FAQ

Extended Essay Frequently Asked Questions

“ A wise man’s question contains half the answer.” - Solomon IBN Gabirol 1. What is the Extended Essay?

• It is an in-depth study of a limited topic within a subject.

• Its purpose is to provide you with an opportunity to engage in independent research.

• Emphasis is placed on the process of engaging in personal research, on the communication of ideas in a logical and coherent manner, and on the overall presentation of the essay.

• In addition to your research, you are assessed on your ability to analyze and present a concise argument. Remember – an essay is an argument!

• The Extended Essay is a part of the “core” of your diploma (along with TOK and

CAS). In order to receive your diploma, you must complete all aspects of the core.

• The Extended Essay and the mark from your ToK course are used to award you

0,1,2 or 3 points on your diploma. These are extra points.

2.** How do I choose a subject/topic? **

• The first thing you should do is choose the subject in which you would like to write your Extended Essay. You will be assessed differently depending on which subject you write your EE under.


 * Notes on the topic: **

• It should be limited in scope.

• Broad topics are unlikely to be successful.

• Topics require personal research

You need to formulate a RESEARCH QUESTION, which is a clear statement about the

focus of the investigation, and the question the investigation intends to answer.

Candidate are encouraged to formulate a challenging question but must ensure that it can

be explored within the constraints of the essay length, time, and resources available to

them.

3. **Who supervises my essay and what is their role?**

• RBKIA teachers are the only people authorized to supervise you. This includes teachers, counselors, Librarian and IB Coordinator. Every supervisor has been trained in how to supervise the Extended Essay. Not all supervisors are experts in your field of interest, but all are qualified to help you.

• Your supervisor will spend between 2 and 3 hours in total with candidates writing EEs in their subject area.

• The supervisor is encouraged to read and comment on the first draft of the Extended Essay.

4.** How much time should I spend on it? **

• It is recommended that candidates spend about 40 hours in total on their Extended

Essays.

5. **How long will it need to be?**

• Between 3,500 and 4,000 words. It can absolutely not be over 4,000 words!

• The word count DOES NOT INCLUDE : abstract, acknowledgements, contents

page, maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations, tables,

references/bibliography, appendices, mathematics.

6. What structure should I follow?

• Your supervisor will help you with this. There are, however, certain elements that

should be present in all Extended Essays. These include:

Title Page

Contents Page (all pages should be numbered)

Abstract (not to exceed 300 words)

Introduction

Body (systematic development of a convincing answer to research question)

Conclusion

Works Cited/Bibliography

• Optional: Illustrations, Diagrams, Charts, and Appendices

• Note: all essays must be word-processed!

7. **How will I be marked?**

• The extended Essay is externally examined. You are given a grade from A to E by

the external examiner determined by the total number of points (out of 36) gained.5

Source: nhs.stvrain.k12.co.us/ib/**faq **ee.pdf