What is the Extended Essay?
The extended essay is a research paper that every International Baccalaureate (IB) student must complete to obtain their IB Diploma. It's considered a self-directed mini-thesis that students would explore with the guidance of an advisor. The essay topic of your choice is based on the six core subjects from the IB programme. You’re expected to show critical thinking, detailed problem-solving skills, and exploration skills. Your extended essay can be anything from an experiment to a problem-solving essay.
Key Highlights:
How Long is the Extended Essay?
The extended essay is a maximum of 4,000 words. There is no specific minimum length for it, but you must meet a minimum word length of 3,000 words. Meeting this minimum is important for examiners to get an impression of adequate research effort. There needs to be a balance between depth and conciseness to craft a strong essay. The final draft should be no longer than around 16 pages (double-spaced).
How to Write Your Extended Essay?
Writing the extended essay may seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help make the process easier:
Choose Your Subject Area of Interest
Start by identifying a subject and a topic that genuinely interests you. Be sure to look at the six core subjects and choose a topic accordingly. Passion for your subject will make the research process more enjoyable.
Develop a Research Question
Once you have a topic, refine it into a focused research question. A good question is open-ended, specific, and invites exploration. Here are some examples.
Choose an Advisor
Seek an advisor who understands your topic subject area well and can guide you throughout the process. You can hold advisor meetings to get feedback throughout the essay writing process.
Conduct Research
Gather information from scholarly sources and create your workflow for answering your research question.
Get Familiar With the Structure of the Essay
Title page
Table of Contents
Introduction
Essay body
Conclusion
References
Review, Refine, and Check With Your Advisor
Make sure your essay is between 3,000 and 4,000 words. Edit the essay and get feedback from your advisor before submitting.
Extended Essay Rubric and Marking Criteria
Below is a table that summarizes the letter grades and their respective score ranges. The extended essay on a whole is graded on a scale from 0 to 34 points. These points are combined with your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) score to contribute to your overall IB Diploma score. It should be noted that this is an approximation as the score ranges may vary from year to year.
Letter Grade | Score | Band |
A | 27 - 34 | Excellent Standard |
B | 21 - 26 | Good Standard |
C | 14 - 20 | Satisfactory Standard |
D | 7 - 13 | Mediocre Standard |
E | 0 - 6 | Elementary Standard |
Below is a summary of the assessment criteria for the IB Extended Essay, detailing the point ranges, descriptions, and specific strands that are evaluated within each criterion.
Criterion With Point Ranges | Description | Strands |
A (0 - 6) | Focus and Method |
|
B (0 - 6) | Knowledge and Understanding |
|
C (0 - 12) | Critical Thinking |
|
D (0 - 4) | Presentation |
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E (0 - 6) | Engagement |
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Extended Essay:
What Topics Are Best for the Extended Essay?
The best topics are those that align with your interests and fall within a subject area you’re passionate about. The more interested you are in the subject area, the more likely you’ll enjoy the research and writing process. To see examples of extended essay research questions, please click this link.
What Resources Can Help You With the Extended Essay?
There are several resources available to support you in writing your extended essay. School libraries offer several resources, including books, journals, and subject-specific materials. Academic databases such as Google Scholar or PubMed are excellent resources for finding peer-reviewed articles. Your advisor would also be an invaluable resource where they can give guidance on your research direction and essay structure.
Some students have sought additional support for their extended essays through LearnFire. If you’re looking for extra guidance on your extended essay, LearnFire’s expert tutors can help you approach the essay with greater confidence.
Who Marks the Extended Essay?
The extended essay is marked by external examiners assigned by the IB.
Can the Extended Essay Be Remarked?
Yes, it can be remarked. Since they are externally graded, you can request a remark through your IB coordinator. Keep in mind that this doesn’t guarantee an increase in your grade.
Does the Extended Essay Impact University Applications?
Yes, especially for programs that value research. Since it is like a mini-thesis, it showcases independent research skills, analytical capabilities, and writing skills. Some universities may view a strong extended essay as evidence of academic quality, especially if it aligns with your intended field of study.
When is the Extended Essay Due Date?
The submission deadline depends on your school’s internal deadline. Check with your IB coordinator about specific deadlines within the program.
The IB extended essay is more than just a requirement for your diploma; it’s an opportunity for you to explore a topic of interest. Remember to break the essay up into manageable chunks and use the right resources to make the research and writing experience worth it. Good luck with your Extended Essay - you’ve got this!