The IB Extended Essay

How does the ‘Extended Essay’ fit into the International Diploma Programme (IBDP)?

The six areas of learning of the International Diploma Programme (IBDP) are often represented as a hexagon with the three ‘core’ components (the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) requirement  and the Extended Essay (EE)) at its centre.

What is the Extended Essay?

The EE is designed to be the student’s own independent piece of academic research, which ends with assessment of a 4,000 word piece of original study.  Clearly, this aspect of IBDP is a superb preparation for undergraduate study at university, so much so that the British government recently introduced their own version of the EE, known as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).  This is not yet compulsory for British school students.  However, ambitious 16-18 year olds in the UK often choose to take this version of the EE as a way of giving their application to university a competitive advantage. Admissions tutors will see what they are capable of producing in terms of independent research.  

How should I choose a topic for the Extended Essay?

The EE should be on a topic of personal interest to the student.  It may, therefore, relate to any one of the six subject areas of the IBDP.  The subject chosen for investigation may also be interdisciplinary, linking areas of study under the umbrella of World Studies.  

As part of its preparation for undergraduate study, the Extended Essay entails many aspects of university work.  Thus, students are helped by school tutors to formulate and frame an appropriate research question to be addressed, to pursue their own personal exploration of the topic, to communicate their ideas and to develop their arguments.  

How can I access support for my child for the Extended Essay?

Given that young people are introduced to such an advanced way of studying through the Extended Essay, the IBO expects and requires schools to support them in their work through having a tutor or supervisor appointed to monitor their investigations.  Such a supervisor is usually a teacher at the student’s school but does not have to be.  

Why is the Extended Essay important for my child’s future?

So many aspects of the Extended Essay are a strong preliminary for university work.  In particular,  perhaps, the way in which students are expected to work closely with their supervisor makes them ready for an interview, where this is required as part of the university application process, for some elite universities or medical schools, for instance.  Such work can even prepare the student for employment-related interviews.  

How is the Extended Essay marked? 

The Extended Essay is marked by external examiners and given a grade according to various criteria, where A is awarded to work of an excellent standard, B is work of a good standard, C is work of a satisfactory standard, D is work of a mediocre standard and E is work of an elementary standard.  The points awarded for the essay (between 1 to 3) contribute to the overall 45 points available for the whole IB Diploma.  

How can the Extended Essay benefit my child?

In short, with its opportunities to pursue and develop the student’s strong interests or passions for a subject or area of study and its introduction to the research-based, investigative processes of undergraduate work, the Extended Essay offers numerous opportunities for the inquiring mind to demonstrate her or his qualities at the end of secondary schooling.