Extended Essay

‘The Basics’

The Extended Essay is...

• An in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Program subjects.

• Presented as a formal piece of paperwork with no more than 4,000 words

• Compulsory for all diploma students

• The result of approximately 40 hours work by the student

• A piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the students in cooperation with a supervisor in the school

• Concluded with the signing of the new Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF)

• Externally Assessed and in combination with the grade for TOK

• Contributes a maximum of 3 bonus points to the score of the diploma (with TOK)

Generic requirements

The EE is an in-depth study of a focused topic. It gives students the opportunity to:

• engage in independent research with intellectual initiative, creativity and rigor

• develop research, thinking, self-management and communication skills

• reflect on what they have learned throughout the research and writing process.

All students must:

• provide a logical and coherent rationale for their choice of topic

• review what has already been written about the topic

• formulate a clear research question:

  • • • Clear: Will the reader understand the nature of the research? Will it direct the research being undertaken?

      • Focused: Will the research question be specific enough to allow for exploration within the scope of the task (that is, the number of words and time available)?

      • Arguable: Does the research question allow for analysis, evaluation and the development of a reasoned Argument?

• offer a concrete description of the methods they use to investigate the question

• generate reasoned interpretations and conclusions based on their reading and independent research in order to answer the question.