IB Diploma: Extended Essay, EE, Writing the EE, 4,000-Word Structured Academic Paper

What This Is and Why It Matters for IB

Writing the Extended Essay (EE) is a 4,000-word structured academic paper that requires students to conduct in-depth research on a specific topic. It appears in the Diploma Programme under the Core subject, where students must demonstrate their ability to design, conduct, and present original research. Students often get this wrong by failing to clearly articulate their research question, resulting in a lack of focus and direction in their paper.

Where It Appears in the IB Syllabus

Extended Essay (EE), Core subject, under the Diploma Programme syllabus.

Key Command Terms

• Analyze: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Evaluate: Assess the value or worth of something based on evidence and criteria.
• Discuss: Present and explore different perspectives on a topic, considering the strengths and limitations of each.

Step-by-Step Understanding

1. Define your research question: Clearly articulate a specific question or problem that you will investigate in your paper.
2. Conduct preliminary research: Gather background information on your topic to inform your research question and design.
3. Design your methodology: Outline the steps you will take to collect and analyze data, including any necessary ethical considerations.
4. Collect and analyze data: Gather and evaluate evidence to support your arguments and conclusions.
5. Present your findings: Clearly and concisely present your results, using appropriate visual aids and referencing your sources.
6. Evaluate your findings: Assess the significance and implications of your research, considering the strengths and limitations of your study.

Assessment Criteria Connection

Real Student Mistakes

Student 1: Failed to clearly articulate their research question, resulting in a paper that lacked focus and direction. Why it lost marks: The examiner was unable to evaluate the student's research question and subsequent arguments. Correct approach: Clearly define your research question and ensure it is focused and specific.

Student 2: Failed to properly cite and reference their sources, resulting in a paper that lacked credibility. Why it lost marks: The examiner was unable to verify the accuracy of the student's sources and arguments. Correct approach: Use a consistent referencing style and accurately cite all sources.

Exam Technique (Paper-specific)

• Timing allocation: Allocate 30 minutes to read and understand the question, and 2.5 hours to write the paper.
• How to structure a response: Use an essay outline to organize your ideas and ensure a logical flow of arguments.
• Linking to command terms: Use the command terms to guide your analysis and evaluation of the topic.
• Common time traps: Avoid spending too much time on the introduction or conclusion, and ensure you have enough time to write and edit your paper.

Internal Assessment / Extended Essay Relevance

The EE is a key component of the Diploma Programme, and this guide provides essential information for students writing their EE.

TOK Connections (if applicable)

This topic links to Ways of Knowing, specifically the Empirical and Interpretive ways of knowing, as students must use evidence and interpretation to support their arguments.

Quick Check (Self-Assessment Questions)

1. What is the purpose of the introduction in the EE?
   • Model answer: To clearly articulate the research question and provide background information.
2. How do you ensure the credibility of your sources in the EE?
   • Model answer: By using a consistent referencing style and accurately citing all sources.
3. What is the significance of the conclusion in the EE?
   • Model answer: To summarize the main findings and implications of the research.

Revision Card (60-Second Summary)

• Define your research question clearly and specifically.
• Use a consistent referencing style and accurately cite all sources.
• Ensure your paper is well-organized and logically structured.
• Use command terms to guide your analysis and evaluation.
• Allocate sufficient time to write and edit your paper.

If You Get Stuck

• What to review first: Review the research question and methodology to ensure they are clear and well-defined.
• Who to ask: Ask your teacher or study group for guidance and feedback.
• How to approach an exam question when unsure: Break down the question into smaller parts and focus on one aspect at a time.

Related IB Topics

• Research Methods: This topic connects to the research methods used in the EE.
• Critical Thinking: This topic requires critical thinking and evaluation of evidence.
• Academic Writing: This topic requires effective writing and presentation of ideas.