Extended Essay Page

The Extended Essay (EE) is a mandatory core component of the IB Diploma Programme. It is a research paper of up to 4,000 words giving students an opportunity to conduct independent research or investigation on a topic that demonstrates their passion, enthusiasm, intellectual initiative and/or creative approach for their chosen topic.  

What is the significance of the extended essay?

Ultimately, the point of the EE is to prepare you in a very practical, hands-on way for research and academic writing at college or university. In addition, it is an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of special interest to them, which is also related to one of the student’s six DP subjects.

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.

To sum, 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. 

Further Information is on the IBO website

Common EE terminologies:

• Topic: The topic of the extended essay is the subject, issue or theme that you are investigating within a specific DP subject or world studies area of study. 

• Title:  A title of an EE is a clear, summative statement that specifically focuses the topic being researched. It appears on the title page. 

• Research Question (RQ): A research question is a clear and focused question centred on a research topic. It derives from the title and is expressed as a question that is intended to be answered through researching and writing the EE 

• Check-in sessions: Informal short meeting with a supervisor for about 10 minutes to discuss a timeline or clarification of a comment made by the supervisor 

• Reflection sessions: These are the mandatory sessions that must be recorded on the Reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF). 

• RPPF: Reflections on planning and progress form is known as RPPF of which candidates write their formal reflections. Completing the Reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF) is a requirement for the submission of the extended essay. Note that the maximum total word limit for the three reflections on the RPPF is 500 and it must be completed in the language of the student’s extended essay submission. At GSIS, candidates are encouraged to record their formal reflections on ManageBac. 

• Supervisor: An appropriately qualified member of staff within the school which should be guided through the process of EE.