Extended Essay (EE)

Nature of the Extended Essay

The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects—normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (a teacher in the school). This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. It is recommended that completion of the written essay is followed by a short, concluding interview, or viva voce, with the supervisor.

The extended essay is assessed against common criteria, interpreted in ways appropriate to each subject.

The extended essay is:

• compulsory for all Diploma Programme students
• externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for theory of knowledge, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma
• a piece of independent research/investigation on a topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor in the school
• chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects, published in the Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme
• presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing no more than 4,000 words
• the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student
• concluded with a short interview, or viva voce, with the supervising teacher (recommended).

In the Diploma Programme, the extended essay is the prime example of a piece of work where the student has the opportunity to show knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm about a topic of his or her choice. In those countries where it is the norm for interviews to be required prior to acceptance for employment or for a place at university, the extended essay has often proved to be a valuable stimulus for discussion.

Prior Learning

The extended essay is a unique task for all DP students. Whilst no particular background is needed as a formal requirement for undertaking the extended essay, students are strongly recommended to carry out research in a subject area they are currently studying in the Diploma Programme to ensure that they have sufficient subject knowledge to complete the task. For those students completing a world studies extended essay it is also strongly recommended that they are undertaking a course of study in at least one of the subjects chosen for their essay. A familiarity with research methods would be an advantage. However, when students begin the extended essay, part of the process is to develop an understanding of the methodology most appropriate for their research question. Developing this understanding will be undertaken with the support and guidance of their supervisor.