The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay (EE) is a significant academic project that is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme. Alongside Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay allows students to research a topic of personal interest independently. The process develops essential skills for future academic and professional success, including research, analysis, and writing.
In this guide, we will explore the details of the IB Extended Essay, how to approach it and offer practical tips for choosing the right topic and formulating a strong research question.
What Is the IB Extended Essay?
The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a mandatory research project, requiring students to write an in-depth essay of no more than 4,000 words. The project must be linked to one of the six subjects students are studying for their IB diploma. Alternatively, students can explore an interdisciplinary topic through the “World Studies” option, which integrates two subjects.
The EE is not only an academic requirement but also an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to conduct university-level research, express critical thinking, and contribute new insights to a field of study. Students begin their EE in the second term of their first year of the Diploma Programme, typically around January, and work closely with a supervisor—usually one of their teachers—who offers guidance and feedback throughout the process.
How to Choose a Topic for the Extended Essay
Selecting a suitable topic is one of the most critical steps in the extended essay process. The topic should fall within one of the subjects the student is already studying, or it can be an interdisciplinary issue. If opting for the World Studies option, the topic should focus on a global issue and examine it from a local perspective. For instance, exploring how climate change is impacting a specific region or how global technological trends influence local economies.
Choosing a topic that resonates with the student’s interests is vital, as the EE requires dedication over an extended period. One effective approach is to reflect on recent topics or questions that sparked curiosity. The more engaged a student is with their subject, the easier the research and writing process will become.
Examples of Extended Essay Topics
- Physics: Investigating the similarities and differences between Earth and Mars, inspired by the movie The Martian.
- English: Analyzing the use of literary devices in two poems by different poets.
- Economics: Examining how a specific market—such as shoes or cars—operates in relation to economic theory.
- History: Comparing the ideologies behind the leadership of two different historical dictators.
- Once the topic is chosen, it must be approved by the school and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Crafting a Strong Research Question for the Extended Essay
The next critical step is formulating a research question. A well-defined, focused question will lead to a more manageable and rewarding research process. The research question should not be overly broad or simplistic but should allow for deep investigation and analysis.
Effective research questions often begin with phrases like:
“To what extent…”
“A study of…”
“An analysis of…”
“How far…”
A strong research question challenges students to think critically and approach their topic with a problem-solving mindset. It’s important to consider whether sufficient data is available for research. A combination of primary and secondary data is often ideal, but secondary data may be the only option in some cases.
Conducting Research and Writing the Essay
Once the research question is finalized, students begin gathering data. Keeping track of sources and organizing research is essential. Primary data, such as experiments or surveys, can be valuable, but secondary data—such as academic journals and books—will likely play a central role in the research process.
Essay Structure and Analysis
Students should outline their arguments and structure the essay logically before starting to write. This will help ensure that the essay is well organized and coherent. When writing the body of the essay, students must carefully analyze the data and compare it to existing literature in the field.
The introduction should be written early but refined as the research develops. It should set the academic context and explain the significance of the research question. The conclusion, which should be written at the end, should summarize the findings without introducing new research or analysis.
Writing the Abstract and Finalizing the Extended Essay
After completing the essay, students must write an abstract, a 300-word summary of the research question, methodology, analysis, and findings. The abstract is essential because it provides an overview of the entire essay.
Other essential components include:
- Title Page: Includes the title, research question, and student information.
- Contents Page: Lists the sections of the essay.
- References and Bibliography: Properly citing sources.
- Appendices: Includes additional data, charts, or supplementary materials.
- Key Deadlines and Time Management
The official deadline for submitting the extended essay varies by school, but careful planning is necessary to meet it. The entire process spans about a year, so students should avoid last-minute writing. Schools often set internal deadlines for submitting drafts or specific sections of the essay. Constant communication with supervisors is crucial to stay on track.
The Viva Voce: What to Expect
At the end of the EE process, students will participate in a viva voce—a brief interview with their supervisor. This allows the student to reflect on their research journey, discuss challenges, and demonstrate their understanding of the essay’s findings. It’s also a chance for the supervisor to ensure the work is original and has not been plagiarized.
Tips for Success: Finding the Right Topic and Staying Motivated
While it may be tempting to choose a simpler research topic, students should aim for a more complex and interesting subject. This will not only keep them engaged but may also help with future university applications. The skills developed during the EE—such as problem-solving, critical analysis, and data evaluation—are incredibly valuable, and tackling a challenging topic will keep motivation high.
The Extended Essay offers a unique opportunity to dive deeply into a subject of interest, build academic skills, and prepare for future academic work. With careful planning, focus, and passion, students can produce an impressive and rewarding research project.
Source: https://www.internationalschoolparent.com/articles/ib-extended-essay/.