Extended Essay : Home - EE Overview

The Extended Essay (EE) is a mandatory core component of the IB Diploma Program. It is a research paper of up to 4,000 words giving students an opportunity to conduct independent research or investigation on a topic that demonstrates their passion, enthusiasm, intellectual initiative and/or creative approach for their chosen topic. Like the theory of knowledge (ToK) essay, ToK presentation, and participation in the CAS (creativity, activity, service) activities, submitting an extended essay is a prerequisite to award of the Diploma.

Extended Essay Highlights

• Research paper of 4,000 words
• Practical preparation for university attendance
• Student chooses subject, topic and research question
• Investigate a topic of interest within the 6 DP subjects
• Counts an additional 3 points towards IB diploma score
• School assigns supervisor and EE coordinator for guidance
• Spend 40 hours of academic research and writing 
• Externally assessed by the IB

Source: ICS Zurich Libguides

The EE is an in-depth study of a focused topic. It gives students the opportunity to:

• engage in independent research with intellectual initiative, creativity and rigour
• develop research, thinking, self-management and communication skills
• reflect on what they have learned throughout the research and writing process.

All students must:

• provide a logical and coherent rationale for their choice of topic
• review what has already been written about the topic
• formulate a clear research question
• offer a concrete description of the methods they use to investigate the question
• generate reasoned interpretations and conclusions based on their reading and independent research in order to answer the question.

Source IBO.org

Prepared by

Tr. Michelle Reyna

EE Coordinator

• Topic: The topic of the extended essay is the subject, issue or theme that you are investigating within a specific DP subject or world studies area of study. 
• Title:  A title of an EE is a clear, summative statement that specifically focuses the topic being researched. It appears on the title page. 
• Research Question (RQ): A research question is a clear and focused question centred on a research topic. It derives from the title and is expressed as a question that is intended to be answered through researching and writing the EE (IB EE guide, pp. 74-75). 
• Check-in sessions: Informal short meeting with a supervisor for about 10 minutes to discuss a timeline or clarification of a comment made by the supervisor (IB EE guide, p. 58).
• Reflection sessions: These are the mandatory sessions that must be recorded on the Reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF). IB recommended that these sessions last 20–30 minutes (IB EE guide, p. 58).
• RRS: The RRS is a personal learning environment that can be either a physical or virtual support tool.  It is like a daily diary or research or process journal in MYP Personal Project. 
• RPPF: Reflections on planning and progress form is known as RPPF of which candidates write their formal reflections. Completing the Reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF) is a requirement for the submission of the extended essay. Note that the maximum total word limit for the three reflections on the RPPF is 500 and it must be completed in the language of the student’s extended essay submission. At ICS, candidates are encouraged to record their formal reflections on ManageBac. 
• Supervisor: An appropriately qualified member of staff within the school which should be guided through the process of EE.

Source: ICS Zurich Libguides

Need tips on how to get started?  Follow these steps to get going on the research for your Extended Essay.

1.  Choose an available Diploma Programme subject for the extended essay.

2.  Educate yourself. Read the following materials: the assessment criteria, relevant subject-specific chapter of the Extended Essay guide, the IB's ethical guidelines and other associated policies where relevant, such as those relating to animal experiments.

3. Set up the Researcher's Reflective Space (RRS) and use this as the key planning and reflection tool for the extended essay process.

4.  Choose a topic and undertake some background reading in the area you are interested in exploring for your research. 

5. Meet with your supervisor to discuss your area of exploration/research. 

5.  Formulate an initial research question. Try to incorporate an IB command term in the research question if possible.

6. Review your research question with your supervisor. 

7.  Research your topic/research question, take notes, create your bibliography(works cited) entries as you research. As you research you may find you need to adjust your RQ and that is fine. 

8.  Use the MLA style for your bibliographic(works cited) entries. 

9.  Set deadlines for yourself that are realistic and take into consideration I-Shou's internal EE deadlines. 

10. Plan a structure for your essay. This may change as the research develops but it is useful to have a sense of direction from the start.

11. Assemble your notes and write your rough draft. 

12. Have your supervisor review and comment on your draft, make all necessary revisions, and write your final draft keeping mind the proper format for your paper based on you subject area. 

Adapted from West Sound Academy Libguide