Watch this video (to 2:20) to learn more about the exciting academic journey of Extended Essay.
Extended Essay is...
- An in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from one of your IB subject areas
- A formal piece of academic writing containing no more than 4,000 words, accompanied by reflections containing no more than 500 words
- An opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of your own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor at your school
- Graded by IB representatives worldwide based on five criteria
- An experience that will help prepare you for college admissions, success in college, and in other pathways beyond the Diploma Programme
Keep in mind:
- Extended Essay is required for all Diploma Programme students, optional for course students.
- Students must achieve a D grade or higher on Extended Essay to be awarded the IB Diploma.
- Extended Essay is the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student.
- Students are supported by a supervision process recommended to be 3–5 hours, which includes three mandatory reflection sessions: Initial, Interim and Viva Voce.
- You will receive specific instructions and deadlines along the way to guide you through the process.
Helpful hints:
- Pick a subject area you plan to study at the HL level
- Choose a research topic you really care about
- Make the most of your supervisor's subject expertise and support
- Closely follow the Subject Guide and grading criteria for your chosen subject
- Start early and avoid procrastination
- Be adaptable and prepare for contingencies
Why is Extended Essay part of the IB Diploma Programme core?
Extended Essay is a unique opportunity for IB students to explore an academic area in which they have a personal interest. The aims of the Extended Essay are for students to:
- engage in independent research with intellectual initiative and rigour,
- develop research, thinking, self-management and communication skills,
- and reflect on what has been learned throughout the research and writing process.
And finally...
Quality, not quantity, is the focus of the Extended Essay. Through Extended Essay, you have the opportunity to engage in independent research and writing at a level similar to what you can expect in your first semester/year of college. Special emphasis is placed on the development of the skills of organizing and expressing ideas logically and coherently.
Your essay is to be your authentic, personal work. In working on the Extended Essay, students are expected to:
• 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, always acknowledging sources
• 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
Credits:
Created with images by AnveshPandra - "Library.." • UnitedSoybeanBoard - "Biodiesel Research" • BiblioArchives / LibraryArchives - "Sir Winston Churchill smiling / Sir Winston Churchill souriant" • tudor-rose - "Music Of Old" • Greyerbaby - "kids football games tackle" • Skitterphoto - "livestock cow cattle"