Extended Essay (EE)

An independent research project all IB students have to embark on, the EE requires students to design a research question that falls within one of the six approved IB Diploma Programme subject groups. Students conduct both primary and secondary research to write an academic paper on their research findings.

Besides writing the EE research, IB students are also required to complete a 500 word reflection across three sessions. These sessions are conducted by the student’s EE advisor before, during and after the completion of the EE. These compulsory reflections form part of the formal assessment for the final IB score.

students helped

3 points awarded

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A and B external examiners

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Extended Essay Grading Criteria

Focus and Method

Topic chosen is identified, contextualised and justified.
The title addresses the intended focus of the Extended Essay
The purpose and focus of the research question is specified as a research question, outlined in the introduction, and addressed within a 4,000-word EE.
Appropriate data collection methodology is chosen and identified to address the research question.
Sources and method of research is relevant, appropriate and sufficient for the academic standards of the discipline.

Maximum score: 6

Knowledge and Understanding

Research question is contextualised to the subject, discipline, or issue.
Research question utilises appropriate subject-specific terminology.
Sources and methods supports knowledge and understanding in response to the research question.

Critical Thinking

Sources and methods are used appropriately to develop the argument.
Analysis of research is effective and focused on the research question.
Research discussion develops a clear and coherent reasoned argument.
Arguments presented in the essay are critically evaluated.

Maximum score: 12

Presentation

The structure of the essay is compatible with the expected conventions of a research paper in the subject for which the essay is submitted in.
The layout of the EE are done in accordance with the expected conventions:
- Title page, table of contents, page numbers, section headings
- Effective inclusion of illustrative materials: tables, graphs, illustrations
- Quotations, bibliography, referencing
EE is appropriately formatted.

Maximum score: 4

Engagement

Students are engaged with the research process and their research focus.
Student’s Reflections on planning and progress form will be taken into consideration

Maximum score: 6

For many IB students, the IA will be the first research paper in their academic journey. With little research experience, students may feel under-equipped to conduct a self-directed research.

With years of experience helping IB students, our highly-rated courses offer targeted help for research topic selection, content generation, data analysis, and edits for final submission. Developed and refined by top of the class tutors and IB examiners, our premium methodology sees IB students through the start of their IA journey to the end — from inception to submission.

Work on the Extended Essay Reflection

> Highlight problems faced during the research and how you overcame them to became a critical thinker

> Discuss the limitations of the research and possible solutions

Frame a Good Research Methodology

> Identify primary and secondary data sources.

> Assess existing data and plan concrete steps to conduct further investigation to answer your RQ

Design a Good Research Question

> On a topic with a good scope for research

> On a topic you enjoy or have a personal interest in

> On a topic that allows you to critically evaluate academic literature

Start Writing Early

> Start early to allow ample time for research, data collection, writing, and revisions

> Break down your work into manageable tasks and set deadlines for each stage of the process

Conduct Thorough Research

> Gather relevant sources to support your investigation. Utilise resources such as academic journals, online databases, and primary data

> Be critical of the information you gather and consider different perspectives

Resources, Bibliography, and Citations

> Pay attention to formatting, citation styles, word count, and other specifications outlined by the IB

> Ensure that your reference data are relevant and updated and any citation formatting is kept consistent

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