The extended essay, including the world studies extended essay, offers the opportunity for IB students to investigate a topic of special interest, in the form of a 4,000-word piece of independent research. Students select an area of research from Diploma Programme subjects, or in the case of the interdisciplinary world studies essay from two subjects, and become acquainted with the independent research and writing skills expected at university. This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject or subjects chosen. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. As an authentic learning experience, the extended essay provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research on a topic of choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (cite IB website).
The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of available Diploma Programme subjects for the session in question. This is normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for those taking the IB diploma, or a subject that a course student has a background in. It is intended to promote academic research and writing skills, providing students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (an appropriately qualified member of staff within the school). This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. It is mandatory that all students undertake three reflection sessions with their supervisor, which includes a short, concluding interview, or viva voce, with their supervisor following the completion of the extended essay.
| Supervisor | Undertake three mandatory reflection sessions with the student. Ensure that students complete the Reflections on planning and progress form, and initial and date the form after each entry by the student. Provide a supervisory comment, which is used to contextualize the student’s reflections. |
| Student | Choose a subject from the available extended essay list. See Diploma Programme coordinator or extended essay coordinator for details. Ensure that the starting point for your essay is a subject that is available, or in the case of the world studies extended essay, an issue of global, contemporary significance within one of the six world studies themes. Observe the regulations with regard to the extended essay, including the IB’s ethical guidelines. Read and understand the subject-specific requirements for the subject in which you intend to complete your extended essay, including the interpretation of the assessment criteria. Meet all internal deadlines set by your school in relation to the extended essay. Understand concepts related to academic integrity, including plagiarism and collusion, for example, and ensure that you have acknowledged all sources of information and ideas in a consistent manner. Attend three mandatory reflection sessions with your supervisor, the last of which is the viva voce. Record your reflections on the Reflections on planning and progress form for submission as part of the assessment of criterion E (engagement). |
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