The Extended Essay
Extended Essay Resources
Click here for Extended Essay Due Dates for Class of 2023
Please direct all Extended Essay questions to your assigned supervisor or to Dr. Owen if you do not have a supervisor.
What is the Extended Essay
The extended essay is a college-level independent research essay.
"The extended essay, including the world studies extended essay, offers the opportunity for IB students to investigate a topic of special interest, in the form of a 4,000-word piece of independent research. Students select an area of research from Diploma Programme subjects, or in the case of the interdisciplinary world studies essay from two subjects, and become acquainted with the independent research and writing skills expected at university. 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 or subjects chosen. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery, and creativity. As an authentic learning experience, the extended essay provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research on a topic of choice, under the guidance of a supervisor." IB Diploma Programme Guide to the Extended Essay
The Importance of Your Extended Essay
Your extended essay is a chance to explore a topic of interest to YOU!
Your extended essay is not optional -- you must pass with at least a D to qualify to earn your IB diploma. It is also a graduation requirement for Westlake Academy.
Your extended essay can earn you bonus points toward your IB diploma:
Your extended essay can serve as evidence of your college research and writing skills and can show the depth of your interests to college admissions officers for your college applications/interviews.
Your extended essay is useful for those teachers and counselors writing your letters of recommendation.
The Extended Essay process: stage by stage
The extended essay process is organized across seven stages.
Stage One: EE introduction and submission of research proposal
Click on the topic of interest to watch a short video presentation and to access subject-specific guidance from the IB Extended Essay guide.
Interdisciplinary: World Studies
Group 1: Studies Language and Literature
Group 3: History, Business, or Economics
Stage Two: check-in #1, submission of outline, and first formal reflection session
For the first check-in meeting, students will meet with their supervisor to discuss provisional proposal and potential issues. Students should use ManageBac for the EE, especially the Researcher’s Reflection Space (RRS) (see EE Guide, p. 54).
After the first check-in meeting, students should read relevant sections of the EE subject guide and upload an outline of their EE (new template forthcoming for groups 1 and 3), or for science EEs, Mr. Llewellyn has provided this science-specific outline template).
Students should review the EE first formal reflection session PDF, meet with supervisor, and complete the RPPF according to the instructions provided. The EE Reflection Process is detailed in the link here.