The extended essay is a required component of the IB Diploma Programme. It is an independent piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper. DP Courses students do not write the extended essay.
What is the significance of the extended essay?
The extended essay provides:
practical preparation for undergraduate research
an opportunity for you to investigate a topic of personal interest to you, which relates to one of your six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.
Through the research process for the extended essay, you 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 you carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.
How is study of the extended essay structured?
You are supported throughout the process of researching and writing the extended essay, with advice and guidance from a supervisor who is a teacher at the school.
You are required to have three mandatory reflection sessions with your supervisors. The final session, a concluding interview, is also known as viva voce.
How is the extended essay assessed?
All extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34.
The score you receive 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.
