What is the Extended Essay?
Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge. The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper and a 500 word reflection (approx. 40 hours of work). It is one of the core components of the IB DP Program and required for all students taking the full diploma program.
The extended essay provides:
Practical preparation for undergraduate research
An opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.
Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:
Formulating an appropriate research question
Engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
Communicating ideas
Developing an argument
Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.
Support
Objectives
Assessment
Content taken from IB Website
Students are supported by a supervisor throughout the Extended Essay process. This is recommended to be 3-5 hours which includes three mandatory reflection sessions.
The third and final mandatory reflection session is the viva voce which is a concluding interview with the supervising teacher.
All extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34.
The score a student receives relates to a band. The bands are:
A – work of an excellent standard.
B – work of a good standard.
C –work of a satisfactory standard.
D – work of a mediocre standard.
E – work of an elementary standard.
During the Extended Essay students will...
Plan and pursue a research project with intellectual initiative and insight
Formulate a precise research question
Gather and interpret material from sources appropriate to the research question
Structure a reasoned argument in response to the research question on the basis of the material gathered
Present their extended essay in a format appropriate to the subject, acknowledging sources in one of the established academic ways
Use the terminology and language appropriate to the subject with skill and understanding
Apply analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject, with an understanding of the implications and the context of their research