The main idea behind the IB extended essay is to promote research and writing skills. While students can choose the research topic themselves, they have to be in touch with a supervisor who guides them throughout. There are many other aspects and criteria for the IB extended essay that students have to follow. We have collected all those key moments you should focus on in this article.
The IB extended essay is an in-depth study of a particular research topic. The student needs to pick up an IB EE topic based on what they are good at or what they have ample knowledge about ad then they can begin working on it.
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We have selected the main features of International Baccalaureate extended essays in one article. Below you will find a list of main requirements for the extended essay format. Let’s start with key features.
Key features of Extended essay
- For all the students taking the Diploma Program, this extended essay is a must. However, for course students, it is optional.
- Students need to have a D grade at the very least to be awarded the diploma.
- The essay is a combination of theory and knowledge, and it contributes up to three points to the total score in the IB diploma.
- Before students choose a subject for the extended essay, they need to first look at the list of available subjects published in the Diploma Program Assessment procedures for the session in question.
- The maximum word count for the extended essay is 4000 words. A reflection form also has to be submitted, which has to be around 500 words. The approximate time for writing an extended essay is 40-50 hours
- The supervision process for this is around 2 to 5 hours, in which there are three mandatory sessions as well. In the final session, the supervisor conducts an interview with the student as well.
- A bibliography also has to be there right at the end, where students reference all of the sources that they have used for the essay. They have to use an acknowledge reference style like Harvard or APA referencing. The sources that they use need to be very reliable ones.
Aims of the Extended essay
The main aim of the extended essay is to allow students to develop sound research skills, which is something that is very important for their entire lives.
- They need also to develop communication skills.
- This essay allows them to polish their analytical skills as well since they have to explore a certain topic in a lot of detail.
- They learn how to conduct research using a systematic process that begins with an initial literature search first that helps build background right at the start.
- Students become more intelligent as well when they study a topic in so much detail.
Extended essay rubric
Let’s break down the Extended Essay Rubric in a more conversational style:
Focus and Method [6 points]
This is about how clear and well-defined your topic and research question are. It also considers if your chosen methods for exploring this topic are suitable. In short, are you on point and does your approach make sense?
Knowledge and Understanding [6 points]
Here, the focus is on your grasp of the topic. Do you show a good understanding of the theories and concepts related to it? Think of it as showing that you’ve done your homework on the topic.
Critical Thinking [12 points]
This is a biggie. It’s about how well you analyse, evaluate, and create arguments in your essay. It’s not just about presenting facts, but how you engage with them.
Presentation [4 points]
This one’s about the formal stuff. Is your essay well-structured and neatly organized? Are your citations accurate? It’s about making sure your essay is well-packaged and follows all the required guidelines.
Engagement [6 points]
This is all about your personal connection to the topic and the research process. Did you bring something of yourself to the essay? They want to see your personal touch.
Remember, the official IB Extended Essay guide will give you a much more detailed breakdown, so it’s definitely worth a look for all the nitty-gritty details
Main duties of IB student
- Students must make sure that they are first fully aware of the regulations outlined in the Diploma Program Assessment procedures so that they can comply with those.
- They have to make sure that there is academic honesty and integrity when they are working. They cannot use anyone else’s work when doing their essay.
- Students need to choose a topic that they are enthusiastic about. They need to spend a considerable amount of time doing this research, so they need to make sure that the topic that they choose is one on which they have information to work on.
- Students need to make sure that they are mindful of the deadline when working so that they don’t lose out on marks. Otherwise, they will need to search for options if they fail their IB extended essay.
- Every student needs to make sure that they have a supervisor who guides them throughout so that they know what exactly they have to do throughout the process.
- Students need to make sure that they complete the reflection process as well so that they know what exactly they are doing and how they are supposed to complete it.
- Students can also go through several exemplars so that they know what needs to be done and how they can work to score higher.
- The supervisor needs to make sure that they guide students and provide them with all the help that they need to complete their research.
EE grading criteria
| Grade | Score | Description |
| A | 29-34 | Represents superior standard work, with deep understanding and excellent argumentation. |
| B | 23-28 | Signifies good quality work, with clear arguments and solid presentation, but not quite exceptional. |
| C | 16-22 | Satisfactory level, meeting the basic requirements but without the depth or clarity that higher grades require. |
| D | 10-15 | Represents mediocre performance, with attempts made but standards not fully met. |
| E | 0-9 | Elementary grade for work significantly below the standard, with much room for improvement. |
Again, it’s crucial to refer to the official IB Extended Essay guide for a complete understanding of the grading process. But this gives you a general idea of the grading scale and what each grade signifies.
Ready to write an extended essay?
With all of these things in mind, students can surely complete their extended essays in the right way and in due time. The extended essay allows students to polish their writing skills and explore their creativity in the best way as well.
If you want to write a good IB EE, you can also check our article on how to write an extended essay with tips and tricks. Enjoy reading 😉
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Students should use this to their benefit and make sure that they showcase their skills when working on the extended essay.
Should you need any assistance with writing your IB extended essay, feel free to contact our experts EE writers. They can help you complete any type of extended essay no matter the topic you have chosen.
