Extended Essay
The extended essay offers the opportunity for IB students to investigate a topic of interest, in a 4,000-word piece of research. Students select an area of research, and become acquainted with the independent research and writing skills expected at university. This leads to a piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing, intellectual discovery and creativity.Â
The extended essay is:
required for all Diploma Programme students
supported by an Extended Essay advisor in the form of three interviews
a piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the student
chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects
presented as a formal piece of writing of no more than 4,000 words
the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student
Because many students choose to do literature extended essays, below are a selection of past student sample essays and recommendations for interesting texts to select for your study.