The Extended Essay (EE) is the result of approximately 40 hours of research focusing on a topic of your choice.
During the process, you MUST hold three (3) reflection sessions with the supervisor.
Each reflection focuses on demonstrating engagement, intellectual initiative, and evaluative skills, rather than just describing what you've done. Reflect on your thinking process, decisions, and challenges, using concrete examples to illustrate your learning and growth throughout the EE process.
The final reflection is the viva voca, a concluding interview held with the supervisor. The viva voce will be held in January/February of Year 2, after the EE has been finalized.
The role of the supervisor is to provide approximately 3-5 hours of support, which includes the three mandatory reflection sessions.
If questions arise during the process, the supervisor is there to help.
Embedded throughout the extended should be elements of the Approaches to Learning (ATL): Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Skills, Self-Management Skills, and Research Skills.
The EE is graded holistically, using 5 criteria.
A: Framework
Communication
Focused researched research question
Conciseness
Detailed methodology
Presenting and processing data
Uncertainties
B: Knowledge
Underlying theories and processes
Terminology
C: Analysis
Statistical methods
Focus on research question (does not present/discuss irrelevant information)
D: Discussion
Critical, have scientific context and linked to research question
Explanation of results
Unresolved issues
Improvements
E: Reflection
Documentation of the process.
Topic: The effect of manganese oxide versus copper (II) oxide in the catalysation of hydrogen peroxide
Research question: What is the effect of manganese oxide versus copper (II) oxide in the catalyzation of hydrogen peroxide at 21 C?
Approach: Begin by gathering background information regarding decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and different catalytic pathways and mechanisms. Practical research is undertaken with careful selection of variables. Comparative graphs are produced showing the results and interpreting them using theory.
Topic: The electronegativity of the distinctive atom in inorganic mono-oxoacids
Research question: How does the electronegativity of the distinctive atom in inorganic mono-oxoacids affect its pKa values?
Approach: This can be typical data-based research. The background information initially gathered should consider appropriate acid-base theory, the definition of pKa and the inductive effect. Several sources must be used to determine values for dependent and independent variables. The results are shown in a graph that can be analysed using the main theoretical issues.
The extended essay should be written in a clear, formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look. To help achieve this, the following formatting is suggested.
Font, font size and spacing conducive to on-screen marking
Page numbering (mandatory)
No candidate, supervisor, or school name on the title page, page headers, appendices or acknowledgment pages
The six REQUIRED elements of the extended essay include (in bold):
Title Page
The title of the essay
The research question
The subject for which the essay is registered
Word count
Contents Page
Provides page numbers for all sections of the paper.
Introduction
The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in particular an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the methodology being performed.
Often, subheadings are used to separate the introduction into smaller sections. This may help you stay organized and on track.
It is sometimes advisable to finalize the Introduction once the body of the essay is complete.
Body of the Essay
In science, the body of the essay often includes subheadings. Possible subheadings are below.
Background Theory
Materials and Methods
Safety Assessment
Materials List
Procedure - Not only are details on the process provided so that it can be easily replicated but so are any calibrations that must be performed or if any preliminary trials were performed (to determine concentrations, ranges of variables, etc.).
Results and Analysis - Results include raw data (tables and graphs) as well as manipulated aspects of the data. A sample of any calculations used MUST be shown. The interpretation of the results and the connection to scientific principles is often presented immediately after each set of data or graph is presented.
Evaluation
Impact of Uncertainties
Weaknesses and Limitations
Suggested Improvements
Conclusion
The conclusion says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved.
The conclusion is typically short.
References and Bibliography
Either APA or MLA formatting.
Footnotes and Endnotes
Footnotes and endnotes may be used for referencing purposes and if this is the case will not be included in the word count of the essay. If information is contained in a footnote or endnote and is not a reference, this must be included in the word count. In order to avoid confusion and unwittingly exceed the word limit, students are advised to avoid using footnotes or endnotes other than for referencing purposes unless it is appropriate.
Appendices
Appendices are not an essential part of the extended essay and examiners will not read them, or use any information contained within them, in the assessment of the essay.
Below are exemplars of investigations. The score in blue indicates the score out of 30.