely. |
IB English B in Nektar
Practise IB English B in the Nektar app.
Choose SL or HL, work through reading, listening and vocabulary lessons, and get feedback on Paper 1 writing and individual oral responses. Keep official IB material for your checkpoints.
Human rights and equality
Useful language for tasks and discussions about human rights and equality.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| discrimination | unfair treatment of a group | The law bans discrimination in hiring. |
| to campaign | to work in an organized way for a change | Students campaigned for free period products. |
| refugee | a person forced to leave their country for safety | The school welcomed twelve refugee families. |
| gender gap | a difference between men and women in pay or opportunity | The gender gap in engineering is narrowing slowly. |
| to raise awareness | to make more people know about an issue | The assembly raised awareness of child labour. |
Globalization and ethics
Useful language for tasks and discussions about globalization and ethics.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| supply chain | the steps that bring a product to a buyer | The brand published its full supply chain. |
| fair trade | trade that pays producers a just price | The cafeteria switched to fair trade coffee. |
| consumerism | the habit of buying more and more goods | The documentary criticises consumerism during sales. |
| to exploit | to treat someone unfairly for profit | Some factories exploit workers with unpaid overtime. |
| accountable | responsible and expected to explain actions | Companies should be accountable for the waste they create. |
Urban and rural environment
Useful language for tasks and discussions about urban and rural environment.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| urban sprawl | the spread of a city into the countryside | Urban sprawl has replaced the orchards. |
| commute | the regular journey to work or school | Her commute takes ninety minutes each way. |
| infrastructure | basic systems such as roads, power and water | Rural infrastructure has not kept up with demand. |
| green space | an area of grass or trees in a town | Residents fought to keep the last green space. |
| congestion | too much traffic in one place | A bike lane reduced congestion near the school. |
Turn the list into exam language
Choose five words from different groups and write a 120 word paragraph for a named reader, for example a letter to your head teacher or a post for the school blog. Then record yourself explaining the same idea aloud for one minute without reading. Writing first and speaking second shows you which words you can really retrieve.
Practise with Sharing the planet discussion questions and read the Sharing the planet theme guide for a Paper 1 style task. In the Nektar app, IB English B vocabulary lessons teach theme words in context before the reading and listening texts that use them.
- Write your own sentence for each word
- Use five words in one paragraph for a named reader
- Say the same idea aloud without notes
- Revisit the group after three days
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official IB vocabulary list for Sharing the planet?
No. The IB does not publish a required vocabulary list for the themes. This is an original Nektar study list.
How many words should I learn for the Sharing the planet theme?
There is no set number. A small set you can use accurately in writing and speaking is worth more than a long list you only recognise.
Will these words appear in Paper 2?
No one can predict the texts. The words are common in writing about this theme, so they are likely to help with reading and listening, but they are not taken from exam papers.
IB English B in Nektar
Practise IB English B in the Nektar app.
Choose SL or HL, work through reading, listening and vocabulary lessons, and get feedback on Paper 1 writing and individual oral responses. Keep official IB material for your checkpoints.