Extended Essay: Home

This Libguide was created by Ms. Mansfield (at ISS from 2021-2023) and updated by subsequent librarian(s) in order to support all ISS DP students when writing their Extended Essays.  Regardless of the chosen subject, topic, or Research Question, this guide has helpful information for all.  

What is the Extended Essay?

The extended essay (EE) is a mandatory requirement for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students.  The EE is an independent, student-directed 4000-word, fully referenced and researched essay. 

Why is it important to go through the research process and write an Extended Essay?

When students complete the Extended Essay, they have gone through a process which will prepare them for university level work.  The EE provides an opportunity for students to choose their own topic within the IBDP guidelines, and refine all of the skills they have been working toward for the last several years in Secondary School. 

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• Formulating a focused research question
• Engaging in research of a topic of their choosing 
• Finding, organizing, evaluating and analysing sources
• Developing a reasoned and cohesive argument. 
• Coming to a new understanding based on their findings 
• Presenting finished work 

When students undertake the Extended Essay, 

• They are supported throughout the research and writing process with the advice and guidance from a supervisor who is usually a teacher at the school and qualified to teach the chosen subject.
• The IB recommends that students follow the completion of the written essay with a short, concluding interview with their supervisor. This is known as viva voce.
• The extended essay and interview can be a valuable stimulus for discussion in countries where interviews are required prior to acceptance for employment or for a place at university.

How is the extended essay assessed?

All extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34.

The score a student receives relates to a band. The bands are:

A – work of an excellent standard.
B – work of a good standard.
C –work of a satisfactory standard.
D – work of a mediocre standard.
E – work of an elementary standard.

Students are evaluated on five criterion:

Criterion A – focus and method.
Criterion B – knowledge and understanding.
Criterion C – critical thinking.
Criterion D – presentation.
Criterion E – engagement.

However, when your supervisor marks your essay in order to arrive at a predicted grade, the grading will be based on the qualitative grade descriptors for the EE, not a translation of a number score into a letter grade.

The current grade boundaries are as follows, although these numbers are subject to change before the final reports are published by the IB: 

A – 26 to 34
B – 20 to 25
C –13 to 19
D – 6 to 12
E – 0 to 5

Quick Links:

ISS LibGuide Home Page 

ISS School Site Home Page 

Search the ISS MS/HS Library Learning Center Catalog 

IB Extended Essay Guide