The International Baccalaureate (IB) extended essay is a mandatory core component and requirement for students completing the IB Diploma Programme. With a minimum length of 4,000 words, the extended essay provides students with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of interest within a chosen subject from the IB subjects. This article provides an overview of the IB extended essay including the steps to complete an extended essay, requirements, assessment criteria, regulations, examples and tips for writing a successful extended essay.
What is an IB extended essay?
The IB extended essay requires students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question, problem, or issue representing one of the IB subjects they are studying. It allows students to deeply explore a topic of personal interest and acquaints them with the independent research and writing skills expected at university. The extended essay is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. Students select a research question within a subject and follow the same steps of the research process that historians, scientists, and scholars use in their own work, such as formulating a clear research question, engaging in a focused literature review on the topic, designing and implementing a research methodology, analyzing data collected and determining conclusions based on findings.
Steps to complete an extended essay
There are specific steps students need to follow to successfully complete their IB extended essay:
Choose a subject and topic: Students must select an IB subject and decide on a research topic that interests them within that discipline with the guidance of their supervisor.
Create a research question: Formulating a clear and focused research question is a crucial early step. The research question sets the parameters and drives the research.
Develop a plan of action: Students outline the steps and timeline to complete the essay, including conducting background research, designing methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and writing.
Conduct a literature review: Students summarize and synthesize the key sources and literature on the topic to understand different viewpoints and identify gaps.
Design methodology: For experimental sciences, students detail the methods and materials. For other subjects, they explain the approach, e.g. historical analysis, qualitative interviews.
Collect and analyze data: Students apply their proposed research methods and gather information or results. They then analyze and interpret this data.
Write the extended essay: Students draft and refine the essay, adhering to IB formatting and citation guidelines. The final essay should be 4,000 words minimum.
Submit the extended essay: Students submit their completed extended essay to the IB for assessment, along with a reflection form (RPPF).
Students work under the guidance of a supervisor, who supports the process and provides feedback and advice. Proper citations, a bibliography and other formatting must also be included per IB requirements.
Requirements for the extended essay
The IB extended essay assesses a student’s skills in five key areas, which shape the requirements for a successful essay:
Focus and method (research question, methodology, analysis, conclusions)
Knowledge and understanding (context, subject-specific terminology)
Critical thinking (research, analysis, discussion, evaluation)
Communication and academic honesty (structure, argument, reasoning, ethics)
Engagement (in-depth inquiry, personal investment in the research)
Some other basic requirements include:
EE must be on a topic within an IB subject available at the school
4,000 words minimum (not including notes and bibliography)
Structured with five mandated sections (introduction, methodology, results, conclusion, bibliography)
Clear and logical presentation of arguments and ideas with good academic writing skills
Sourcing from a minimum of 5 academic sources and referenced using citations per subject guidelines
Ethical research conduct and avoidance of plagiarism
Assessment criteria and grading
The IB uses published assessment criteria to evaluate all extended essays. Students are graded on a scale of A (highest) to E (lowest). The assessment criteria and descriptors examine how effectively students demonstrate the following skills:
Knowledge and understanding (up to 6 points)
Critical thinking (up to 18 points)
Communication and presentation (up to 6 points)
Engagement and application (up to 6 points)
Supervisors provide predicted grades during the drafting process, but final grading is completed by IB examiners. Criteria such as research focus and methods, use of academic sources, critical analysis, structure, referencing, thinking skills, command of subject, organization, and engagement are thoroughly assessed. The student reflection form is also considered. A C grade or higher must be attained to meet the core DP requirements.
Regulations and academic honesty
Students must adhere to IB extended essay regulations and policies related to plagiarism, academic integrity and acknowledgment of sources. Consulting published works is encouraged, but exact passages cannot simply be reproduced without citations. Paraphrasing or summarizing the work of others also requires referencing. Failing to properly cite sources or pass off others’ ideas as one’s own constitutes plagiarism and is strictly prohibited. Submitting work that has been submitted previously for another assessment is also considered academic misconduct.
The IB has very clear penalties for violating policies, including failing conditions, de-registration from the DP or withholding of results. Students should be familiar with what constitutes plagiarism, understand when and how to cite sources and know the academic honesty guidelines. Proper referencing helps avoid accusations and fosters an authentic research process. Students are also required to submit their extended essay to plagiarism detection services like Turnitin.
Subject areas for an extended essay
Students may choose from the standard IB subjects available at their school for their extended essay topic. This includes subjects from the six academic areas:
Studies in language and literature (English, languages, literature, theology and world religions)
Language acquisition (languages as a second language such as French or Spanish)
Individuals and societies (history, economics, geography, global politics, philosophy, psychology)
Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, design technology, sports exercise and health science)
Mathematics
The arts (visual arts, music, theatre, film, dance)
Topics from the IB core such as World Studies and the Extended Essay itself cannot be selected as subjects. Students should choose an area they enjoy studying and have background knowledge. They are permitted to craft interdisciplinary research questions bridging two subjects as well.
Examples of extended essay topics
Essay topics can cover a diverse range of potential areas depending on the subject. Here are a few sample topics students have explored in different subjects:
English: The portrayal of power dynamics in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale
History: Factors contributing to the expansion of European colonial empires in the 19th century
Biology: An analysis of the kidney’s role in homeostasis
Psychology: An evaluation of cognitive behavioral therapy for treating anxiety disorders
Chinese B (SL): The changing role of traditional Confucian values in modern Chinese society
Economics: The impact of quantitative easing policies on economic growth
Dance: An exploration of the connection between movement and meaning in Martha Graham’s choreography
Computer science: The development of encryption algorithms and their role in information security
Tips for success
The IB extended essay provides an opportunity for students to engage in independent research and writing on a topic of interest through the development of important academic and critical thinking skills. The following tips can help students craft a quality extended essay:
Choose an engaging, focused research question aligned with assessment criteria
Conduct thorough background research and review literature surrounding the topic
Design an appropriate methodology for the research question and subject
Manage time effectively with the planning outline and meet all deadlines
Challenge ideas and support arguments with credible academic evidence
Structure the essay clearly with well-written, cohesive and properly formatted sections
Apply critical analysis, discussion and independent thinking skills
Adhere to the subject’s academic writing standards and IB referencing guidelines
Proofread for mistakes, typos or unclear expression and improve through feedback
Stay engaged throughout the process with personal investment in the topic
Maintain academic integrity and ensure no plagiarism or reuse of past work occurs
The IB extended essay cultivates skills that prepare students for university-level work. With diligent planning, broad research, disciplined writing and adherence to IB guidelines, students can produce an extended essay that scores highly across the assessment criteria. The process of independently conducting research in depth on a topic of interest is a valuable learning experience for all IB Diploma Programme students.
Andrew Stroud