IB Diploma Extended Essay
According to the International Baccalaureate’s Extended Essay Guide (2013): The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects-normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor. 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 chosen. (p. 5).
The extended essay is
- Compulsory for all Diploma Programme students.
- Externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for theory of knowledge, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma.
- A piece of independent research/investigation on a topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor in the school.
- Chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects, published in the Handbook of Procedures for the Diploma Programme.
- Presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing no more than 4,000 words.
- The result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student.
- Concluded with a short interview with the supervising teacher.
Parts of the Extended Essay
- Title Page
- Contents
- Introduction
- Body (development/methods/results)
- Conclusion
- References and bibliography
- Appendices