The Extended Essay
Doreen ChonkoBarbara Dirscherl
Palm Harbor University High SchoolPalm Harbor, Florida
It’s all in the PROCESS!
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
The Diploma Programme
Page 2
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
The Extended Essay Requirements
Chosen from approved DP list Involves higher level research Opportunity for personal research Required for all DP candidates Aligned with Learner Profile 40 hour commitment for student Externally Assessed
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Extended Essay Requirements
4000 word maximum 300 word abstract No editing by supervisor Supervisor submits predicted grade and
supervisor’s report TOTAL assessment points 0-36 Point relationship between EE TOK
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
New Regulation for May 2010
Any student obtaining an E grade on either the TOK essay or extended essay must achieve 28 points overall in order to be eligible for the award of the diploma. • An addition to the existing rule that E grades in both TOK
and the extended essay lead to automatic failure.• Coordinators must ensure that all affected students and
teachers are aware of the change.
The idea is to encourage all students to take the core requirements seriously, not to produce a higher failure rate.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Point Range
Excellent Excellent (3)
Excellent Good (3)
Excellent Satisfactory (2)
Excellent Mediocre (2)
Excellent Elementary (1)
Good Good (2)
Good Satisfactory (1)
Good Mediocre (1)
Satisfactory Satisfactory (1)
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
TOK and EE Sample Topics
TOK Topics:• Are reason and emotion equally necessary in justifying moral
decisions?• Does language play roles of equal importance in different
areas of knowledge? Extended Essay Topics:
• Personal Use of Language and its Effect on Action and Thought in William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. (3583 words)
• How far was the decision to abandon the Soviet economic model in China during the mid-1950s due to political and ideological reasons? (3860 words)
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
What’s Different for 2009
Strongly Recommended that supervisors spend 3-5 hours with each student supervised
Works Cited / Bibliography lists only sources cited
One set of general assessment criteria A-K interpreted for each subject• Subject specific criteria is overlaid
Concludes with the Viva Voce
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
What is the Viva Voce?
Verbal interview. Lasts between 10-15 minutes Serves as conclusion to the EE process Opportunity for reflection Serves as plagiarism and malpractice check Should end on positive note Refer to page 20 in EE Guide
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Why Teach to the
Extended Essay?
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Would This Student Get the IB Diploma?
English A1 (HL) 4 Spanish B (SL) 4
History (HL) 4 Math Methods (SL) 4
Chemistry (HL) 4 Economics (SL) 3
Extended Essay/TOK +1
CAS 200 hrs.Yes, meets point total requirement of 24.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Would This Student Get the IB Diploma?
English A1 (HL) 4 Spanish B (SL) 5
Biology (HL) 4 Mathematics (SL) 5
Chemistry (HL) 3 History (SL) 5
Extended Essay/TOK 0
CAS 175 hrs.No, needs point total requirement of 28 (has 26).
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Would This Student Get the IB Diploma?
English A1 (HL) 5 Spanish B (SL) 5
History (HL) 4 Math Methods (SL) 5
Chemistry (HL) 2 Economics (SL) 4
Extended Essay/TOK +3
CAS 150 hrs.Yes, meets point total requirement of 28.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Would This Student Get the IB Diploma?
English A1 (HL) 4 French B (SL) 4
Physics (HL) 3 Mathematics (SL) 6
Psychology (HL) 4 History (SL) 5
Extended Essay/TOK +1
CAS 150 hrs.
No, needs point total requirement of 28 (has 27).
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
What College Writing Is…
Academic writing done by scholars for scholars.• “…being a scholar requires that you read, think, argue, and
write in certain ways.” Academic writing devoted to topics and questions that are of
interest to the academic community.• “When you write an academic paper, you must…find a topic
or question that is relevant and appropriate.” Academic writing [presents] the reader with an informed argument.
• “To construct an informed argument, you must first try to sort out what you know about a subject from what you think about a subject.”
--quoted from The Dartmouth Writing Projecthttp://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/materials/student/ac_paper/what.html
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
The Iceberg Model 1/8 = Writing Phase Student works independently to
prepare the final EE:• Revision conference drives final
version of essay• 100% of examiner’s mark
7/8 = Pre-Writing/Draft Phase Student works with supervisor to:
Explore and discuss ideas• Locate resources• Develop suitable research question• Write draft—monitor progress• Read final paper, complete
supervisor’s report
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Activity #1: Examining Current Practice
Describe how you currently organize the EE Process
Overall—how well do your students score on the EE?
What EE tasks do your students find most difficult?
Name 1- 3 student tasks or organizational aspects of your program that are successful.
What’s your BIGGEST recurring problem and how do you handle it?
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Common Problems Across Disciplines
Abstracts (J) Research questions (A, C) Constructing effective arguments, analyses
(D, E, F, G) Writing critical evaluations (E, F) Referencing primary / secondary sources (I) Weak conclusions—lack of synthesis (H) Limited holistic judgment (K)
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
The EE Manual First Examinations 2009
Assessment Criteria
Subject Area Requirements
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Core Components Introduction – Outline
• General information for all subjects• Responsibilities—school, supervisor,
student Each Subject Area
• Overview• Choice of Topic• Treatment of the Topic• Interpretation of Assessment Rubric
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
EE Assessment Criteria
Provides overview of what each criterion assesses
Forms basis for scoring rubric Further advice on interpreting assessment criteria provided within guidelines for each subject in “Details—subject specific” section
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Using theExtended Essay
Assessment Rubric
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Scoring Guidelines For
Supervisors
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Web Resources
Dartmouth College Writing Programhttp://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/materials/student/toc.shtml
Elements of Style (Strunk and White) http://www.bartleby.com/141/
Guide to Grammar and Writing at Capital Community College http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index.htm
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Activity #2: Scoring Practice
End of Day One
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Scores for Sample EssaysLanguage A1Toni Morrison AThe Things They Carried CWizard of Oz DFrench BPourquoi Sartre AEst-ce qu’on peut parler CL’umpact de l’industrie DHistoryNazi Film and Radio APeron Presidency CState of Israel D
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Scores for Sample Essays
BiologyLight Intensity AAge – Short Term Memory CWashing Powder DChemistryCopper Ions AEnthalpy – Entropy CAlternative Fuels DPsychologyCerebral Dominance AParent’s Divorce BVietnam War C
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Scores for Sample Essays
PhysicsSound Transmission BLight Wavelength CResonance Theories DMath Pascal’s Triangle AAnalysis of Global Warming CRubik’s Cube DMusicBeethoven – Chopin ADavid Bowie BEffect of Music D
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Want More Points? Attend to Details
G: Use of Language• The language used communicates clearly
and precisely. Terminology appropriate to the subject is used accurately, with skill and understanding. (Achievement Level 4) Style, Usage
• Tips for Avoiding Colloquial Language• Elements of Style (online)
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Want More Points? Attend to Details
I: Formal Presentation• This criterion assesses the extent to which the layout,
organization, appearance and formal elements of the essay consistently follow a standard format.
• The formal elements are: title page, table of contents, page numbers, illustrative material, quotations, documentation (including references, citations and bibliography) and appendices (if used).
– Issue written guidelines (required format) to students– Stress the importance of neatness and readability
(helps examiners who read many, many papers)
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Want More Points? Attend to Details
K: Holistic Judgment• The purpose of this criterion is to assess the qualities that
distinguish an essay from the average, such as intellectual initiative, depth of understanding and insight. While these qualities will be clearly present in the best work, less successful essays may also show some evidence of them and should be rewarded under this criterion.
• Supervisor’s comments on “green sheet” are critical.
• “The essay shows considerable evidence of such qualities.” (Assessment Level 4)
• Cannot be achieved without supervisor comments
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Supervisor’s Roleand
Responsibilities
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Recommendations for Supervisors
Spend sufficient time with candidates
• “Candidates need guidance on several aspects of the writing and research process, and this can only be achieved on an ongoing basis….Effective supervision is a crucial part of the learning process involved in writing the extended essay. Without effective ongoing supervision the process becomes a chore for the candidate and a fruitless exercise in the end.”
• Excerpted from the EE Biology Report – May 2004
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Supervisor Responsibilities
Discuss choice of topic Help formulate research question Ensure research question satisfies legal and ethical
standards Advise students on how to:
• Gather and analyze information/evidence/data.• Encourage consultation with school librarian(s)
• Write an abstract.• Document sources in standard format.
• Encourage consultation with school librarian(s)• Participate in the viva voce.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Supervisor Responsibilities
Read sample essays and examiners’ reports.• Make samples and reports available to
students.• Let students score sample essays.
Spend 3 to 5 hours with each student (strongly recommended)• Students may work with or consult external
sources, but the supervisor is responsible for completing all requirements stated.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Supervisor Responsibilities
Know subject area assessment criteria Read and comment on the first draft only
• Does not edit the draft• See IBO Clarification Statement, March ‘08
Monitor progress Read final version to confirm authenticity Submit predicted grade Complete supervisor’s report Report malpractice if suspected
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Academic Honesty
Student is ultimately responsible Work or ideas of others must be fully and correctly acknowledged
Supervisor confirms that the EE submitted is the authentic work of the student
Both plagiarism and collusion are forms of malpractice
Same piece of work, or two versions of same, cannot be submitted by student
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
School’s Roleand
Responsibilities
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
School’s Major Responsibilities
Ensures that all EEs conform to regulations Knows which subject areas can be selected
from approved list• Can your students write about dance or
film? Disseminates information/guidelines to
supervisors and students Provides students with qualified faculty
supervisors who teach in the school
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Strongly Recommended that Schools
Set internal deadlines for stages, including the viva voce interview.
Ensure that students have been taught the necessary research skills.
Provide appropriate training for supervisors.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
What Exactly is an Abstract?
Activity #3:Writing/Editing Abstracts
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
The Extended Essay Abstract
Does not exceed 300 words. Should examine development of EE argument and
importance of conclusions reached. Must clearly state:
• Research question• Scope of investigation (how conducted)• Conclusions reached
Introduces reader (examiner) to entire scope of the EE.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
It’s Just One Question!How Difficult Can That Be?
Activity #4:
Developing Research Questions
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Command Terms Can Become Question Stems
Account for — Asks candidates to explain a particular event or outcome. Candidates are expected to present a reasoned case for the existence of something.
How — On its own this is a straightforward invitation to present an account of a given situation or development. Often a second part will be added to such an essay question to encourage analysis.• Adding a second word such as "successfully", "effective",
"accurate", or "far" turns a "how" question into one that requires a judgment. The candidate is now expected to provide his/her detailed reasons for that judgment.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Command Terms Can Become Question Stems
To what extent — Asks candidates to evaluate the success or otherwise of one argument or concept over another. Candidates should present a conclusion supported by arguments.
Why — This short key word invites candidates to present reasons for the existence of something. Thus, the brevity of this command rather disguises a powerful requirement to present a detailed, reasoned argument. In effect it is similar to the invitation "account for".
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Group Assignment: Writing Arguments
Try the following format:
1. General Subject:
2. Focus 1:
3. Focus 2 (if necessary):
4. Argument:
5. Question:
End of Day Two
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
A Research Base for Working with EE Students
Munro, J. “The Influence of Student Learning Characteristics on Progress Through the Extended Essay.” Journal of Research in International Education 2 (1): 5-14.
Examined influence of 3 learning factors on 3 EE groups in relation to old assessment rubric• Students’ approach to learning
• Motivational style
• Cognitive style
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
A Research Base for Working with EE Students
Deep motive: to increase one’s knowledge of a topic• Learning strategy: focuses on underlying meaning of topic;
searches for meaning; questions ideas to achieve better understanding; links new information with what is known; takes ideas apart and examines from multiple perspectives
• Surface motive: to retain knowledge to meet a criterion unrelated to the idea– Learning strategy: focuses on superficial features of topic,
learning and memorizing in an unquestioning way so they can be reproduced at later date
• Achieving motive: to achieve at a level relative to others– Learning strategy: focuses on organizing and structuring
knowledge of topic in most efficient way (managing time commitments, working space, resources) with purpose of optimizing a grade or meeting other external criteria
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
A Research Base for Working with EE Students
EE requires use of all 3 approaches • Deep approach delivers higher order outcomes (analysis,
synthesis, creativity, risk taking, knowledge production)• Achieving approach helps student establish plan of action,
monitor progress, use resources effectively• Surface approach assists in short term retention of
information and applying conventions Potential Problem Areas
• Surface strategies less efficient than deep strategies in relation to information processing
• Deep strategies permit rapid ID of key ideas in a source and use of prior knowledge as scaffold
• Students using surface strategies less likely to search for unifying principles between prior knowledge and source information.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
A Research Base for Working with EE Students
Study examined 3 groups in relation to learning dimensions(N= 39, n = 12, 12, 15)• A Group -- students who scored 21 - 24 on general
assessment criteria • B Group -- students who scored 17-20 on GAS• C Group -- students who scored 11-16 on GAS
Participants were re-grouped for subject specific criteria• A = scored 11-12• B = scored 9-10• C = scored 6-8
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
A Research Base for Working with EE Students
Results: Students with A – B scores on GAS had similar deep
and achieving motives for learning and used them at similar levels
Students with C scores more likely to use deep strategies, less likely to use achieving strategies• (time management, organization, structure)
Students with A – B scores more likely to use analytic strategies
Students with C scores more likely to switch topics when encountering difficulty
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
A Research Base for Working with EE Students
At the subject specific level (SAS): Approach to learning did not influence Students in group 3 less motivated to learn topics by
analyzing and deconstructing.• Motivated to absorb information and memorize; pursued
topics deemed “intrinsically interesting”
Overall—• Highest scoring students showed balanced use of deep and
achieving strategies• Lowest scoring showed higher use of deep strategies
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
Training Considerations for Supervisors
How are supervisors trained now? Do you need to train additional supervisors outside IB
faculty? Who should be involved in supervisor training?
• School Librarians • EE Coordinator • Subject area Specialists
What should a professional development course include?
How can EE data be used to shape practice?
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2009
A supervisor’s best advice to an IB student:
Nobody’s denying you the right to vent the despair in your twisted and tortured IB soul…just don’t do it when you’re writing the extended essay!