IB Extended Essay: What You Need to Know
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised educational framework that equips students to live, learn, and work in an increasingly globalised world. One of its most crucial components is the Extended Essay (EE), a core requirement for earning the IB Diploma.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to understanding, structuring, and excelling in the Extended Essay an academic challenge that builds essential skills for university success.
What is the IB Extended Essay?
The essay is intended as a mini-thesis in which students conduct an in-depth study of specific topics and write an essay under the supervision of an advisor. Students start by choosing a topic in the form of research questions. Then, they conducted the research independently and wrote an essay of a maximum of 4000 words based on the findings.
This essay is mandatory for students of the IB Diploma Programme. It promotes high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery, and creativity. Students are encouraged to explore and connect the chosen topic to a broader academic context.
Structure of the Extended Essay
This essay is written in a specific structure to help students organize their thoughts and present them coherently. The structure of this essay includes the following sections:
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A Title Page
This page contains the title of the essay, the research question, and the subjects of the research. Research questions must be open-ended to allow for further elaboration and discussion.
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Contents Page
This page contains a list of the essay’s main sections and subsections. Make sure that they are written in the proper order. Understanding the IB Extended Essay format is key to presenting your ideas clearly this is why BINUS SCHOOL Simprug integrates structured academic writing skills from the early years of the IB curriculum.
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Introduction
It contains an introduction to the topic, outlining the research question and significance of the study. You can divide this section into two parts: the first explaining the sources and the second mentioning related topics, theories, and arguments you will explore.
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Body of the Essay
This is the main section of the essay where the research is presented and analyzed. It contains research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation of your chosen topic. It must be organized in clear, logical sections with relevant headings.
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Conclusion
This section covers the summary of findings, reflecting on the research and discussing the study’s implications. Write about what you have researched and how it answers your research questions. You can also write new insights found in your research for a more comprehensive conclusion.
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References and Bibliography
This page lists all sources cited in the essay and should be formatted according to a recognized citation style.
How Is the Extended Essay Graded?
The Extended Essay is assessed using a specific grading system designed by the IB and evaluated externally by trained IB examiners. The grading system includes five criteria: which include Focus and Method (6 points maximum), Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum), Critical Thinking (12 points maximum), Presentation (4 points maximum), and Engagement (6 points maximum).
The score ranges from 0 to 34, with certain classifications from E to A. Scores 0 to 8 are classified as Elementary or E, 9 to 16 Mediocre or D, 17 to 24 as Satisfactory or C, 25 to 29 as Good or B, and 30 to 34 as Excellent or A. Students must score a minimum of a D to be able to receive an IB Diploma. With consistent academic support, students at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug have achieved impressive EE outcomes, strengthening their university applications and scholarship opportunities.
This essay is one of many factors that can help you get your IB Diploma. The grade of your essay will be combined with the grade of your Theory of Knowledge. However, this essay plays an integral part in whether or not you will be able to receive your IB Diploma with a good score.
Choosing a Topic for the Extended Essay
Choosing the right topic is essential in writing this essay, as it also determines the research process. Students should select a subject that interests them and is feasible for research to ensure they can do well in their research and writing. Therefore, students are advised to choose a topic, allowing in-depth analysis with sufficient resources.
After choosing a topic, the next step is to decide on a relevant and focused research question to avoid a stressful research and writing process. The research question should be an open-ended question to allow for thorough research.
Many students choose more accessible and less exciting topics or fields of research in the hope of finishing this essay efficiently. However, choosing a meaningful and challenging topic aligned with future academic goals can set you apart in university interviews and applications especially in competitive programmes like Business Management.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria for this essay are designed to evaluate the ability to conduct independent research and present their findings. The assessment criteria are divided into five areas, including:
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Essay Framework
This criterion evaluates whether the chosen research question, methods, and structural conventions chosen create a coherent and practical framework that guides the essay.
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Knowledge and Understanding
This assesses the student’s knowledge and understanding of the topic, proven by how they use the subject matter in their research.
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Analysis and Line of Argument
This part determines if the student has critically analyzed the information and constructed a logical argument throughout the essay.
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Discussion and Evaluation
This part considers how well the student discusses their findings and provides a reflective evaluation of the essay’s content and conclusion.
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Reflection
This criterion assesses the student’s ability to reflect on how the essay has impacted their growth.
Importance of the Extended Essay
This essay is an important part of the IB Diploma Programme, as it provides students with the opportunity to develop important skills for their success in higher education and beyond. These tasks encourage students to conduct independent research,think critically, and communicate effectively.
It also allows the student to explore topics they are interested in, encouraging their passion for learning and fostering intellectual curiosity. All these are essential for students who want to prepare themselves to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world.
The IB Extended Essay is a challenging step in pursuing your Business Management IB Diploma Programme at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug. However, it is also a rewarding component of the program because it helps students develop skills that will help them in their academic and professional futures.
To further explore how to succeed in your IB journey, especially in Business Management, check out our dedicated guide to the IB Diploma Programme at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug.
References
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/dp-core/extended-essay/
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/university-admission/pdfs/ee_subjectbrief_en.pdf
https://nailib.com/blog/ib-extended-essay
https://www.internationalschoolparent.com/articles/ib-extended-essay/
