The Grade 11 IB Ab Initio Languages rubric is designed to assess students’ foundational language acquisition skills in a new target language. This rubric evaluates four key criteria: receptive skills (listening and reading); productive skills (speaking and writing); interactive skills (oral and written communication); and intercultural understanding. Each criterion is structured to measure progress in language proficiency while encouraging cultural awareness and effective communication. The rubric supports students in developing essential language competencies through clear; measurable benchmarks. By focusing on comprehension and expression; learners build confidence in understanding spoken and written texts; as well as producing coherent responses. The interactive component emphasizes real-world communication; preparing students for meaningful exchanges in diverse contexts. Additionally; the intercultural criterion fosters an appreciation for global perspectives; helping students recognize connections between language and culture. Educationally; this rubric promotes active engagement with the target language through structured practice and feedback. It encourages learners to take risks; refine accuracy; and expand vocabulary while developing critical thinking skills. Teachers use the rubric to provide targeted guidance; ensuring students meet IB standards while progressing at an appropriate pace. The balanced assessment approach supports differentiated learning; accommodating varied proficiency levels within the classroom. Ultimately; the Grade 11 IB Ab Initio Languages rubric prepares students for further language study and real-life applications. By emphasizing both linguistic and cultural competence; it equips learners with tools for effective communication in an interconnected world. The rubric aligns with the IB’s mission to develop inquiring; knowledgeable; and open-minded individuals who appreciate multilingualism as a gateway to global understanding.