The EE is a 4000-word research essay. Students select one of their six DP subjects (or an interdisciplinary subject like World Studies) and an appropriate topic within that subject. 

The EE is guided by students' interests and can potentially reflect either a future university major, a potential career path, or just a subject they find interesting. 

Students work directly with an EE supervisor, usually one of their subject teachers (though this cannot always be guaranteed due to the popularity of some subjects.)