What is the Extended Essay?
The IB Diploma requirement called “the Extended Essay” involves in-depth study of a limited topic of particular interest to the student. The student may choose the topic, however topics must be drawn from within the IB curriculum. The essay is expected to be approximately 4,000 words in length. This aspect of the IB program is intended to provide students with an opportunity to engage in independent research. Evaluation of the Extended Essay places much emphasis upon organizational skills and the ways in which ideas are expressed. The entire experience of choosing an appropriate topic, engaging in research, organizing material and writing the essay gives students an invaluable foretaste of the kind of work they will be doing at university. Throughout the process, students receive support and guidance from a teacher knowledgeable in the discipline. This teacher or advisor is available to give advice and make suggestions throughout the research and editing process, including doing resear
The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word piece of original research conducted by each IB Diploma candidate. It is completed between second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year. The student researches and writes on a topic of his/her choosing, and has an Extended Essay Advisor, as well as a Faculty Coach to help with the essay.
