The IB extended essay is a mandatory core component for students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The extended essay offers students an opportunity to conduct an in-depth study of a question, problem, or issue of individual interest and present their findings. Successful completion of the extended essay, along with theory of knowledge and creativity, action, service courses is one condition for students to qualify for the IB diploma.
The extended essay is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity expected at university undergraduate level. It allows students to deepen their understanding through in-depth investigation of a focused topic within a subject they are currently studying. Students are supported by an assigned advisor, usually a teacher in the student’s school, who provides guidance and assists in the process, but the research and writing must be the student’s own work.
Guidelines and Requirements
The extended essay has specific guidelines and requirements set by the IB to ensure rigor and consistency. Some key points about the extended essay include:
Subjects: Students can choose to write their extended essay in one of the IB subjects they are already studying. Available subjects each year depend on what is offered at each school.
Topic: Students must submit a research question and outline for review and approval. The question should be narrow and focused to allow for deep examination within the 4,000 word limit. The topic of research must be appropriate for high school level study.
Length: The final extended essay must be between 3,500 and 4,000 words. Students are expected to keep a detailed reflection journal but this does not count towards the overall word count.
Research methods: Students are expected to utilize credible and academic research sources such as books, academic journals, and authoritative websites. Interviews with experts may also be used as secondary sources to support written work.
Structure: The extended essay should be structured with an introduction stating the research question and thesis, coherent body paragraphs analyzing evidence, and a conclusion summarizing arguments and evaluating the thesis. It must utilize academic writing style with in-text citations and a reference list.
Deadlines: Schools set deadlines for topic approval, progress checks, and final essay submission, usually scheduled over the two-year IB diploma program. Advisors provide guidance along the process to help students meet deadlines.
Assessment: The extended essay is assessed externally by IB examiners and graded on a scale of A-E. Criteria include focus and method, knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, and presentation. A passing grade of D is required for the IB diploma.
Getting Started on the Extended Essay
The first important step is to choose a subject and develop a research question that can be investigated sufficiently within the essay parameters. Students should select a topic they are genuinely passionate and curious about to maintain motivation over the months of research. It’s best to choose a manageable question that can be answered through reasonably available resources rather than trying to solve an unanswerable problem.
Once a research topic is proposed, students must gain approval from the school and supervisor. Approval ensures the topic meets all IB guidelines before effort is spent on the essay. As part of the approval process, students submit an initial research plan and thesis statement outlining how they intend to approach the question. Supervisors provide feedback to refine the scope and focus if needed.
With an approved topic in hand, it’s time for research. Students should keep an organized digital or physical folder of details like quotes, sources, outlines, and reflections. Regular meetings with the supervisor help track progress and get feedback to improve the quality of research. Using appropriate academic databases and libraries exposes students to diverse literature and helps present a well-rounded analysis. Conducting interviews with experts can supplement written sources.
By the half-way stage, students should have a clear thesis based on evidence collected so far. Organizing information into an outline helps structure coherent body paragraphs. Continued researching helps strengthen or refine arguments as the writing process begins. Multiple drafts are reviewed by supervisors and peers until the standard expected by IB is achieved. Students must properly cite sources using an accepted academic referencing style.
Submitting a complete and polished extended essay by the final deadline demonstrates the independent study skills expected of university undergraduates. Successfully completing the extended essay along with diploma courses allows students to earn an IB diploma, an internationally recognized qualification. The extended essay process equips students with research, writing, time management, and evaluation skills valued by colleges and employers worldwide.