The Extended Essay What is it? The Extended Essay is a required - PDF document

The Extended Essay What is it?

The Extended Essay is a required essay for all IB diploma students  externally assessed  an assignment which contributes up to three points  toward the total score for the IB diploma in combination with Theory of Knowledge a piece of independent research or investigation on a  topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor in the school chosen from the list of approved Diploma  Programme subjects presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing  between 3,500 and 4,000 words the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the  student concluded with a short interview, or viva voce , with  the supervising teacher .

Why do we do it? Aims: The aims of the extended essay are to provide students with the opportunity to: pursue independent research on a focused topic  develop research and communication skills  develop the skills of creative and critical thinking  engage in a systematic process of research  appropriate to the subject experience the excitement of intellectual discovery. 

What will we do? Objectives: In working on the Extended Essay, students are expected to: plan and pursue a research project with intellectual  initiative and insight formulate a precise research question  gather and interpret material from sources  appropriate to the research question structure a reasoned argument in response to the  research question on the basis of the material gathered present their extended essay in a format appropriate  to the subject, acknowledging sources in one of the established academic ways use the terminology and language appropriate to the  subject with skill and understanding apply analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to  the subject, with an understanding of the implications and the context of their research .

Who is involved? The student  The student’s supervising teacher  The Extended Essay Coordinator  The IB Coordinator  The International Baccalaureate  Organization

What are my responsibilities? You are required to: choose a topic that fits into one of the subjects on  the approved extended essay list observe the regulations relating to the extended  essay meet deadlines  acknowledge all sources of information and ideas in  an approved academic manner. (RHS students will use the MLA format for documentation.) It is strongly recommended that you: start work early  think very carefully about the research question for  your essay plan how, when and where you will find material for  your essay plan a schedule for both researching and writing your  essay, including extra time for delays and unforeseen problems record sources and page numbers as your research  progresses rather than trying to reconstruct this information at the end have a clear structure for the essay itself before  beginning to write check and proofread the final version carefully  make sure that all basic requirements are met (for  example, you should get full marks for the abstract).

How is the extended essay assessed?  Extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IBO.  There are 5 assessment criteria worth a total of 34 points: A: Focus and Method (0-6 pts.)  Topic  Research question  methodology B: Knowledge and Understanding (0-6 pts.)  Context  Subject-specific terminology and concepts C: Critical Thinking (0-12 pts.)  Research  Analysis  Discussion and evaluation D: Presentation (0-4 pts.)  Structure  Layout E: Engagement (0-6 pts.)  Process  Research focus  Each criterion has published guidelines for determining the achievement level for that criterion.  In addition, each subject has its own guidelines for interpreting the various criteria. (Once you have chosen your subject, you will be given a copy of the appropriate subject guidelines so that you will know exactly how the examiners are assessing your paper.)  The total score (0-34) is used to determine the band into which the extended essay is placed.

The band descriptors are: A Work of an excellent standard 29-34 pts. B Work of a good standard 23-28 pts. C Work of a satisfactory standard 16-22 pts. D Work of a mediocre standard 9-15 pts. E Work of an elementary standard 0-8 pts.

Awarding the IB diploma Performance in each of the six IB diploma subjects is graded from 1-7. From 0-3 points are awarded for a combined performance in TOK and the extended essay. The maximum total Diploma Program point score is 45. The minimum score needed to receive a diploma is 24. An IB diploma will be awarded to a candidate whose total score is 24-27 if certain conditions are met, one of which is scoring at least a D in both TOK and the extended essay. A candidate who receives an E in either TOK and the extended essay will not receive an IB Diploma regardless of the number of points he or she has.

What are the parts of the extended essay? Title page  Contents page  Introduction  Body (written in the form of an argument,  and containing the development, methods and results of your research) Conclusion  References  Appendices (if appropriate) 

How do I get started? Step 1 Review the Extended Essay Contract with your parents; sign it and return it. Examine the list of subjects available and decide which subject area interests you the most. Group 1:Language A (Literature) Group 2: Language B (Spanish/French) Biology Chemistry Economics Film Geography History Mathematics Music Physics Politics Psychology Social and cultural anthropology Theatre Visual Arts World Studies Your personal curiosity and interest in your subject area are essential.

Step 2 Choose a teacher to be your supervisor. The supervisor must be someone who is: willing to supervise your essay  on the Richwoods faculty  knowledgeable in this subject area  familiar with the Extended Essay process.  Step 3 In the subject area you have chosen, make a list of topics that interest you the most. Discuss this list with: your supervisor  your friends  your parents  anyone else you think may be able to provide you with  worthwhile feedback.

Step 4 Do some general reading on the topics you have put on your list. While reading, write down questions about the topics that ignite your curiosity – questions you would be interested in exploring in more depth. Then ask yourself: what data might you need to answer these questions?  will you have access to this data?  has research been done by others in this area?  how could you go about answering the questions you  have in mind?

Step 5 After you have done your preliminary reading, Choose the topic you wish to examine in your  extended essay. Brainstorm ideas about how to address the issues  presented in your topic. Come up with a list of questions and issues related to  your topic and make connections between them. Narrow down the scope of your investigation until you  arrive at the specific topic you want to use for your extended essay, one which can be covered in 4000 words. Consult your supervisor for suggestions and advice as  you go through this process. That’s what they are there for. Expect to change your mind several times before  you finally settle on a specific topic.

Step 6 Narrow your topic. Write your research question / hypothesis. Formulate the argument or create the testing situation you are going to use to reach your conclusion. These two elements will guide your research and provide the focus for your paper.

What do I do between now and our next meeting? 1. Go over the Extended Essay Contract with your parents and get it signed. Turn in the signed contract at our next meeting. 2. Choose a subject area for your Extended Essay. 3. Select a supervisor and get the Subject and Supervisor Choice form signed. Turn in the signed form at our next meeting. 4. Make a list of possible topics in your subject area. 5. Start doing general reading on all of them and decide which topic you want to use.