Extended Essay
Extended Essay – the power of inquiry and research
The Extended Essay (EE) being an element of the core of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a mandatory component for all students. It is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. It is the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student and it is accompanied by a reflection form (500 words maximum).
Extended Essay as an opportunity for growth
Working on the EE is a great opportunity for students to explore topic of special interest from one of the academic areas they study and to develop their research skills. Students can choose from six IB DP subject groups, any topic they wish.
Moreover, an EE can also be undertaken in World Studies, where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.
The structure of the Extended Essay journey
Students are supported throughout the process of researching and writing the EE, with advice and guidance from a supervisor – a teacher at the school – and a school librarian.
Students are required to have three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisors. The final session, a concluding interview, is also known as Viva Voce.
The extended essay and reflection sessions can be a valuable stimulus for discussion and a significant experience for potential interviews required prior to acceptance for a place at university or for employment.
At Warsaw Montessori High School Extended Essay journey begins with EE Training dedicated to IB1 Students who later start working on their EE in January of IB1 and finish a year later – in January/February of IB2.
Significance of the Extended Essay
The Extended Essay provides:
- Preparation for undergraduate research
- An opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student’s six IB DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay
Through the Extended Essay journey students develop skills in:
- Formulating an appropriate research question
- Engaging in independent research with intellectual initiative and rigour
- Developing methodology appropriate for the discipline selected
- Selecting and verifying sources
- Analysing, synthesising, and evaluating knowledge
- Developing arguments and communicating ideas
- Reflecting on what has been learned throughout the research and writing process
- And variety of self-management skills related to time management or self-motivation
Developing the Extended Essay is a good practical preparation for
university work and delivering academic research papers, reports, as well as BA thesis.
Assessing the Extended Essay
All Extended Essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34.
Core points matrix
For the Extended Essay and TOK, candidates receive a grade from A to E. Candidates can earn between zero and three points towards the overall diploma points. The number of points is calculated using the table below.
WMHS Extended Essay Handbook
If you are interested in more details related to Extended Essay and the way it is carried out in Warsaw Montessori High School, please read WMHS Extended Essay Handbook.
More information
You can get more information on the Extended Essay by visiting IBO website:
