IB Extended Essay: End-to-End Guide

When writing papers during the educational journey, there are cases when you may select, delegate, or skip writing some sort of essay. However, some obligatory papers must be seriously treated since they may be decisive for your degree, GPA, or graduation. One of them is an IB extended essay that requires a diligent approach and thorough preparations. What it is and how to cope with it successfully will be explored in our blog.

IB Extended Essays: What Are They?

An International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is a research-based academic project that allows students to delve deeper into a topic of their choice. It is a compulsory component of the IB Diploma Programme and is an internationally recognized qualification for secondary school students.

An IB extended essay encourages students to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills while exploring a specific subject in depth. Students are required to choose a topic from one of the six broad disciplines: Language and Literature, Mathematics, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, and the Arts.

An extended essay for IB should be around 4,000 words in length and typically take place over several months. It requires students to formulate a research question or hypothesis, conduct extensive research, analyze findings, and present a well-structured argument or conclusion.

During the process, students work closely with a supervisor who is an IB guide extendedessay and supports them throughout their research. The supervisor helps students by providing feedback, suggesting resources, and aiding with the overall academic development of the essay.

IB Extended Essay Topic: How to Select the Best One

The right IB extended essay topic is the key to success. Do not rush from one subject to another, and do not try to follow in the footsteps of your mates since you may have different interests and be good at various disciplines. Here are some original steps that you can take to find the perfect subject for your essay:

• Identify your passions and circle of educational interests ― start by adhering to your interests, hobbies, and curiosities.
• Brainstorm potential areas of exploration ― once you have a list of interests, brainstorm IB extended essay ideas and potential topics.
• Consult with teachers and professionals ― reach out to your teachers, subject experts, or professionals in the field related to your potential topics.
• Conduct preliminary research ― engage in preliminary research about the top few topics you are considering.
• Finalize your topic ― based on the feedback received and your assessment, finalize the topic that resonates the most with your research goals, personal interests, and available resources.

Remember, selecting a topic for your IB extended essay should be a thoughtful and intentional process. Aim for a topic that inspires you, draws much attention, and allows you to showcase your skills and knowledge in a subject area that truly captivates you.

What Is the Structure of the IB Extended Essay?

The IB extended essay format encompasses several essential components that ensure a well-organized and comprehensive research paper. Developed within the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the Extended Essay offers students the opportunity to explore a topic of their interest in-depth.

The structure typically consists of the following key elements:

1. Title Page. This page includes the essay title, research question, subject area, candidate name, and candidate number.
2. Abstract. An abstract is a concise summary of the essay, with a maximum limit of 300 words.
3. Table of Contents. A table of contents provides an overview of the essay’s sections.
4. Introduction. An introduction establishes the context for the research and presents the research question or thesis statement.
5. Main Body. The central part of the IB extended essay comprises several chapters or sections that delve into the research topic.
6. Conclusion. The conclusion summarises the key findings and insights derived from the research.
7. References. The bibliography section lists all the sources cited within the essay.
8. Appendices. Appendices contain additional supporting material that is not incorporated within the main body of the essay.

The structure of an IB extended essay plays a vital role in organizing the research and effectively communicating the findings to the reader.

IB Diploma Extended Essay Program

An extended essay is an inevitable component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is an in-depth research paper that allows students to explore a specific topic of interest within one of the six subject areas offered by the IB. One distinctive characteristic of an IB extended essay is that it promotes interdisciplinary learning. Students are encouraged to make connections between their chosen subject area and other disciplines to gain a broader perspective.

Completing the IB diploma extended essay program not only contributes to the student’s IB Diploma but also equips them with crucial skills for higher education and beyond. It fosters independent research skills, critical thinking, time management, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively in written form.

Extended Essay for IB: Step-by-Step Writing

When it comes to crafting an IB extended essay, there are some essential guidelines to keep in mind. These guidelines will help you ensure that your essay meets the requirements and achieves the best possible outcome. Here are some recommendations to consider:

1. Choose a captivating topic. Prefer a topic that genuinely interests you and aligns with your academic strengths.
2. Develop a focused research question: Craft a clear and concise research question that provides direction for your IB extended essay. It should be specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis and investigation.
3. Choose the mentor. It must be a highly qualified teacher who is open to cooperation and gives effective recommendations.
4. Conduct thorough research. Collect information from a variety of sources, including academic articles, books, reputable websites, and primary sources, where applicable.
5. Plan and structure your essay. Outline your essay’s structure and create a logical flow of ideas.
6. Refer to extended essay IB examples. To have a clear image of the final product, you may consult successfully submitted essays and emulate the structure or writing style.
7. Write the essay: Start writing your Extended Essay following the outline you created. Maintain a clear and concise writing style, systematically presenting your arguments and ideas.
8. Revise and polish your essay: Dedicate ample time to review and revise your essay.
9. Check for plagiarism. To comply with academic integrity rules and ensure successful submission, you need to be sure of the originality of your creation.
10. Seek feedback: Share your essay with your supervisor, teachers, or peers to receive constructive feedback. Consider their recommendations and make necessary revisions to improve the overall quality of your essay.

Remember, these are general IB extended essay guidelines, and it’s important to consult your IB coordinator and subject-specific teachers for more detailed instructions and assessment criteria specific to your extended essay subject.

Grading Criteria for an IB Extended Essay

When evaluating IB extended essays, examiners assess several key areas to determine the essay’s overall quality and merit. The grading scale ranges from 0 to 34, with each criterion contributing a specific number of points towards the final score. These criteria are as follows:

1. Focus and Method (6 points): This criterion examines the clarity and relevance of the research question, as well as the effectiveness of the chosen research methods.
2. Knowledge and Understanding (6 points): Here, examiners evaluate the depth and quality of the student’s knowledge in the subject area.
3. Critical Thinking (12 points): This criterion assesses the essay’s ability to analyze, evaluate, and present arguments coherently.
4. Presentation (4 points): The clarity, structure, and style of writing are crucial here.
5. Engagement (6 points): This criterion measures the student’s involvement, intellectual initiative, and personal reflection throughout the essay.

These IB extended essay criteria help objectively evaluate the knowledge and deepness of the investigation.

Rubric of IB Extended Essay

Depending on the collected points, extended essays IB may be converted to the generally accepted grading system.

It is important to note that the extended essay is an independent research project that encourages deep exploration and critical thinking. The grading scale and criteria reflect the IB’s commitment to rewarding students who demonstrate a high level of academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and independent learning.

Bottom Line

An IB extended essay is a demanding but rewarding project designed to cultivate critical thinking, research skills, and a passion for knowledge. It encourages students to explore a topic of their choice within the framework of their IB curriculum while demonstrating their ability to engage in comprehensive research, analysis, and academic writing.