Extended Essay

2008-9

How does it fit in?

What do I get for it?

What is the EE?

An in-depth study of a focused topic. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. Completion of the written essay is followed by a short, concluding interview, or viva voce with the supervisor and IB Diploma Coordinator.

Why do it?

Provides an opportunity to:

Pursue independent research on a focused topic

Develop research and communication skills

Develop the skills of critical and creative thinking

Which subjects?

Any exceptions?

A self – study language A1 student cannot write an extended essay in his / her language A1

A parent cannot supervise the EE A language A1 essay should only be written

by those with that language A1 A language B essay cannot be written by

those with that language as their group 1 language.

What must you do?

Choose a topic from an approved subject

Observe all regulations related to the EE

Meet deadlines

Acknowledge all sources of information and ideas in an approved academic manner

What you are advised to do

Start work earlyThink very carefully about the research questionPlan how, when and where you will find material for

your essayPlan a schedule for both researching and writing the

essayRecord sources as your research progressesHave a clear structure for the essay before beginning

to writeCheck and proofread the final version carefullyMake sure all basic requirements are met

Top tips

Trust me – choice of topic is everything – do something you are genuinely interested in

Top tips

Choice of research question – make it clear – make it focused – make it relevant and important

Top tips

Start early – something always goes wrong and you need that bit extra

Top tips

Don’t be scared – generations of students have done this successfully. You can too – just start!

Top tips

Talk to your supervisor – don’t run away from them when the deadline’s approaching. They will find you!

Top tips

Get your parents involved. It helps to have their experience and support and the occasional nag session

The bottom line

You have to do it

4000 words

Follow the timeline

So where do I go now?

And then…

And then…

And finally…

The end of

Week 9