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Sample Extended Essays
Sample Extended Essays
Reading examples of well written Extended Essays can help you understand what it is that the IB is looking for.
When reading samples, make note of the following:
The style of the essays and the language used
Which research methodologies were applied
How the student structured their EE (titles, headings, sub-headings, table of contents etc.)
Their research question
The introduction - what does it cover? What does it leave out?
The conclusion of the essay - what is the final conclusion that the student has come to? How do they communicate their findings? Do they address their journey? Potential weaknesses in their work?
Take a look at the marking criteria, what would you give the essay? Why?
The IB EE guide has a section devoted to assessed student samples. These samples are divided by subject area and include the full essay, RPPF form and the examiners marks and comments in each criteria. It is a very useful exercise to read these samples and think about how and why marks were awarded. They are also helpful when thinking about how to structure your own EEs.
You can access these samples by opening the online IB EE guide and clicking on the "Assessed student work" tab.
You can also access a folder of excellent samples from past years. It should be noted that these samples are from the previous syllabus and as such include and "abstract". Extended Essays no longer require this and you should not include one in your EE.
Extended Essay Subject Reports
Extended Essay Subject Reports
Every few years, the IB releases "subject reports" for Extended Essays in each subject area. These subject reports are compiled from examiner feedback, observations and tips for students and teachers moving forward. They contain very useful information and should be read carefully and taken into consideration when writing your EEs. Extended Essay subject reports are an excellent source to help you understand what the IB is looking for in an Extended Essay in your chosen subject area.
Read the subject report for all Extended Essays first, taking note of general comments on the EE process offered by the IB.
Then read the subject report for your chosen subject area taking note of the suggestions and observations noted and keep these in mind as you write your own Extended Essay.
The current Extended Essay curriculum is fairly new and subject specific reports have not been released. In 2018 the IB released a general subject report for the EE as a whole. Please take a moment to read this document. It will help you gain a better understanding of what examiners and the IB are looking for.
The most recent subject reports for specific subject areas are based on the OLD assessment rubric so you will see the report broken down into 11 different assessment criteria (A-K). Although the EEs you are writing will be marked on a more simplified assessment rubric, the IB is still be looking for the same qualities in your EEs.
Reading the subject report for your subject areas is still a valuable exercise.
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