Extended Essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. The extended essay is a required component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP).

Why an Extended Essay?

The extended essay provides:

• practical preparation for undergraduate research

• 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.

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.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

An extended essay can also be undertaken in world studies, where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.

Extended Essay Assessment

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. The bands are:

• A – work of an excellent standard.

• B – work of a good standard.

• C –work of a satisfactory standard.

• D – work of a mediocre standard.

• E – work of an elementary standard.

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