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The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

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If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

  • A title page
  • Contents page
  • Introduction
  • Body of the essay
  • References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

  • Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
  • Group 2: Language Acquisition
  • Group 3: Individuals and Societies
  • Group 4: Sciences
  • Group 5: Mathematics
  • Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

  • A check on plagiarism and malpractice
  • Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
  • Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

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We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

  • Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
  • Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
  • English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
  • Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
  • Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
  • Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

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How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

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Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

  • January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
  • February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
  • April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
  • Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
  • August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
  • September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
  • November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

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The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

  • Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
  • Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
  • Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
  • Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
  • Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

30-34 Excellent: A
25-29 Good: B
17-24 Satisfactory: C
9-16 Mediocre: D
0-8 Elementary: E

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

A 10.1%
B 24.4%
C 40.8%
D 22.5%
E 1.4%
N (No Grade Awarded) 0.7%

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

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Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

  • Business Management 1
  • Chemistry 1
  • Chemistry 2
  • Chemistry 3
  • Chemistry 4
  • Chemistry 5
  • Chemistry 6
  • Chemistry 7
  • Computer Science 1
  • Economics 1
  • Design Technology 1
  • Design Technology 2
  • Environmental Systems and Societies 1
  • Geography 1
  • Geography 2
  • Geography 3
  • Geography 4
  • Geography 5
  • Geography 6
  • Literature and Performance 1
  • Mathematics 1
  • Mathematics 2
  • Mathematics 3
  • Mathematics 4
  • Mathematics 5
  • Philosophy 1
  • Philosophy 2
  • Philosophy 3
  • Philosophy 4
  • Philosophy 5
  • Psychology 1
  • Psychology 2
  • Psychology 3
  • Psychology 4
  • Psychology 5
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
  • Visual Arts 1
  • Visual Arts 2
  • Visual Arts 3
  • Visual Arts 4
  • Visual Arts 5
  • World Religion 1
  • World Religion 2
  • World Religion 3

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Extended Essay (IB): Choosing a subject and topic

  • The Inquiry Process
  • EE Seminar 1
  • EE Seminar 2
  • IT Workshop 1
  • EE Investigation Days
  • EE Writing Days
  • Choosing a subject and topic
  • Developing a line of inquiry
  • Finding and selecting sources
  • Working with ideas
  • Expressing your ideas
  • Using ManageBac
  • Supervisor resources
  • Who can help?

ib dp extended essay guide

For your EE you have the freedom to focus on almost any topic and you will write your own question to answer.  However, your topic must fit into a single DP subject (unless you choose to write an interdisciplinary essay, such as a World Studies EE that covers a topic “of contemporary global significance” and is likely to encompass two subject areas).

Given the academic challenge and level expected of an EE, you are strongly advised to choose a subject that you are currently studying, preferably at Higher Level.

On this page you will find guidance including:

As well as resource boxes containing:

Introduction to the Extended Essay

ib dp extended essay guide

What is the Extended Essay?

  • Compulsory element of the core, along with TOK and CAS
  • Inquiry-based research project resulting in an essay of up to 4,000 words
  • Topic of your choice, but must be based in a DP subject * and meet subject-specific requirements
  • You are strongly encouraged to do your essay in one of your HL subjects

*It is possible, under certain circumstances, to combine two subjects and do a World Studies essay but we do not currently recommend this.

What do I need to do?

ib dp extended essay guide

This guide is just to get your thinking started.

You are going to be spending nine months on your Extended Essay - it is very important to choose a topic that actually interests you, or it is going to be a very long nine months...

Good preparation is much more effective for finding inspiration than last minute panic!

CALVIN AND HOBBES © Watterson. Reprinted with permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION.  All rights reserved.

How do I choose a subject?

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  • Think about your interests outside the classroom then check whether they might fit into any IB subject areas.
  • Think about your IB subjects, particularly your HL subjects. Which would (and wouldn't) you enjoy exploring in more depth?
  • Make a list of the topics (for one or more different subject areas) that you have enjoyed in that subject area and a list of topics you haven’t covered but wish you had. You might want to chat to your teachers or have a look in your textbooks.
  • Think about any career aspirations you might have, or any ideas for further study, and they could point you in a direction.

Now have a look at the Subject Group Overviews , below, to see what an EE in that group might involve. It is worth comparing a couple of different subject groups.

Subject Group Overviews

  • Group 1: Studies in language and literature
  • Group 2: Language acquisition (incl. Classical Languages)
  • Group 3: Individuals and societies
  • Group 4: Experimental sciences
  • Group 5: Mathematics
  • Group 6: The Arts
  • Interdisciplinary essays

ib dp extended essay guide

  • Category 1 Studies of one or more literary works originally written in the language in which the essay is presented.
  • Category 2 Studies of a literary work or works originally written in the language of the essay compared with one or more literary works originally written in another language. (The work originally written in another language may be studied in translation.)
  • Category 3 Studies in language based on one or more texts originally produced in the language in which the essay is presented.

Students and teachers must indicate at the point of upload which category of essay they are submitting."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Studies in language and literature

MFL Books

Students working on a language acquisition EE must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the language, culture and society or literature studied. This understanding must be shown in the form of:

  • an analysis of a cultural context or a specific text OR
  • an analysis of trends in the culture studied and the impact of a cultural change on the form or use of the language OR
  • an analysis and comparison of literary texts.

For those undertaking a classical Greek or Latin EE, the focus is on demonstrating an understanding of a relevant or significant aspect of the language, literature and civilization of ancient Greece or Rome."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Language acquisition including classical languages

Note that you may not do your EE in a language you are studying at ab initio level .

ib dp extended essay guide

The individuals and societies EE is intended to encourage the systematic and critical study of:

  • human experience and behaviour
  • physical, economic and social environments
  • the history and development of social and cultural institutions.

Students’ choice of topic should enable them to recognize that the content and methodologies of the subjects are contestable and that their study requires critical thinking.

Students must have sufficient grounding in the subject under which they submit their essay: reading a textbook or consulting an encyclopedia while writing the EE will not compensate for a lack of proper background knowledge."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Individuals and societies

Note: The IB considers Environmental Systems and Societies EEs to be interdisciplinary, so materials for these can be found under the Interdisciplinary essays tab, above.

ib dp extended essay guide

"An extended essay (EE) in the sciences gives students an opportunity to apply a range of skills while researching a topic of personal interest in the field. Students working on a science EE must demonstrate an in-depth analysis of the subject matter studied, be it biology, chemistry, computer science, design technology, physics or sports, exercise and health science. This understanding must be shown in the form of a research paper involving a wellformulated research question. Students should be advised that while there is overlap between the subjects, their study should reflect one specific science area. For example:

  • biology—dealing with living organisms and life processes
  • chemistry—dealing with the composition, characterization and transformation of substances

...The nature of the topic under investigation should be different for each subject area and students should be careful if they undertake essays that may blur the boundaries between two science subjects. For example, when studying the pH of a body of water, students may investigate the chemicals responsible for the observed pH (chemistry), or the effect of the pH on the biota (biology)."

From: IBO (2020) The Sciences: an introduction from Extended Essay: The sciences

ib dp extended essay guide

  • the applicability of mathematics to solve both real and abstract problems
  • the beauty of mathematics, as in, for instance, geometry or fractal theory
  • the elegance of mathematics in the proving of theorems as in, for example, number theory
  • the origin and subsequent development of a branch of mathematics over a period of time, measured in tens, hundreds or thousands of years
  • the links between different branches of mathematics, or the way that branch of mathematics has been born, or has flourished, as a result of technology.

Students should be advised on the importance of formulating logical and coherent reasons for selecting a particular topic for the EE, the need to identify a well-thought-out research question and the requirement to search for the mathematical problems that require a solution. Students must be advised that mathematical research is a long-term and open-ended exploration of a set of related mathematical problems that are based on personal observations. The answers to these problems connect to and build upon each other over time."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Mathematics

ib dp extended essay guide

  • a coherent analysis and interpretation of their chosen area in relation to a posed research question
  • the testing and validation of the research and consideration of its effect on the practice of the investigated area of the arts
  • development and exploration in a disciplined and imaginative way of an area of study specifically appropriate to the curriculum area chosen
  • a link to a practical dimension.

Each subject area poses its own unique set of challenges. Therefore, the approach to the topic of investigation should reflect the particular methodology most appropriate to the arts subject being studied. Students should have logical and coherent reasons for selecting a particular topic for their essay, a well-thought out research question and an approach that allows them to develop a reasoned argument.

...While there may be overlap between the subjects in the arts and common approaches, the research topic must clearly relate to one specific arts area. If a student chooses a research area that blurs the boundaries between two arts subjects, they must ensure that their essay’s emphasis clearly lies within the arts subject for which they are submitting it. Crucially, the topic selected should reflect each student’s particular interest and enthusiasm within that subject area."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: The arts

ib dp extended essay guide

For example, in literature and performance, students focus on the nature of the relationships that occur between a chosen text and its adaptation for performance; in world studies an issue of contemporary global significance is explored through the lenses of two subjects ; and in environmental systems and societies the interaction and integration of natural environmental systems and human societies are explored

Students undertaking one of these options must demonstrate a solid understanding of their area of research, taking a fully integrated approach. This examination must be shown in the form of:

  • a coherently written and structured essay that effectively addresses an area of research, taking an interdisciplinary approach
  • bringing together concepts, methods and approaches from across different subjects
  • the development and exploration of an area of study specifically appropriate to the interdisciplinary choice

The most critical stage in preparing for the EE is the formulation of a logical and coherent rationale for selecting a particular topic for the extended essay, a topic that offers enough scope to provide material for a substantial essay , and the development of ideas around the topic and research question that examine existing views and argue against them."

From: IBO (2020) Interdisciplinary essays: an introduction from Extended Essay: Interdisciplinary essays

We do not recommend undertaking an EE in World Studies. If you choose to do so anyway, make sure that you consider very carefully whether your topic would fit the requirements of a single subject discipline instead. It can be challenging to juggle the requirements of two different subjects while undertaking a piece of academic research like this for the first time, particularly if you do not currently study one or both of the subjects.

Note that the Treatment of the Topic section of the Subject Guide for World Studies says that:

"It is expected that students will have a good grounding in at least one of the Diploma Programme subjects used in the EE.

If they are unfamiliar with a discipline used, they must access its syllabus so that they can identify the concepts, terminology and modes of thinking required for their EE. (Many IB syllabuses contain lists of key concepts.)"

This means that whether or not you are currently studying either or both of the subject areas your World Studies EE is based in  you will need to use DP Level concepts, terminology and modes of thinking appropriate to both subject areas.

Subject Specific Guidance

Use the links below to explore the Subject-Specific Guidance for your chosen subject. Note that it is very important to use the side navigation menu to make sure you have read ALL the relevant guidance (see example for Biology, below).

ib dp extended essay guide

You MUST read the subject-specific guidance before completing your Supervisor Application Form, and reread it before completing your Research Proposal Log. You might find it helpful to take notes using the Using the Subject-Specific Guidelines table.

Electronic versions of these can be found at the top right hand side of this page (follow links). If you wish to submit your handwritten version to ManageBac, you may upload a (legible!) photograph.

Ethical guidelines

You must address the IB ethical guidelines in your Research Proposal and follow them throughout the EE process. Some Subject Guides will contain specific ethical guidelines for that subject, but here are some general guides you might need to refer to:

Extended essays from previous years

Past essays

It can be really useful at this stage to look at essays from previous Oakham students, to see what kinds of topics they investigated and what their final essays looked like. These are upstairs in the library and can be looked at while you are here.

Please remember:

  • These are all the essays from past Oakhamians and they were awarded a range of grades (which are recorded on the contents pages). They are not a set of examples of 'good' essays or even 'good' titles.
  • There have been several rule changes in the past, most notably in 2018, so make sure you are aware of the current rules.

You may take photographs of individual pages (such as the contents pages). You may not photograph or photocopy whole essays.

How do I choose a topic?

Go back to your brainstormed list of topics from the first session:

  • Eliminate any that you don’t really want to write about and focus on the rest.
  • Use the ideas on the mind map below to examine these topics and decide which might be worth further exploration. You might choose to make a mind map like this for some of your topics.

ib dp extended essay guide

Before deciding on a topic you should do some preliminary research to see what information is out there. Make a few brief notes as you go.

  • General internet browsing: You could begin with some freestyle internet searching on a broad topic that interests you. Search for your topic online, give yourself an hour to follow links and see where they take you – keeping an EE focus, of course!
  • Subscription Databases : While you will almost certainly search the databases extensively for your research once you have chosen a topic, you can also browse them to help you to chose one. See the ' Browsing our subscription databases ' box below for advice on the best ones to choose for this. Using the subscription databases to help you to choose a topic also means that you are guaranteed to be able to find high quality information on that topic.
  • Talk to your teachers, friends and family

Put your notes away, forget about what you have read for a few days, then see what you remember.  This time and distance is important as it is likely that you will remember what is of most interest to you, and so the angle you should develop.

Aim to have three suggestions for topic areas you might like to explore for your EE to explore further before making a decision .

Browsing our subscription databases

You are likely to have used our databases in the past to search for information on specific topics, but many of them are also excellent when browsing for ideas. I have made some suggestions below. You will need to access them from the list on our Subscription Databases page (using the log in information given if you are not on the school network).

ib dp extended essay guide

An excellent series of ebooks providing a short, academic introduction to a wide range of topics. Choose 'Browse by subject' from the menu bar to explore them (or use the excellent search facility if you know which topic you are interested in).

ib dp extended essay guide

An online encyclopaedia that you can trust and cite! Choose 'Advanced' then 'Explore: Articles' to browse Britannica in a range of different subject areas.

ib dp extended essay guide

Hodder Education Magazines

Although aimed at A-level students, browsing these Review magazines may be a good way to identify a broad topic of interest. After you log-in, you can choose to search the whole database or choose a specific subject and browse/search within it.

ib dp extended essay guide

Other, subject-specific resources

  • Art: Oxford Art
  • Drama: Drama Online
  • Economics: Financial Times and Gale Newspaper Collection
  • English literature: Connell Guides, EBSCO Literary Reference Centre, emagazine and MASSOLIT (a video-based resource)
  • Music: Naxos Music Library, Oxford Music
  • Politics: Financial Times and Gale Newspaper Collection 

Using the Subject Specific Guidelines

ib dp extended essay guide

This table will help you work with the Subject-Specific Guidelines as you choose your topic. You are not required to submit this form to your supervisor, but you might find it helpful when filling in your Supervisor Application Form and Research Proposal.

AI Prompt Catcher

ib dp extended essay guide

  • AI Prompt Catcher Example

This Prompt Catcher  must  be completed if you are using AI tools as part of your initial research.  Since examiners cannot access the exact AI-generated content subsequently, you must cite and reference the tool in your essay and include a copy of the Prompt Catcher containing the generated content and the prompt you used to generate it in an appendix.

Annotated bibliography

ib dp extended essay guide

This resource will help you to keep track of all the different sources you find. Once you start working with each source in more detail, you will also need a tool like the Investigative Journal to organise your notes.

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IB Guide: Extended Essay

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Subject Specific Guidance

ib dp extended essay guide

Subject Specific Pages

Group 1:  studies in language and literature, group 2:  language acquisition, including classical languages, group 3:  individuals and societies, group 4:  the sciences, group 5:  mathematics, group 6:  the arts, additional/other:  interdisciplinary essays, extended essay: what write it, the extended essay provides:.

  • practical preparation for undergraduate research
  • an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

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

  • formulating an appropriate research question
  • engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
  • communicating ideas
  • developing an argument. 

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

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How to prepare your students for the Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a challenge for every student. How can you make sure they feel prepared rather than panicked?

extended essay

But the self-directed Extended Essay is also a source of dread for many students, who fear its rigour, complexity and sheer length. The task puts their self-management skills to the test too. IB World spoke to experienced educators to find out how teachers can play a vital role in both academic and attitudinal preparation.

Start them young

The concept of writing an essay would draw a blank look from most four-year-olds. But that’s no reason why the basic building blocks of academic rigour can’t be put in place as soon as children begin school. The American International School in Cyprus (AISC), which offers the IB Diploma Programme, begins indirect preparation for the Extended Essay in its elementary grades, with research writing a key component of its Library Media Skills programme.

Four-year-olds extract information from non-fiction texts and answer ‘mini-research’ questions. “It encourages young minds to start to think about research, and early forms of research terminologies and methodologies they can build on for later grade levels,” says Sarah Washburne, IB history teacher and communications officer at the AISC.

‘Formal Research Writing’ classes commence in middle school and students are encouraged to choose a topic from those in the Extended Essay guide. In each subsequent year, students learn about different research methodologies and aspects of writing, and undertake research projects.

“Research and writing skills are scaffolded so that by the time the students begin the IB Diploma Programme, they have the skills to write a meaningful, analytical and evaluative Extended Essay,” says Washburne.

Even if students do not continue on to the IB Diploma Programme, the writing classes offer a firm foundation for their senior year final project. AISC says it has received positive feedback from parents and students about how the Formal Research Writing classes fit into the middle school curriculum.

Offer a guiding hand

Jonathan Newell, Director of college music and tutor at Brasenose College, UK, believes a formal programme of support is the best preparation for the Extended Essay. He says the school, librarian and supervisor should form a triumvirate of guiding hands. “The school needs to provide a framework that allows the necessary time for the Extended Essay process to happen, and supports the student by providing the necessary skills to complete this well,” explains Newell.

Aynsley O’Carroll, Grade 12 leader and IB English teacher at the Anglo American School of Moscow, adds such support is crucial: “Making time, offering guidance and designing calendars with the end in mind helps give students a manageable framework for completing their research and writing process.”

O’Carroll believes mentors should take on no more than six students. “Some students need much more guidance than others. Time should be made for conversations as this will help students clarify their thinking and find focus,” she adds.

Stay on track

Corinna Mansfield, library media specialist and IB Extended Essay coordinator at AISC, meets with students individually on a regular basis to track their progress and help them stay focused. What I have found is that students are usually more worried about the formatting guidelines and word count than about writing the content of their Extended Essay,” she says.

“Through the research writing classes at AISC, we alleviate some of that fear by making things like formatted citations and formal research writing part of their skill sets before they get to 11th grade.”

And what about students who just can’t get motivated or organized to face the task? “The most effective and meaningful way to help students see the importance of the Extended Essay is to celebrate and make the inquiry visible,” answers O’Carroll. “In so doing, students are more apt to feel inspired and excited about the process – it becomes transparent, interesting and valued.”

Let us know how you prepare your students for the extended essay – email [email protected]

educator , Extended Essay , Students , Teachers

About the IB

IB Scholars

The Extended Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide for IBDP Students

ib dp extended essay guide

Introduction: The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is globally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. One of the most challenging and rewarding components of the IBDP is the Extended Essay (EE). This comprehensive guide is designed to help IBDP students navigate the intricate process of completing their Extended Essays successfully.

Understanding the Extended Essay

What is the extended essay.

The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project. It provides IBDP students with the opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest in-depth while honing their research and critical thinking skills.

Choosing a Topic:

  • Select Your Area of Passion : Pick a subject area that genuinely fascinates you; this will keep you motivated throughout the journey.
  • Narrow Down Your Focus : Refine your topic into a specific research question or hypothesis.

The Research Process

Conducting research:.

  • Library and Online Resources : Make the most of your school library, academic databases, and reputable online sources.
  • Primary and Secondary Sources : Consider using primary sources (original documents, interviews) and secondary sources (academic articles, books).
  • Note-Taking : Maintain well-organized notes and be meticulous about citing your sources.

Planning and Organization:

  • Create an Outline : Organize your ideas and arguments logically.
  • Set Milestones : Establish deadlines for each stage of your research and writing process.
  • Supervisor Support : Regularly consult with your EE supervisor for guidance and feedback.

Writing the Extended Essay

Structure and content:.

  • Introduction : Present your research question and provide context.
  • Body : Share and analyze your findings, substantiating them with evidence and examples.
  • Conclusion : Summarize your research and provide a clear answer to your research question.
  • References : Ensure proper citation using a recognized citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).

Review and Revision:

  • Proofreading : Carefully review your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
  • Seek Feedback : Request constructive feedback from peers, teachers, or mentors.
  • Revision : Make necessary changes based on the feedback received.

Final Steps

Formatting and submission:.

  • Formatting Guidelines : Ensure your EE conforms to the formatting standards specified by the IBO.
  • Submission : Submit your final EE by the prescribed deadline.

Celebrate Your Achievement:

Completing the Extended Essay is a substantial accomplishment. Take a moment to appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Need Help with Your Extended Essay?

If you encounter difficulties at any stage of your Extended Essay journey, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Reach out to experienced mentors or teachers who can offer guidance and support.

For tailored guidance and support specifically for IBDP students, please contact us at:

We are here to help you succeed in your Extended Essay endeavor. Remember that this challenging project is an excellent opportunity to develop valuable research and writing skills that will benefit you in your future academic and professional pursuits. Best of luck with your Extended Essay journey!

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International Baccalaureate Extended Essay: What is the Extended Essay?

  • What is the Extended Essay?
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  • Extended Essay Guide and Assessment Provides support for students and teachers with examples of topics, research questions and suggested approaches

What Is the Extended Essay?

The extended essay is a required component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). 

It is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

What is the significance of the extended essay?

  • practical preparation for undergraduate research
  • an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.
  • formulating an appropriate research question
  • engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
  • communicating ideas
  • developing an argument. 

An extended essay can also be undertaken in  world studies , where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.

How is the extended essay structured?

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 critera:

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

ib dp extended essay guide

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ib dp extended essay guide

IB Extended Essay Topics: Economics

extended essay economics

As someone with a background in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, I’ve come to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, especially regarding the IB DP Economics Extended Essay (EE). From my extensive experience, I can say that choosing the right topic is an essential step in achieving a high score. That’s why I’m happy to share some ideas on engaging and researchable IB Economics Extended Essay topics.

The Basics of an Economics Extended Essay

Let’s talk about what an Economics EE involves. According to the general IB criteria, this essay requires you to conduct independent research on a topic of interest in Economics, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. From my perspective, the beauty of IB DP Economics EE lies in its ability to explore complex global issues through the lens of economic theory and principles.

In my experience, the most successful economics EEs are born from a genuine passion for the subject matter. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of considerations that might help to choose a topic:

  • Aim for a topic that reflects ongoing discussions within the field of economics. It could range from the impact of blockchain technology on financial markets to the economic consequences of climate change policies.
  • Ensure sufficient data is available to support your research. Topics with accessible and reliable data sources allow for a more in-depth analysis and a stronger argument.
  • Choose a topic that allows you to apply economic theories and concepts. It may involve analyzing market structures, evaluating economic policies, or exploring consumer behavior factors.
  • Your topic should spark curiosity and engagement. Writing about something you’re genuinely interested in can make the research process more enjoyable and fulfilling.
  • Consider the feasibility of your topic within the given word count and time constraints. Find a topic broad enough to explore in depth but narrow enough to be thoroughly analyzed within 4,000 words.

A high-grade economics EE doesn’t just summarize data or describe an economic situation. It critically engages with economic theories and models to analyze that data. It might involve applying the concepts of supply and demand, elasticity, market structures, or the theories of consumer choice to your chosen topic.

Topics to Read:

  • How IB Prepares Students for University?
  • Can You Retake the IB Exams? Guide for IB Students
  • Stress Management and Well-Being for IB Students
  • How to Manage Time Effectively as an IB Student
  • The Benefits of Pursuing the IB Diploma Programme
  • IB vs. National Curriculum. The Benefits of an International Perspective
  • What Are the Average IB Acceptance Rates? Insights from an IB Expert
  • What Are the IB Internal Assessment Deadlines for 2024?
  • Does an IB Diploma Help with College Admissions?
  • How to Make Awesome IB Notes?
  • How to Get Into the IB Program? IB Preparation
  • What to Wear for IB Exams? IB Dress Code

Extended Essay Topics in Economics: The Best Ideas

As mentioned above, creating an engaging and rigorous IB Extended Essay in Economics starts with choosing a theme for investigation. Below are some topics and research questions spanning various aspects of economics.

extended essay topics economics

These ideas can inspire and guide IB students in their quest for a fascinating research project:

  • The Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses in New York City . How have small businesses in New York City adapted to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Cryptocurrencies and the Global Economy . How do Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies influence global trade and financial markets?
  • Sustainable Agriculture and Economic Development in India . Can sustainable agriculture significantly contribute to economic development in India?
  • The Economics of Renewable Energy in Germany . How cost-effective are renewable energy sources compared to traditional fossil fuels in Germany?
  • Globalization and Local Economies in Mexico . What is the impact of globalization on Mexico’s manufacturing sector?
  • Minimum Wage and Employment Rates in the UK Retail Industry . How does introducing a minimum wage affect employment rates in the UK retail industry?
  • Economic Implications of Climate Change Policies in the European Union . How have climate change policies impacted economic growth in the European Union?
  • Consumer Behavior and E-commerce in China . How has the proliferation of online shopping platforms like Alibaba changed consumer behavior in China?
  • Market Structure and Competition in the Telecommunications Industry of South Korea . How does the market structure affect consumer prices and service quality in South Korea’s telecommunications industry?
  • Income Inequality and Economic Growth in Brazil . Does income inequality hinder economic growth in Brazil?
  • The Economics of Education and Its Impact on Economic Growth in Finland . How does the level of education affect economic growth in Finland?
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Economic Development in Vietnam . What role does FDI play in Vietnam’s economic development?
  • Tourism Economics and Economic Development in Thailand . How does tourism contribute to the economic development of Thailand?
  • Economic Impact of Health Crises on the Healthcare Sector in Italy. What are the long-term economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italy’s healthcare sector?
  • Technology Startups and Economic Growth in Silicon Valley, USA . How do technology startups contribute to economic growth in Silicon Valley?
  • Trade Policies and Agricultural Exports in Kenya . How do trade policies affect agricultural exports in Kenya?
  • Inflation and Consumer Purchasing Power in Argentina . How does inflation affect consumer purchasing power in Argentina?
  • The Gig Economy and Labor Markets in the United States . How does the gig economy impact traditional labor markets in the United States?
  • Public Debt and Economic Stability in Greece . How does high public debt affect economic stability in Greece?
  • Economic Sanctions and Their Effectiveness Against Iran . How effective are economic sanctions in achieving political objectives against Iran?
  • Gender Inequality in the Workforce and Economic Development in Japan . What impact does gender inequality have on economic development in Japan?
  • Economics of Recycling and Waste Management Policies in Sweden . How does the economics of recycling impact waste management policies in Sweden?
  • Housing Markets and Economic Cycles in Canada . How do housing markets affect economic cycles in Canada?
  • Impact of Social Media on Consumer Spending Among Teenagers in the United States . How does social media influence consumer spending habits among teenagers?
  • The Role of Microfinance in Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh . How effective is microfinance in reducing poverty in Bangladesh?
  • The Economic Effects of Urbanization in Lagos, Nigeria . How does rapid urbanization affect economic development and living standards in Lagos?
  • Brexit and the UK’s Financial Services Sector . What has been Brexit’s impact on London as a global financial hub?
  • The Economics of Plastic Ban Policies in Rwanda . How have plastic ban policies impacted the environment and economy in Rwanda?
  • The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Economic Development in Jordan . How do women entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth and job creation in Jordan?
  • Impact of Digital Currency on Traditional Banking in Sweden . How is the rise of digital currency affecting traditional banking services in Sweden?
  • Agricultural Subsidies and Food Security in India . How do agricultural subsidies impact food security and farmer welfare in India?
  • Economic Impact of Cultural Tourism in Kyoto, Japan . What role does cultural tourism play in Kyoto’s economy?
  • Child Labor and Economic Growth in Pakistan . How does child labor affect economic growth and development in Pakistan?
  • The Effectiveness of Anti-Smoking Policies on Public Health Expenditures in Australia . Have anti-smoking policies significantly reduced public health expenditures in Australia?
  • The Gig Economy and Urban Transportation in New York City . How has the gig economy transformed urban transportation in New York City?
  • Renewable Energy Adoption and Job Creation in Germany . How has the shift towards renewable energy affected job creation in Germany?
  • The Economic Consequences of Ageing Populations in Japan . What are the economic challenges and opportunities faced by an aging population in Japan?
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Manufacturing Jobs in China . How is artificial intelligence reshaping the manufacturing sector and employment in China?
  • The Influence of Social Media Marketing on Consumer Spending in the Fashion Industry . How does social media marketing influence consumer spending in the fashion industry?
  • Water Scarcity and Economic Development in Egypt . How does water scarcity impact agricultural productivity and economic development in Egypt?
  • The Economics of Space Exploration . What are the economic benefits and costs of investing in space exploration?
  • Impact of Sports Events on Local Economies . Case Study of the Olympics in Tokyo: How do major sports events like the Olympics affect the local economy of the host city?
  • Sustainable Fishing Practices and Economic Viability in Norway . How do sustainable fishing practices impact the economy and environment in Norway?
  • The Role of E-commerce in Rural Development in China . How does e-commerce contribute to economic development in rural areas of China?
  • Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters in the Philippines . How do natural disasters affect economic growth and recovery in the Philippines?
  • The Relationship Between Social Inequality and Economic Growth in South Africa . How does social inequality affect economic growth in South Africa?
  • The Effect of International Sanctions on North Korea’s Economy . How have international sanctions impacted North Korea’s economy?
  • Economic Benefits of Bilingualism in Canada . How does bilingualism contribute to economic opportunities in Canada?
  • The Impact of Veganism on the Meat Industry in the United States . How is the rise of veganism affecting the meat industry and economy in the United States?
  • Mobile Banking and Financial Inclusion in Kenya . How has mobile banking contributed to financial inclusion and economic development in Kenya?

These topics and research questions are intended to promote critical thinking and lay the groundwork for a thorough inquiry into various economic concerns. You can tailor these ideas to your interests and data availability for Extended Essay research. Also, check our latest article for tips on selecting and adapting Internet-sourced Extended Essay topics .

Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.

Are you struggling to come up with topic suggestions for your IB Extended Essay? Or do you need help with Internal Assessment?

Our experienced writers can help you choose the perfect topic and assist you with any assignment.

You can order an Extended Essay tailored to your specific subject and requirements.

Our experienced IB writers are always ready to help.

Simply click:

A female student standing still and smiling while holding a pen and a notebook, presumably contemplating IB IA topic suggestions.

You can write an informative and compelling Extended Essay by choosing a topic that aligns with your interests and adhering to the IB’s criteria. Remember, this is an opportunity to research an area of Economics that fascinates you. So approach it enthusiastically, and you’ll get the highest grade. Also, if you need help with Extended Essay writing , just contact our IB writers.

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Adhering strictly to the rigorous standards set by the IB, we deploy a methodical approach to our writing process. This ensures that every piece of content we generate not only meets but exceeds the expectations set within the program.

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HS DP Extended Essay: General Information

  • General Information
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What is the Extended Essay?

ib dp extended essay guide

One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all IBDP students.

What is the significance of the extended essay?

The extended essay provides:

  • practical preparation for undergraduate research
  • an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

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

  • formulating an appropriate research question
  • engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
  • communicating ideas
  • developing an argument. 

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Source: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/extended-essay/

Extended Essay Guide and Assessment

This is the complete Extended Essay guide from the IBO. You should consult the guide frequently in order to ensure that you are doing exactly what is required of you throughout the process.

Extended Essay Subject Specific Guides

             Guidelines from the IB on each subjects’ requirements for the extended essay (EE).

Guidelines from the IB on how to put together an annotated bibliography to help you think critically about your sources and save time.

Samples provided in the IB Extended Essay Guide

From George Mason University's Writing Center, a guide to crafting a research question.

Essay Outline from Philpot Education You will need to adapt for your own specifications. Also note the link to methodology. 

Effective Citing and Referencing from the IBO

This link directs you to the "Presentation" page of the Extended Essay Guide (online). Pay attention to the left-hand column as there are links to further information on Word Counts, Illustrations, Tables, Headers, Footnotes and Endnotes, Appendices and more.

What goes on the EE title page?

Use this checklist to identify areas that need your focus before the final deadline.

Research is never as linear as it looks on paper or this handbook. It’s always more an exploration than a straight path. So you may have to jump around a bit in this guide to meet your needs.

CC Source : Ohio State Press

ib dp extended essay guide

Strategies for using the EE in university applications

10 Extended Essay Tips

  • Next: Class of 2025 EE Calendar >>
  • Last Updated: Sep 12, 2024 3:13 PM
  • URL: https://iszl.libguides.com/EE

Banner

Extended Essay: Portal

  • Kick Off Day
  • Define Topic
  • Locate Resources
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Evaluating Sources
  • Integrating Quotes
  • Citations & Referencing
  • Evaluation Criteria & Examiner Reports
  • Criterion A, B, C: Assessment of Research
  • Criterion D: Presentation
  • Criterion E: Engagement (Reflection)
  • The Viva Voce
  • EE Draft Feedback Template for Supervisors
  • Language of Analysis
  • Approaches to Learning (ATL)
  • Roles and Responsibilities

EE Assessment Criteria Rubric

EE Grade Descriptors

This guide was created by Ms. Terry Maguire, Secondary MYP & DP Librarian at the American International School of Lusaka and being used with her permission.  There are some adaptations and changes that have been made for use by students at International School Manila.

Extended Essay Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the extended essay? Click here to see IBO's definition of the Extended Essay.

Extended Essay General Assessment Criteria

  • EE Assessment Condensed Rubric by Brad Philpot If you don't want to scroll up and down a 14-page document to mark an EE, use the above condensed rubric made by Brad Philpot of Philpot Education.
  • EE Assessment Criteria Overview (first exams May 2018)

May 2018 Examiner Report for EE

  • Examiner Report for May 2018 Extended Essays This report is very useful for getting a sense of what examiners do and do not want to see on the EE's.

IB EE Guide

ib dp extended essay guide

Extended Essay Guides by Subject

Dp program image.

ib dp extended essay guide

EE Grade Boundaries for 2024

EE Grade Boundaries (from May 2024)

OSC (Oxford Study Courses) IB Blogs

ib dp extended essay guide

The New IB EE Support Website

ib dp extended essay guide

EE Jeopardy

EE Jeopardy to Review EE Assessment, Role of Supervisors, and Tracking of Progress- click on the image below to play.

ib dp extended essay guide

  • Next: Kick Off Day >>
  • Last Updated: Sep 12, 2024 11:29 AM
  • URL: https://ismanila.libguides.com/extendedessay

Submission deadline

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) sets a submission date for the extended essay, which is communicated to schools.

It is each school’s responsibility to ensure that all candidate work is received by the IB, with the required paperwork received by the submission date set.

Schools should set internal deadlines

It is strongly recommended that schools set internal deadlines for the different stages of producing an extended essay, keeping in mind the IB’s submission date.

If you wish to find out more about the deadline for a particular school, please contact that school directly .

Further information on deadline setting

There is further information on the requirements for meeting external deadlines in the Diploma Programme Assessment Procedures .

Educators in IB World Schools can access the relevant parts of the handbook on the IB’s programme resource centre , using their existing log-in details.

ib dp extended essay guide

IMAGES

  1. What is an Extended Essay? Requirements, Subjects, Reflections

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  5. 🐈 Ib extended essay examples psychology. Extended Essay Archives. 2022-10-14

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  6. Sixth Form > COURSES > IB Diploma Programme > Curriculum > IB Core

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VIDEO

  1. IB English A: Paper 2 Start to Finish Video #3

  2. What is Extended Essay? (Conclusion)

  3. IB Extended Essay problems? Easy 3 Step Plan!

  4. Czy można zmienić temat Extended Essay (EE)?

  5. Getting to grips with the new IB DP Physics Subject Guide

  6. IB Inquiry Symposium at Newlands Lahore-Elevating 21st century Learning

COMMENTS

  1. Extended essay

    The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students. Read about the extended essay in greater detail. You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for ...

  2. Extended Essay resources

    Items in the IB store are available to everyone. Publications include: 50 more extended essays, a DVD of essays submitted in the DP that all fulfil the requirements for an 'A' grade in the current syllabus; The Extended Essay Guide, a free material in the Programme Resource Centre (PRC), which requires a log-in given to IB World Schools; 10 monografias excelentes, a digital document ...

  3. The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, Ideas

    Body of the essay. Conclusion. References and bibliography. Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories, or IB subject groups, which are as follows: Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature. Group 2: Language Acquisition. Group 3: Individuals and Societies. Group 4: Sciences.

  4. PDF Extended Essay Handbook

    Introduction. The extended essay, a compulsory requirement of the IB diploma programme, is an independent, self-directed piece of research and an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from one of your six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. It is intended to promote high-level research, writing skills, intellectual discovery, and creativity.

  5. Examples

    These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays. Some examples are: "An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character". "A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery ...

  6. PDF Ib Dp Extended Essay: Student Guide 2022-24

    1. Nature of the Extended Essay The Extended Essay (EE) is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects - normally one of the student's six chosen subjects for the IB Diploma (in exceptional cases a topic where the student has significant background

  7. Extended Essay (IB): Choosing a subject and topic

    Note: The IB considers Environmental Systems and Societies EEs to be interdisciplinary, so materials for these can be found under the Interdisciplinary essays tab, above. "An extended essay (EE) in the sciences gives students an opportunity to apply a range of skills while researching a topic of personal interest in the field.

  8. Extended Essay

    IB Guide: Extended Essay. Find necessary resources for the successful completion of the IB Diploma Programme such as: Academic Honesty, Extended Essay, TOK Essay, and other important information. ... which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

  9. PDF Extended essay guide

    The viva voce is a short interview between the student and the supervisor, and is a recommended conclusion to the extended essay process. Students who do not attend the viva voce may be disadvantaged. The viva voce serves the following purposes. A check on plagiarism and malpractice in general.

  10. Home

    IB DP Extended Essay: Home. Use this guide as you journey through the extended essay process. Material adapted from the EE support materials developed by Kosta Lekanides. Home. Define Topic & Develop Research Questions. Locate Resources. Lit Reviews. Integrating Quotes & Paraphrasing. Citations & Referencing.

  11. What is the extended essay?

    The extended essay provides: practical preparation for undergraduate research. an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay. Through the research process for the extended essay ...

  12. How to prepare your students for the Extended Essay

    The American International School in Cyprus (AISC), which offers the IB Diploma Programme, begins indirect preparation for the Extended Essay in its elementary grades, with research writing a key component of its Library Media Skills programme. Four-year-olds extract information from non-fiction texts and answer 'mini-research' questions.

  13. The Extended Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide for IBDP Students

    Reach out to experienced mentors or teachers who can offer guidance and support. For tailored guidance and support specifically for IBDP students, please contact us at: Phone: 050 237 1313. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.ibscholars.com. We are here to help you succeed in your Extended Essay endeavor.

  14. What is the Extended Essay?

    The extended essay is a required component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). It is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

  15. Top Extended Essay Topics Economics Guide

    As mentioned above, creating an engaging and rigorous IB Extended Essay in Economics starts with choosing a theme for investigation. Below are some topics and research questions spanning various aspects of economics. These ideas can inspire and guide IB students in their quest for a fascinating research project: The Impact of COVID-19 on Small ...

  16. PDF EXTENDED ESSAY HANDBOOK

    IB DP Coordinator 3. Table of Contents Shine Ue School Mission Statement 1 The nature of the Extended Essay 5 ... According to the IB extended essay (EE) guide, "The extended essay is a unique opportunity for students to explore an academic area in which they have a personal interest. This takes

  17. DP extended essay updates

    The new extended essay (EE) will be launched in February 2025. First assessment will take place in May 2027. Below you will find an overview of the course updates. For a technical breakdown of the DP curriculum and assessment methods for this course, read the extended essay subject brief. You also can view information on the current extended ...

  18. PDF IBDP EXTENDED ESSAY: STUDENT GUIDE 2020-22

    refer to the official IBDP Extended Essay guide available from the student library or online. Tél.: (+352) 440249 6110 Fax: (+352) 440249 6114 e-mail: [email protected] ... Guidance and supervision during the IB DP years The Athénée has entrusted the organisation of the EE to the IBDP and EE coordinator (Mr Tommy Halsdorf) who collaborates with ...

  19. LibGuides: HS DP Extended Essay: General Information

    The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all IBDP students. What is the significance of the extended essay? The extended essay provides: practical preparation ...

  20. PDF Extended essay guide

    Extended essay guide First exams 2013. Extended essay guide First exams 2013. International Baccalaureate, ... The extended essay, including the world studies extended essay, offers the opportunity for IB students to investigate a topic of special interest, in the form of a 4,000-word piece of independent research. The area of

  21. PDF Extended essay

    reate Diploma Programme Subject BriefExtended essayFirst assessment 2027The Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous pre-. niversity course of study designed for students in the 16 to 19 age range. It is a. road-based knowledgeable and inquiring, but also caring and compassiona. e. There is a strong two-year course that aims to encourage students ...

  22. HS Library: Extended Essay: Portal

    Extended Essay: Portal. This guide was created by Ms. Terry Maguire, Secondary MYP & DP Librarian at the American International School of Lusaka and being used with her permission. There are some adaptations and changes that have been made for use by students at International School Manila.

  23. Deadline

    Submission deadline. Last updated: 06 June 2023. The International Baccalaureate® (IB) sets a submission date for the extended essay, which is communicated to schools. It is each school's responsibility to ensure that all candidate work is received by the IB, with the required paperwork received by the submission date set.