Student Experiences 

What is the Extended Essay (EE)? 

The Extended Essay (EE) is a core component of the IBDP curriculum along with Theory of Knowledge and Community, Activity and Service (CAS). It is a 4,000-word independent research project on a topic of the student's choice, related to one of the IB Diploma subjects they are studying.

Its purpose is to give students the opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth, to develop the skills of research, critical thinking, and academic writing and finally to prepare students for university-level research and writing.

Students begin working on the EE in the first year of the DP (typically end of year 1) with the final submission due during the first semeter of year 2. Students are assigned a supervisor, a teacher who helps guide your research. 

The extended essay is externally assessed by IB examiners. It is graded on an A-E scale based on specific criteria sucah as focus and method, knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, presentation and egagement.