Extended Essay

The Extended Essay (EE) is a central component as part of the core of the IB Diploma Program.

The EE is an independent piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper. The extended essay provides practical preparation for undergraduate research as well as 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.

The aims of the Extended Essay are for students to:

Engage in independent research with intellectual initiative and rigor
Develop research, thinking, self-management and communication skills
Reflect on what has been learned throughout the research and writing process

How will the extended essay prepare me for the university setting and strengthen my application?

A University of Virginia study found that IB students who completed an EE felt more prepared for college-level research, intended to continue research in college, and found their research skills to be critical to their future success.

Course Content

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.

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.

Grading-

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

Career Connection

The research experience of the extended essay provides exposure to foundational knowledge and experiences that help prepare students for university-level research and numerous careers.

For more information about the Extended Essay, please contact Dr. Peggy Henderson Murphy. (HendersonMurphy_Peggy@dublinschools.net]

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