Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

What is the significance of the Extended Essay?

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.

An extended essay can also be undertaken in world studies, where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.

How is study of the Extended Essay structured?

Students are supported throughout the process of researching and writing the extended essay, with advice and guidance from a supervisor who is usually a teacher at the school.

Students are required to have three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisors. The final session, a concluding interview, is also known as viva voce.

The extended essay and reflection sessions can be a valuable stimulus for discussion in countries where interviews are required prior to acceptance for employment or for a place at university.

How is the Extended Essay assessed?

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.

Find out how points awarded for the extended essay contribute to a student’s overall diploma score.

IB Diploma Points Matrix (TOK + EE)

Source: International Baccalaureate. (n.d.). What is the extended essay? https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/extended-essay/what-is-the-extended-essay/ 

Regarding the EE in general:

• Observe the extended essay regulations as set by the school and the IB
• Meet all EE deadlines
• Practice Academic Integrity by careful note-taking and proper referencing & citation of information sources used
• Maintain and update the Extended Essay workspace in ManageBac

Regarding subject choice:

• Choose a subject in which you are already enrolled, and which you thoroughly understand and are comfortable with
• READ the subject-specific requirements for your chosen subject

Regarding your supervisor:

• Initiate regular communication with your supervisor & respond to their communications
• Attend 3 mandatory reflection sessions with your supervisor

• Start EARLY! 

• Talk to diploma subject teachers. Ask questions!

• Map out a timeline of deadlines, research days, writing days. Allow for unforeseen delays. 

• Plan your information sources. Keep track of what you've used through a working bibliography. 

  • ALWAYS proofread your drafts before submitting them

• Get a Toronto Public Library card (free access to their databases & resources)

What strategies can students use to discuss the extended essay in their university application?

Support for the Extended Essay

Librarians can provide important and additional support in some of the fundamental research and information literacy skills. These skills can include: