The Extended Essay Student Training Workshop: October 15, 2014
Utica Academy for International Studies
Slide 2
The Diploma Programme
Slide 3
Nature of Extended Essay ( page 4 ) Required for IB diploma
eligibility Externally assessed by IBO evaluators Roughly
3,500-4,000 words in length Chosen from current subjects and
preferably a current focus of study Total assessment points 0-36,
of which a grade between an A to E is awarded Represents 40 hours
of work Topic agreed upon with supervisor
Slide 4
Nature of Extended Essay (cont.) Involves collegiate, critical
research Supervisor meetings totaling 4+ hours Apply analytical and
evaluative skills, terminology toward subject matter Supervisor
submits a predicted grade and a supervisors report to the IBO
Concludes with the viva voce interview EE demands a diverse range
of sources
Slide 5
Aims/Assessment Objectives ( pages 5-6 ) Plan carefully,
leading up to proposed topic Develop a thoughtful research question
Gather, interpret, present, and argue information as it pertains to
subject area Use the correct vocabulary and argumentative style
according to the demands of the subject Apply analytical and
evaluative skills in the subject chosen
Slide 6
School Responsibilities (page 6) Train all supervisors and
students Provide students with qualified supervisor Make general
and subject-specific information and guidelines accessible Make
students aware of how the EE fits into program requirements Provide
recommended deadlines to all supervisors and students Provide
learning and researching opportunities Resolve all pending EE
issues and questions Ship all EEs out for external assessing
Slide 7
Supervisors Role (pages 6-8) Use knowledge in subject area to
provide advice and guidance to students Helps define research
question Aids in the research process Reads and comments on rough
draft Submits a predicted grade to the IBO Conducts the viva voce
with student Reports plagiarism, if suspected
Slide 8
UAIS supervisors should Spend 3-5 hours with you Work to ensure
youve written a great question Advise you on where to find
materials Verify your sources Help troubleshoot when you are stuck
Grade your rough draft and discuss it at a conference Conduct a
viva voce conference at end
Slide 9
UAIS supervisors should NOT Do research for you Tell you what
sources to use Give specific advice on how to improve your draft
Correct bibliographies or citations Chase you down for meetings
Re-teach you concepts in the subject matter you should already
know
Slide 10
Responsibilities of the Student ( page 9 ) Choose a topic of
interest and invest the time into your research question Observe
and follow all EE regulations, both general and specific Meet
UAIS/Supervisor deadlines Communicate with your supervisor! Attend
meetings Ask for help Address emerging issues Be honest and
open!
Slide 11
Advice to Students: DO ( page 9 ) Start early! Follow UAIS
deadlines. Think and plan carefully your proposal and your question
Plan a schedule for yourself for completing EE List every source on
your bibliography as you go Follow the rubric and final checklist
UAIS provides
Slide 12
Advice to Students: Do NOT ( page 10 ) forget to analyze/answer
the question ignore the EE rubric waste time collecting date
irrelevant to your question surf the Internet aimlessly,
repeatedly, with no discipline show lack of discipline in citing
sources describe or report other information cite sources that
arent used in paper
Slide 13
Writing the Extended Essay ( page 11 ) Extremely precise
structure Introduction should be written after body Abstract
written absolutely last Main focus of essay is the body
Sub-headings helpful in most subjects Include only relevant
sources, citations all present and consistent Evaluator not
required to read references, bibliography, or footnotes
Slide 14
* Coordinators should consult programme guide for passing
eligibility.
Slide 15
Subject-Specific Areas Where Can UAIS Students Write Their EEs?
Group 1 (English)FilmSocial and cultural anthropology Group 2
(Spanish)*GeographyTheatre Group 2 (Mandarin)*HistoryVisual Arts
Group 2 (French)*Human RightsWorld Religions Group 2
(Japanese)*Information technology in a global society
Biology*Mathematics* Chemistry*Music Classical Greek/LatinPeace and
conflict studies Computer SciencePhilosophy DancePhysics* Design
TechnologyPolitics EconomicsPsychology Environmental systems and
societies *These subjects require teacher approval for student
selection.
Slide 16
On the Record, From the IBO To qualify as a history EE, all
events discussed must take place ten years ago or more Group 2 EEs
must be written in the language for which it is being submitted and
must meet current teacher approval Japanese: 1 word = approximately
2 Japanese characters Chinese: 1 word = approximately 1.2 Chinese
characters
Slide 17
On the Record, From the IBO Students MAY NOT elaborate, overlap
with, or supplement an internal assessment from a DYP class with
their EE choice No two students may write an EE posing the same or
nearly same question Students may further explore a question
studied in freshman or sophomore year, or one never explored in any
class (though this is not recommended)
Slide 18
Off the Record from the IBO Quality is important, but so is
quantity. Getting as close to the 4,000 word-count is important
except in math. A great paper can be 3,300 words. But usually,
3,300 words will earn very low marks. Certain subjects grade
students unfairly according to well-established IB schools. We have
one femme-fatale at the Academy: psychology. Reports on other
scientific reports in sciences score very low. Experimental designs
are frequently a must- have for a decent grade.
Slide 19
Off the Record from the IBO (Overheard in a Cardiff Bar Exam)
If considering writing a group 2 essay, youre required to get a
teacher signature. Dont write one unless you could score a 5 on the
AP foreign language test. Take the IBOs advice here: Choosing to
write the extended essay in a subject that is not being studied as
part of the Diploma Programme often leads to lower marks. This is
not allowed at UAIS. Do not choose a subject that you are just
beginning to have background in. This is not the time for beginners
exploration. This is a time for further exploration.
Slide 20
Subject-Specific AreasOnce Again Where Can UAIS Students Write
Their EEs? Group 1 (English)FilmSocial and cultural anthropology
Group 2 (Spanish)GeographyTheatre HistoryVisual Arts Group 2
(French)Human RightsWorld Religions Group 2 (Japanese)Information
technology in a global society BiologyMathematics ChemistryMusic
Classical Greek/LatinPeace and conflict studies Computer
SciencePhilosophy DancePhysics Design TechnologyPolitics
EconomicsPsychology Environmental systems and societies
Slide 21
Combined Role: The Iceberg Model 7/8 = Research Phase (Now-June
2015) Student & supervisor work together to: Explore and
discuss ideas Locate appropriate resources Discuss readings and
ideas Develop a suitable research question Supervisor monitors
research progress Represents 3-5 hours of work per student Now
until June 1/8 = Writing Phase (Jun. 2015-Dec. 2016) Student works
independently over summer to: Write EE draft Organizing your
writing Revision conference drives final draft of essay Prepare the
final EE
Slide 22
The UAIS EE Schedule Provides internal & external due dates
as the IBO strongly recommends Builds in five mandatory in-school
meetings with supervisors Assignments are given at each meeting and
expected to be completed by the student Vast majority of work
completed before senior year
Slide 23
The Research Process Choosing a topic Attend UAIS
subject-specific seminars for information on EE guidelines for all
subjects on Friday, November 7 th Brainstorm general ideas or
attempts at research questions, explaining why the topic is of
interest to you Submit proposals to the EE coordinator (YEOKUM) on
or before Monday, November 24 th
Slide 24
Subject Preference Seminars November 7 th, morning session
Attend all subject areas in your schedule Understand
subject-specific guidelines Appropriate types of EE questions and
samples of topics and questions Receive helpful examiner comments
Academic referencing style Q&A session with teachers
Slide 25
UAIS Process: Supervisor Selection Students submit and rank two
EE proposals in two separate subjects; EE coordinator collects by
November 24 th Full UAIS staff divides students according to
teachers expertise in proposed areas and to balance staff
responsibilities Supervisor-student pairings announced mid December
In-department changes made only when student and both teachers in
agreement
Slide 26
The Research Process Discuss with your supervisor: The location
of materials for your topic A proper academic referencing system A
general list of sub-headings for your paper A developing list of EE
reading for background and information-gathering Internal UAIS
deadlines Best times to meet or discuss the EE
Slide 27
EE and DP Intervention Students are required to be proactive in
attending meetings, completing assignments, and communicating
struggles Reference DP Intervention form to students Potential loss
of group 2 or group 4 topic if missed lab or draft date Will impact
college application process
Slide 28
The Research Process Once students have read more deeply in
their areas and assembled a stronger background from which to work,
they will begin carrying out their investigation through proper
researching techniques that are consistent, balanced, and
organized. Failure to buy in to this process looks like this
Slide 29
But I Looked It Up!
Slide 30
Referencing ( pages 13-14 ) Bibliography is NOT a Works Cited
page, but IB treats bibliography as such Bibliography: collection
of references References: individual sources Citations: In-text
parenthetical and Footnoting documentation
Slide 31
The Research Process and results in this: Not Submitted If a
candidate uses the work or ideas of another person, the candidate
must acknowledge the source using a standard style of referencing
in a consistent manner. A candidates failure to acknowledge a
source will be investigated by the IB as a potential breach of
regulations that may result in a penalty imposed by the IB final
awards committee (First Examinations 2013).
Slide 32
So, What About Those Grades? Grades are not often released
worldwide by the IBO The latest information shows us the following
very interesting statistics, from which many inferences can be
drawn
Slide 33
Slide 34
May 2013 World Statistics
Slide 35
UAIS EE Grade Comparison Class of 2014Int. Average 2013 A: 7
(7%)A: 13% B: 22 (22%)B: 24% C: 51 (50%)C: 38% D: 17 (17%)D: 22% E:
4 (4%)E: 3% N: 1 (1%)N: N/A
Slide 36
Did you know? Published research College course opt-out
Instruct other college students Enter into Honors College
*Anecdotal evidence supplied by former UAIS students-results may
vary and are not a guarantee for all
Slide 37
IB Extended Essay Supports Success at U Va. Key findings: The
IBs extended essay does have an effect on students research
confidence and willingness to engage in future research. Former IB
students felt strongly that the IB extended essay prepared them to
conduct various facets of the research process. When compared with
former AP students, IB students were significantly more likely to
indicate they: felt prepared for college-level coursework involving
research. had in fact executed a research project at U Va. took
pride in their research. intended to conduct future research. found
their research skills to be important to their future success. felt
supported, after completion of the extended essay, with skills such
as gathering and evaluating evidence, and writing and time
management, and that they experienced reduced anxiety around
writing. A statistically significant relationship existed between
extended essay scores and first-semester and final semester college
GPAs, after controlling for background characteristics. Released:
1/30/2013 9:00 AM EST Embargo expired: 2/1/2013 12:00 PM EST Source
Newsroom: International Baccalaureate
Slide 38
Whats next? Go to uaisresearch.com website: Tab: EE
Preparations: meeting 1/2 Click on link for EE guide Find and read
all 6 of your IB courses subject specific guides (those not offered
at UAIS do not read) Take notes on handout Place back into
folder
Slide 39
Good luck!
Slide 40
PM Training: November 7, 2014 Goals Brainstorm ideas for
proposals Address issues of building a researchable topic and
question Review important dates and handouts on EE calendar Discuss
winter and spring supervision Review the EE website as a
resource
Slide 41
Parking lot questions: Which year had the best/most As? When
doing English EE on a book, is it necessary to cite the book over
and over again? YES! Graduating ClassABCDEN 201272841160294
201314253381283 2014722511741102
Slide 42
Q & A continue: Will your supervisor give you positive or
negative feedback, or just suggest alternatives? All of the above
At the meetings will content be discussed? Yes What topics can we
do if we write in group 2? Hopefully this was covered at AM
presentations today
Slide 43
Q & A continue: Would you be able to get English credits
for writing an EE in Group 2? Universities and colleges look at
Writing/ Rhedoric/Composition check with each place if it
qualifies
Slide 44
General vs. Subject-Specific Guidelines General guidelines are
broad requirements for all essays: basic outline for each essay,
required components, word count, academic honesty, purpose and
aims, and so on Subject-specific guidelines are specific
considerations germane to writing in sciences, English, history.
These include issues of style but also rules and restrictions on
what are acceptable questions.
Slide 45
Activity: Brainstorming EE Topics Fold blank paper into thirds
Label your favorite/strongest subjects Think of the lessons,
issues, projects, discussions, readings that you experienced in
these classes over the last two and a half years. Particularly ask
yourself which ones
Slide 46
Intrigued you Made you think you could do this for a living
Made you talk nonstop Morally outraged you Broke your heart or
disturbed you Open a whole new world to you Left you
unsatisfiedthere was more to discover Made you read or investigate
further Puzzled yousomething that didnt make sense
Slide 47
Narrow Your Brainstorm Cross out whats impractical or
unanswerable or outside approved topic areas Cross out whats less
promising, interesting, impractical, unoriginal Look at whats left
and take it down another level of specificity by posing a question
or stating, I want to learn more about/I want to find out
what/how/why
Slide 48
Topics of InterestGood Examples English: I want to research the
role of racism in the Harry Potter series, developed into the
question To what extent does J.K. Rowling use blood as a complex
literary device in the Harry Potter series to demonstrate the
negative impact of racism?
Slide 49
Topics of InterestGood Examples History: A student who wanted
to study the changes that occurred in her familys homeland as a
result of the fall of communism To what extent did the fall of
communism in Romania improve the lives of Romanians in the
1990s?
Slide 50
Topics of InterestGood Examples History: A student fascinated
with the first World War and modern warfare submitted the following
How effective was the tank during the First World War?
Slide 51
Topics of InterestGood Examples Biology: Can common kitchen
appliances, frequently exposed to gluten, be cleaned through
customary sanitation techniques to prepare gluten-free food? Visual
Arts: How does the usage of Fengshui in the design of Emperor Qin's
tomb accentuate ancient Chinese spirituality of the afterlife?
Slide 52
Glossary of Terms IBO-produced terminology of definitions
Called qualifiers, as they indicate the direction of your essay,
regardless of topic Help you avoid yes/no (close-ended) questions
The use of multiple ones can greatly lengthen your essay It is
important to check the definition of yours before submitting for
approval
Slide 53
Monday, November 24, 2014 Topic of interest form due Link to
subject specific guides on the uaisresearch.com website
Slide 54
CAS/EE Parent Contract Discussed in early September at DP
parent night Required for parents to understand IB core
requirements and policies Specific requirements for group 2 and
group 4
Slide 55
Review of Upcoming EE Calendar Topics of Interest Due by Nov.
24 th in the counseling office (box) Supervisor Decisions: Early
December Supervisors Announced: By Dec. 15 th First Conference
Window: Jan. 5-21 st Rubric Training sessions during lunch: Jan. 23
rd and 27 th Second Conference Window: Feb. 2- 13 th /23 rd - 27
th
Slide 56
The UAIS Research Website uaisresearch.com Contains everything
you will need: Announcements and instructions Rubrics for your
subject area Step-by-step researching techniques/handouts Links to
formatting guides (MLA, APA, Chicago) Advice from IBO evaluators EE
examples in your subject area
Slide 57
Supervisor Conference #1 January 2-17, 2014 Prior to meeting
Supervisors will inform you of what to bring or what to complete,
if anything Varies somewhat by subject-area and teacher, but focus
is on topic and developing a research question Student may be
assigned background reading Student and teacher should confirm
manual style
Slide 58
Supervisor Conference #1: EE Question Proposal Form Printable
on the UAIS Research website Step-by-step guide to formulating
research question Completed AFTER general topic is approved Either
due or assigned at first conference Must be signed by each
student
Slide 59
Overlap of the EE and IAs The IBO student handbook indicates
that any strategic move on the part of a student that gives that
student a unfair advantage over another student, which includes the
use of ones IA on the EE or vice versa, will result in a case of
academic misconduct. Students should NOT write on the same topics
as for the EE as an IA in that subject.
Slide 60
EE Training #3: Jan. 23 rd & 30 th Lunches Rubric training
for all juniors Note-taking session and Q&A EE Supervisors
offer advice for different subject areas during own meetings
Slide 61
Supervisor Conference #2: Feb. 2 nd 13 th or Feb. 23 rd 27 th
Discuss background reading as it pertains to your developing
question Solidify question; sign question proposal Discuss
criterion C and finding sources for material Agree on and set goals
for spring researching, especially due dates to avoid intervention
levels
Slide 62
Researching options to get you started: Local municipal library
College/University libraries MEL or Questia database MEL Questia
UCS student email = username case sensitive
[email protected] Password= questia or changeme if you
haven't used this yet
Slide 63
Supervisor Conference #3: Spring Research April 20 th 30 th
Possible work assigned: outline, working bibliography,
histiography, note cards, bringing in source materials,
experimental design, first 1,000-words of essay Bulk of research
and work completed in spring Evidence of EE work must be
demonstrated to supervisors prior to summer vacation
Slide 64
Coordinator Communication Coordinator announces reminders
through email (stu.uticak12.org) Remainder of site used to guide
the process, almost like an online class- Managebac and
UAISresearch.com Specific questions addressed through supervisor,
then coordinator
Slide 65
Summing Up Due Nov. 24 th : Topics of Interest Form From this
point forward, everything you need is on the EE website Once
assigned to supervisor, complete EE Question Proposal Form for Jan.
5 th 21 st interview (on EE website)
Slide 66
Summing Up Use Glossary of Terms into help complete the Rough
Draft Question Be prepared to discuss some ideas for preliminary
background reading (your supervisor will help, but dont come
empty-handed)
Slide 67
Next Time The EE Assessment Rubric Practicing Grading an EE in
Your Subject Area Deciphering the EE Rubric Understanding the Ins
and Outs of the Rubric
Slide 68
Reminder This powerpoint is available on uaisresearch.com.
Slide 69
Workshop #3: EE Rubric Goals: To comprehend the oftentimes
vague EE rubric To understand how your EE rubric differs from other
subject areas To anticipate traps and struggles of students in
previous years you can and should avoid
Slide 70
EE Assessment Criteria (p. 15-16) Provides overview of each
criterion assesses General rubricGeneral rubric Forms the basis of
the scoring rubric for all subject areas Further advice on
interpreting assessment criteria provided within guidelines for
each subject provided in Detailssubject specific section found
Slide 71
Extended Essay Criteria A Research Question 2 B Introduction 2
C Investigation 4 D Knowledge/Understanding 4 E Reasoned Argument 4
F Apply Analysis & Evaluation 4 G Appropriate Language4 H
Conclusion 2 I Formal Presentation 4 J Abstract 2 K Holistic
Judgment 4 Total Points36
Slide 72
Extended Essay Grade Boundaries A 29 36 B 23 28 C 16 22 D 8 15
E 0 7 (Failing Condition)
Slide 73
Criterion A: The Research Question Stated and bolded in the
introduction Correct diction, word by word Correct qualifiers: more
often open- ended (why, how, to what extent, compare-contrast,
etc.) than closed (yes or no answers okay for science) Meets so
what? relevance Can/Must be answered in 3,500-4,000 words
Slide 74
Criterion B: Introduction A prior-knowledge treatise Briefly
state question in context by noting relevance of author, event,
time period, artist Briefly states reasons for pursuing this EE
(use of I acceptable sparingly) Answers why this topic/question
deserves to be studied/answered in an EE Includes historiography
Written after the body See Drafting tab under UAIS RESEARCH site
for tips
Slide 75
Criterion C: Investigation Evaluation of sources/bibliography:
Appropriate number? Is there balance of primary vs. secondary?
Groups 1, 2, 4, 6: emphasis must be on primary Here, imaginative
range of sources includes interviews, museums, concerts, personal
photos, unique library trips For sciences, this criterion score
rests on discussion of methodology to demonstrate reliability
Slide 76
Criteria D, E, F: The EE Body The most difficult points to earn
Maximum of 2/4 for D and E if research question is marked at 0
Slide 77
Criterion D: Knowledge/Understanding of Topic Through writing,
to what extent do I show a reasonable expertise on the subject to
answer my question? To earn a 3 or higher, the student must locate
the academic context, or the place where current research sits and
work from that point forward, not revisit tired material
Slide 78
Criterion E: Reasoned Argument The single most difficult
criterion Is every paragraph working to answer my research
question, or is it just there? Does my argument build through
transition and flow, or is it choppy and isolated?
Slide 79
Criterion F: Application of Analytical Skills Appropriate to
the Subject Paper avoids summary Analyses data, evidence, research
English: Am I analyzing but also judging the authors literary
merit? History: Have I evaluated the reliability of my sources
somewhere in the paper? Sciences: Please note specific requirements
on your rubric
Slide 80
Criterion G: Use of Language Appropriate to Subject Proper
terminology to subject matter is utilized Active voice throughout
Elimination of wordiness (extensive adverbs and prepositional
phrases) Strong vocabulary History: absence of sweeping
generalizations See Drafting tab under UAIS RESEARCH site for
tips
Slide 81
Criterion H: Conclusion NEVER a restatement of the
introduction! A post-knowledge treatise States implications for
further study Raises possible unresolved questions Notes any
limitations of the essay/research How might this research be taken
further? See Drafting tab under UAIS RESEARCH site for tips
Slide 82
Criterion I: The Formal Presentation Easiest criterion of the
EE! Evaluation of contents and order Check-off of bibliography
elements Under 4,000 words Neatness, readability, appearance
Sciences: additional requirements on rubric No excuse for less than
a 4!
Slide 83
Criterion J: Abstract Written dead last and never discussed
Maximum 300 words Three paragraphs, one for each purpose: State the
research question studied State the method of investigation (how
the paper proceeds) Provides a brief summary of conclusions (what
was found/discovered) **Training on this is in Fall of senior
year
Slide 84
Criterion K: Holistic Judgment Result of the viva voce and
evaluators opinion How hard did the student work? Special
circumstances? Intellectual initiative? Above and beyond the call
of duty?
Slide 85
Student Activity: Evaluator Practice Take an exemplar and
rubric Practice grading Focus on elements of the rubric and using
notes in front of you **This would be good for you to do with your
adviser.
Slide 86
Revision Conference Follows completion of the rough draft in
September of senior year Absolutely NO editing or marks on clean
paper provided back to student Comments provided in boxes on rubric
only Conference regarding draft can only occur once!
Slide 87
What is the Viva Voce? (p. 14-15) Verbal interview Lasts 10-15
minutes Serves as conclusion to EE process Opportunity for
reflection Can serve as plagiarism/malpractice check Used to
bolster holistic assessment Should end on a positive note