Extended Essay (EE)
| "If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be research." Albert Einstein |
The Extended Essay is an independent, culminating research project promoting high-level research and writing skills. Students choose a topic of interest from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects—one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. The Extended Essay allows them to demonstrate their attainment of all aspects of the IB learner profile. The aims of the essay are 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 to the subject, and experience the excitement of intellectual discovery.
IB Diploma Candidates allot approximately 40 hours to their 4,000 word Extended Essay. Under the guidance of the Extended Essay Coordinator and Teacher-Librarian, each candidate chooses a teacher-supervisor. Both the EE Coordinator and supervisor act as advisors, and offer feedback and guidance based on the guidelines set forth in the EE Guide. The students are guided through the research process and receive direct instruction by the Teacher-Librarian. Every effort is made by the IB team to support each individual in the development of effective academic research practices.
The completion of the essay is followed by a short, concluding interview—the viva voce—which is conducted by the supervisor.
The marking scheme in use for Extended Essay is as follows:
| A (29-36) |
Excellent |
| B (23-28) |
Good |
| C (16-22) |
Satisfactory |
| D (8-15) |
Mediocre |
| E (0-7) |
Elementary |
The assessed grade is then applied, in conjunction with the Theory of Knowledge assessment, to the Diploma Points Matrix to generate the student’s mark out of three (towards the total diploma points earned).
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