What is EE?
The IB programme is known for its diverse approach and its wide-ranging structure, which develops students into well-rounded, critical thinkers. One key component of the IB Diploma Programme is the Extended Essay, also known as EE. The EE is intended to promote academic research and writing skills. It is a crucial element which helps preparing students for future academic challenges, especially at university level. And it also gives them the opportunity to engage in personal research on their own topic of choice.
Overview of the Extended Essay Process
The Extended Essay is 4,000 words maximum and is completed over an extended period of time, usually starting in the first year of the IB Diploma Programme and concluding in the second and last year. The topic for the EE must be connected to one of the student’s six chosen IB subjects or a world studies issue, for example global food crisis, terrorism, climate change, migration, technology and cultural exchange, energy security, global health etc. Students are encouraged to choose a subject they are already studying, preferably at a Higher Level and they should also consult with their IB advisor or teacher to ensure their topic meets IB criteria.
Here are examples of IB Extended Essay research questions across different subjects.
- Psychology: How does cognitive dissonance influence decision-making in high-pressure situations among high school students?
- Biology: What is the effect of different concentrations of antibiotics on the growth of E. coli bacteria in vitro?
- English A: How does F. Scott Fitzgerald explore the theme of identity through the character of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby?
- Chemistry: What is the effect of storage time and temperature on the concentration of vitamin C in freshly squeezed orange juice?
- Mathematics: How effective are mathematical models in predicting the spread of infectious diseases, specifically COVID-19?
- Visual Arts: To what extent does Banksy’s Street art challenge social and political norms in urban environments?
- Global Politics: To what extent has the European Union’s refugee policy been effective in addressing the Syrian refugee crisis?
- Business Management: To what extent has the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility practices impacted customer loyalty in Starbucks from 2019 to 2024?
- History: To what extent did the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 contribute to the decline of U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War?
- Computer Science: How does the implementation of different encryption algorithms affect the security of online banking transactions?
- World Studies: How has the global fast fashion industry contributed to environmental degradation and the exploitation of labour in developing countries?
Every student has a supervisor who guides them through the whole research and writing process. The supervisor plans and ensures the essay satisfies the standards of the IB. Students are required to have three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisors. The final session, a concluding interview, is also known as viva voce.
Grading of the Extended Essay
The EE is assessed externally by trained IB examiners. The final grade is marked on a scale from A to E. Here is a breakdown of the IB criteria that determine the EE grade:
- Framework for the essay (6 points)
- Do the research question, research methods, and structural conventions followed to provide an effective framework for the essay?
- Knowledge and understanding (6 points)
- Does the student demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being used in their research?
- Analysis and line of argument (12 points)
- Does the student analyse the information presented in the essay and produce a line of argument?
- Discussion and evaluation (4 points)
- Does the student adhere to formal structure, including organization, layout, and citation format?
- Reflection (6 points)
- Does the student reflect on the research process, learning experiences, and how challenges were addressed?
Meeting all these criteria gives you a maximum total of 34 points. Based on the points awarded, the essay is assigned a grade from A (excellent) to E (elementary):
- A: 27–34 points
- B: 21–26 points
- C: 14–20 points
- D: 7–13 points
- E: 0–6 points
The Impact of the Extended Essay on the Overall IB Diploma Score
IB students take six subjects as part of the programme, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, each graded out of 7 points. This adds up to a maximum total of 42 points. The EE, along with Theory of Knowledge (known as TOK), contributes to what is known as the core elements of the IB Diploma Programme. Added together, these two elements can provide up to an additional 3 points, bringing the possible final total to 45 points, which is the highest score for the IB Diploma.
Why Is the Extended Essay Important beyond the IB Diploma?
The Extended Essay aims to enable students to: experience the excitement of intellectual inquiry, and develop skills in research, thinking, self-management, and communication. The skills that are valuable not only in their academic journey but also in their future careers and personal development include in-depth research, compiling and analysing data, assessing sources, clearly presenting results, and the ability to work according to technical specifications.
Written by Taisiia (Pre-IB 25)
Sources:
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment-and-exams/understanding-ib-assessment/
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/university-admission/pdfs/ee_subjectbrief_en.pdf
https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/everything-you-should-know-about-ib-extended-essay
https://halcyonschool.com/blog/extended-essay/