The Extended EssayWhat is it?

And why should I care?

The Extended Essay is a requirement of the diploma program.

To provide students with an opportunity to:•Pursue independent research on a focused topic•Develop research and communication skills•Develop the skills of creative and critical thinking•Engage in a systematic process of research appropriate tot eh subject•Experience the excitement of intellectual discovery

Extended Essay RequirementsCompulsory and externally assessedContributes in combination with TOK; up to 3

points to diplomaA piece of independent research on a topic

chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor

In a subject on the approved Diploma Program list

A formal piece of scholarship in a form that matches how research is done in the field

No more than 4000 wordsAbout 40 hours of workConcluded with a short interview with the

supervising teacher

Theory of Knowledge Excellent Good Satisfactory Mediocre Elementary Not

Submitted Excellent 3 3 2 2 1 N

Good 3 2 1 1 0 N Satisfactory 2 1 1 0 0 N

Mediocre 2 1 0 0 0 N Elementary 1 0 0 0 Failing

condition N

Extended Essay

Not Submitted

N N N N N N

Changes to the EESame for 2009 New for 20094000 words max300 word abstract40 hour commitment

for student (?)no editing by

supervisorsupervisor submits

predicted grade & supervisor report

strongly recommended that supervisors spend 3-5 hours with each student supervised

Bibliography lists only sources cited

one set of assessment criteria A-K interpreted for each subject

concludes with the Viva Voce

Viva Voce(optional)

The viva voce is a short interview (10 and 15 minutes) between the student and the supervisor, and is a recommended conclusion to the extended essay process.

Students who do not attend the viva voce may be disadvantaged.

Choosing a subjectThe essay can be done in any of the IB areas of

studyIt cannot cross boundaries (e.g. a psychological

look at a biological problem) since it would not fit into one discipline for grading purposes.

Highly recommended that students choose a subject they are studying since then they have been exposed to the “way” academic study in that field is done. (A TOK approach)

The research and essay should align with the way work is done in the field.

SubjectsChemistryBiologyEnglishHistoryFrenchMathematics

Each one has specific requirements for the nature of the paper; e.g. an EE in math would look very different from one in English.

After the Subject…what next?Subject (e.g. English)Topic (Shakespeare & Hamlet)Research Question (How is Hamlet a

guideline for mental illness in the modern world?)

It is a Persuasive Essay or InvestigationYou develop an answer to your research question:You can only say what you can proveYou can only prove what you can find evidence to

supportYou can only find evidence that supports your

question, if you can identify the experts in the fieldYou can only identify experts in the field by

searching who the people are who write on this field and who are respected; professors, writers

So, you state a point, and find some evidence from a reputable, reliable source to back it up

Criteria for Good QuestionsIt meets the requirements for the subject

under the EE guide (will tell you how the RQ should be phrased…question, hypothesis, thesis)

http://xmltwo.ibo.org/publications/DP/Group0/d_0_eeyyy_gui_1012_1/html/production-app3.ibo.org/publication/258/part/1/chapter/1.html

Criteria for Good QuestionsResearch Question: This criterion assesses

the extent to which the purpose of the essay is specified. In many subjects, the aim of the essay will normally be expressed as a question and, therefore, this criterion is called the “research question”.

Criteria for Good Questions However, certain disciplines may permit or encourage different ways of

formulating the research task. Can it be asked and answered (Is there an answer? Can info be found to

answer?) Can sources be found in English? (Shouldn’t be translated) Will you find experts whose words and work will support this? It can’t

be about how you feel or think…it is about what you can prove!) Is it worthwhile to answer? Does it add to the discussion in the field? Is the topic focused? Can it be answered in only 4000 words? Is the topic broad enough to discuss in up to 4000 words? Not trivial or

already answered. Can the topic be objectively treated? Not just conjecture or in “pseudo”

areas Does the question fit squarely in the area of study Does the topic avoid hypothetical discussion? (No, what if ….didn’t

happen?) Are all terms in the question clearly defined and understood by all in the

field

Choosing a supervisorOnce you have selected your subject and begun to

narrow down your focus, we can begin the search for a good supervisor to match your interests

The supervisors must be someone on staff, not related to you and with qualifications in the subject you want to work with them on.

If you choose to do a paper in history, we have several trained teachers on staff who are trained in history. Depending on what sub-field of history you choose, we will match you with the best person.

Supervisor/EE MentorYour Mentor must be a teacher at Ancaster

Teachers are not required to supervise an extended essay

Teachers normally only supervise 3 to 4 students

We will try to match you up

Supervisor/EE Mentor

The extended essay supervisor has a few principal responsibilities:

Provides advice & guidance in the skills of undertaking research Encourages & supports the student throughout the writing of the

EE Ok's the research question Knows the regulations governing the EE & the assessment criteria Reads & comments on first draft only – does not edit the draft Monitors the progress Submits a predicted grade Completes the supervisor's report which among other things

states that the essay you are submitting is your work (so supervisor must see enough of you and your research process to honestly say this)

Student ResponsibilitiesIt is required that students:

Choose an appropriate topic Observe the regulations relating to the EE (on website) Meet deadlines (sheet of dates will be posted) Read and understand IB Academic Honesty Policy (on

website) Realize that your papers will be sent in and examined

by Turnitin and you will receive an Originality report showing any problem areas. (you will go over this with the supervisor)

Acknowledge all sources of information & ideas in an approved academic manner appropriate to the field of study (Which citing style)

Ancaster Library - EE Website

http://schools.hwdsb.on.ca/ancasterhigh/library-2/

Go to the AHS Extended Essay web site to find all of the information and forms needed to complete the EE.

Student ResponsibilitiesIt is strongly recommended that students:

Start early Think about and choose the research question carefully Plan how, when & where you will find the research material Plan a schedule for researching and writing the essay Record all sources accurately Have a clear structure for the essay before beginning to write Check & proofread the final version carefully Treat your supervisor appropriately according to IBO

guidelines Seek out your supervisor or EE Co-ordinator for help early Use the Library and Librarians to help Go to our school website for direction (under IB; Extended

Essay) Remember it is your responsibility, not anyone else’s

Responsibility of Academic HonestyRead the Honour Code

Specifics for the EE:Important for the essay to be based on a

question for which there is no obvious answer. You cannot use someone else’s questionIt cannot be based on a piece of work you did

for assessment or evaluation in any other classIt must be based on your own workIt must include proper citations for any

thoughts, ideas, used from others.

Choose a subject firstGo through the curriculum of your IB subjectsIt is recommended that you study a question

that relates to something in that curriculumDo some web searchingRead a lot on the topic…remember you are

going to have to focus on a specific question

Complete Form #1 and Honour Code and return to Ms. Swackhammer in the library by Sept. 28.

That’s all for now…

Any questions?

Choosing a topicNarrowing it down to the form of a research

questionThis takes pre:research; literature searchHelps to have several questionsYou should check with your supervisor and

work through which one seems to offer thee best chance for a successful paper.

WHO IS YOUR SUPERVISOR????

Deciding on your topicYour supervisor may help you:Ensure that the chosen research question is

appropriate for the subjectAdvise you on:

Access to appropriate resourcesTechniques of information, evidence , data

gathering, and analysisWriting an abstractDocumenting sources

Emphasis is placed on the Research Process

Choose a topic (no later than Dec. 1)Check the EE guide to make sure your

intended research matches the requirements for the subject

Formulate the research question (RQ)Plan the investigation & writing processPlan a research structure (outline)Undertake some preparatory readingCarry out the investigation

A common assessment rubric has been established

AssessmentA -- Research Question (2)B -- Introduction (2)C -- Investigation (4)D -- Knowledge and Understanding of the topic studied (4)

E – Reasoned Argument (4)

AssessmentF – Application of analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject (4)

G – Use of Language appropriate to the subject (4)

H -- Conclusion (2)I – Formal Presentation (4)J -- Abstract (2)K – Holistic Judgment (4)

Time ManagementRecommended: 40 hours in totalWork done outside of regular class

timeAttendance at Library Workshops

count towards final hoursConsultation Sessions with supervisorInternal Deadlines established by

supervisorFinal Deadline: Monday, November 29

How to Write a 4000 word EE...Attend the Research Skills

Workshop in the Library on Wed., June 2 @ 11:10 a.m.

Consult the guide ($10)Look at exemplars (on website)Work in the library during free time

Definition of MalpracticePlagiarism

The representation of ideas or work of another person as the candidates own

CollusionSupporting malpractice by another candidate, as in allowing one’s work to be copied or submitted for assessment by another

Definition of MalpracticeDuplication of work

The presentation of the same work for different assessment components and/or diploma requirements

Any other BehaviourWhich gains an unfair advantage for a candidate or which affects the results of another candidate

The process of writing a 4000 word essay for the first time.Suggestions for the students...

Tackle the EE by breaking it down into small parts.

The Research and Writing ProcessThe success of an extended essay is shaped largely during the preparatory stages.

The Research and Writing ProcessThe iceberg analogy illustrates clearly the importance of the analysis/research/experimentation that underpins the completed essay.

The Research and Writing ProcessSince the initial work is so crucial,

consider following the steps in preparing the extended essay.

The Research and Writing ProcessTitle

Provide a concise title that clearly indicates the focus of the essay.

Do not use your research question or hypothesis as your title.

The Research and Writing ProcessAbstract

An abstract is not an introduction, although there is some overlap. (250 to 300 words)

An abstract is a synopsis of the essay. It also sets the tone of the essay.

The Research and Writing ProcessTable of contents

The contents page outlines the main sections with corresponding page numbers.

It also indicates the structure of the essay.

The Research and Writing ProcessIntroduction

Although not listed as a criterion of assessment, an introduction is an important component of an extended essay.

The Research and Writing Process

Body and developmentThis is the longest and most important section.

The Research and Writing ProcessConclusion

Remember that last impressions are lasting impressions.

The Research and Writing ProcessQuotations

Use quotations judiciously and integrate them smoothly into the text of the essay.

The Research and Writing ProcessStructure

Organization enhances the clarity of your thesis.

The Research and Writing ProcessStyle

Write your essay in a style that is clear and smooth and in a tone that is formal and scholarly.

The Research and Writing Process

Subheadings/chaptersLonger essays in certain subjects, like the sciences, might require section headings.

The Research and Writing Process

DocumentationWhether you are citing a quotation, an idea, an illustration or Internet information, you must document the source.

The Research and Writing Process

LengthThe most successful essays are in the 3,200 – 3,800 word range. [4000 maximum]

The Research and Writing Process

Formal presentationProofread your essay meticulously from the title page to bibliography.

The Research and Writing Process

AppendixAll material placed in the appendix must be directly relevant to your thesis.

The Research and Writing Process

TechnologyThe computer is simply a tool and its effectiveness as a tool is determined by how you use it.

Your next meeting with us is …

Wednesday, June 2nd @ 11:10 a.m.

Thank you.Ms. Swackhammer

EE CoordinatorAncaster High School