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NotesSpanish BTopic 6.2Reference words
Back to Spanish B Topics
6.2.73 min read

Reference words

IB Spanish B · Unit 6

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Contents

  1. 1What reference words are
  2. 2Find the reference step by step
  3. 3In action
  4. 4Common errors
What it is: A small word like lo, ella or allí replaces a noun. You copy the noun it replaces.
The instruction on the paper: ¿A quién o a qué se refieren las palabras subrayadas? Contesta usando las palabras tal como aparecen en el texto. → Who or what do the underlined words refer to? Answer with the words exactly as they appear in the text.
Mi hermana bibliotecaria: Mi hermana Carla trabaja en la nueva biblioteca del barrio. Le encanta su trabajo porque allí conoce a gente de todas las edades. Los lunes ayuda a los mayores con el ordenador; los viernes organiza un club de cómic para adolescentes. Dice que nunca se aburre.

Example: who or what?

The question

  1. ¿A quién o a qué se refieren las palabras subrayadas? Contesta usando las palabras tal como aparecen en el texto. …porque allí conoce a gente…
¿A quién…?
who…? (a person)
¿A qué…?
what…? (a thing)
se refieren
refer to
las palabras subrayadas
the underlined words
Contesta usando las palabras…
answer using the words…
(línea 7)
line 7
Remember: Answer with the noun from the text, never with the small word itself.

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Four steps

1

Find the underlined word

Use the line number.

2

Look back

The noun is usually just before.

3

Swap it in

Put the noun in its place: does it make sense?

4

Copy the noun

Exactly as it appears in the text.

Find → Look back → Swap → Copy

WordUsually points to
lo / la / los / lasa thing or a person
le / lesa person
allí / ahía place
esto / esoa whole idea
quien / quethe noun just before
su / susthe owner

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Ciencia en vídeo: Daniela tiene diecisiete años y ha creado un canal de vídeos sobre ciencia. Empezó como un juego, pero hoy tiene más de cien mil seguidores. Sus vídeos son cortos y divertidos. Muchos profesores los usan en clase porque explican temas difíciles de forma sencilla. Ahora una universidad quiere trabajar con ella.

Example: check the ending

The question

  1. ¿A quién o a qué se refieren las palabras subrayadas? Contesta usando las palabras tal como aparecen en el texto. Muchos profesores los usan…
Check the ending: los needs a masculine plural noun; la needs a feminine singular one.

Do

  • Look back before the word.
  • Check gender and number.
  • Copy the noun exactly.

Don't

  • Answer with the small word itself.
  • Take the nearest noun without checking.
  • Explain in your own words.

IB Exam Questions on Reference words

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Practice Topic 6.2.7 QuestionsBrowse All Spanish B Topics

How Reference words Appears in IB Exams

Examiners use specific command terms when asking about this topic. Here's what to expect:

  • Define

    Give the precise meaning of key terms related to Reference words.

    AO1
  • Describe

    Give a detailed account of processes or features in Reference words.

    AO2
  • Explain

    Give reasons WHY — cause and effect within Reference words.

    AO3
  • Evaluate

    Weigh strengths AND limitations of approaches in Reference words.

    AO3
  • Discuss

    Present arguments FOR and AGAINST with a balanced conclusion.

    AO3

See the full IB Command Terms guide

Related Spanish B Topics

Continue learning with these related topics from the same unit:

6.1.1Format & rubric6.2.1Multiple choice6.2.2True/False + justify6.2.3Vocabulary in context
View all Spanish B topics
Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for Spanish B
Previous6.2.6Sentence completionNextShort answer6.2.8

3 practice questions on Reference words

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