The Extended Essay
The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen by the student. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (a teacher or administrator in 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. The completion of the written essay is followed by a short, concluding interview (Viva voce) with the supervisor.
The extended essay is:
mandatory for all Full Diploma students
evaluated by IB
contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma in combination with the grade for Theory of Knowledge
a piece of independent research/investigation on a topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor in the school
presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing no more than 4,000 words
the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student
concluded with a short interview with the mentor
Resources for students and parents
IB Guide to the Extended Essay