Student Guide to the
Extended Essay
It’s all about the PROCESS!
The Extended Essay Requirements
Chosen from approved DP list
Involves higher level research
Opportunity for personal research
• In any IB subject taken by student
Required for all DP candidates
Independent time commitment for student
Externally Assessed
Extended Essay Requirements
4000 word maximum
300 word abstract
No editing by supervisor
Supervisor guides process with each student
TOTAL assessment points 0-36
Point relationship between EE and TOK
New Regulation for 2010
if “E” grade earned on either the extended essay or TOK essay is failing condition
• 28 points (on exams) required to earn diploma
Grade “A” on either assessment earns 1 extra point even if the other is a grade “E”.
• Still failing condition
• Attaining a grade “E” in both the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge continues to represent an automatic failure.
Relationship between EE and TOK
Aligned with TOK for awarding of points
Both require interpretation / evaluation of evidence and formation of reasoned arguments
Differs from TOK essay in that EE places emphasis on research and outcome
Both help develop academic writing skills necessary for college
Page 6
TOK and EE Sample Topics
TOK Topics ‘It is more important to discover new ways of
thinking about what is already known than to discover new data or facts’. To what extent would you agree with this claim?
Discuss the claim that some areas of knowledge are discovered and others are invented.
Extended Essay Research Question
JRR Tolkien has been criticized for the seemingly exclusive masculinity of his The Lord of Rings trilogy. To what extent is The Lord of the Rings an empowering work for the female?
What College Writing Is…
Academic writing done by scholars for scholars.
• “…being a scholar requires that you read, think, argue, and write in certain ways.”
Academic writing devoted to topics and questions that are of interest to the academic community. (purposeful topics)
• “When you write an academic paper, you must…find a topic or question that is relevant and appropriate.”
Academic writing [presents] the reader with an informed argument.
• “To construct an informed argument, you must first try to sort out what you know about a subject from what you think about a subject.”
--quoted from The Dartmouth Writing Project
The Iceberg Model
7/8 = Pre-Writing/Draft Phase Student and Supervisor work together to:
• Explore and discuss ideas
• Locate resources
• Discuss readings and ideas
• Develop suitable research question
• Supervisor monitors progress
1/8 = Writing Phase Student works independently to:
• Write EE draft (5 page increments) • Revise draft based on conference
w/supervisor
• Prepare final EE and conform with guidelines for formal presentation
EE Grade Boundaries as of 2009
A 29 – 36
B 23 – 28
C 16 – 22
D 8 – 15
E 0 – 7
Page 10
Extended Essay Results – May 2011
Details—Subject Specific Guidelines
Specific Subject Criteria (p. 34 – 175)
Each Subject Area Includes:
• Overview of subject
• Choice of topic
• Treatment of the topic
• Interpretation of assessment rubric Students Must Know Subject Specific Details
and Criteria in order to select a subject for study.
Student Responsibilities
Choose a topic that fits into a subject area approved for the extended essay
Observe all extended essay regulations.
Meet deadlines and keep appointments.
Maintain a good working relationship with the supervisor.
Learn to conduct efficient and meaningful research.
Use the library and consult with your librarians.
Avoid plagiarism and malpractice
Student Responsibilities
Learn to use the MLA handbook.
Learn to participate in meaningful dialog with your supervisor. Be prepared for meetings.
• Relates to Criterion K: Holistic Judgment
Plan a schedule for research and writing.
Acknowledge all sources of information.
• Plagiarism is an act of malpractice
Structure the essay.
Meet all assessment criteria of the chosen subject area.
Check and proofread the final version carefully.
Academic Honesty
Student is ultimately responsible
Work or ideas of others must be fully and
correctly acknowledged
Supervisor confirms that the EE submitted is the
authentic work of the student
Both plagiarism and collusion are forms of
malpractice
Same piece of work, or two versions of same,
cannot be submitted by student
What is the Viva Voce?
Verbal interview.
Lasts between 10-15 minutes
Serves as conclusion to the Extended Essay process
Opportunity for reflection
Conducted by the supervisor
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