The Extended Essay is one of the core requirements for the Diploma along with ToK & CAS
You cannot pass the Diploma without completing the EE and must have a grade of D or above.
The essay is 4000 words,(see the essay presentation section for further information as to what is included and what is excluded in the word count). Plus you must do a REFLECTION (RPPF) of up to 500 words and complete a Research Reflections Space (RRS). It is expected the EE will take about 40 hours of work in total.
You have a supervisor
You select the subject, title and research questions (RQ) which you write on, it is best to choose one of your HL subjects. You can also choose to do an interdisciplinary EE in WORLD STUDIES (WSEE).
Group 1 and 2 language essays MUST be written in that language. (Other EEs should be written in the language they are taught in)
Extended essays cannot be submitted in Theory of Knowledge or Nature of Science
The process counts as well as the product. You will have to complete the REFLECTIONS ON PLANING AND PROGRESS FORM (RPPF). This includes documenting three formal reflection sessions with your supervisor (this is also part of your grade – criterion E worth 6 out of 34 points). The three sessions last about 20-30 minutes and the first is in March, the interim in June and the final or Vive Voce in November.
It will be absolutely essential with your EE to be academically ‘honest’ and ensure you avoid any forms of plagiarism through copying, collusion or ghost writing. Such malpractice is seen as an attempt to gain an unfair advantage and, if found, may result in you not gaining an IB Diploma.
An ‘E’ grade will result in a Diploma failure.