The IB Extended Essay

What is it?• An in-depth study of a specific topic

• The topic is of your own choice

• Has to be within a single Diploma Programme subject

• Maximum 4000 words

• Structured essay

What do I have to do?• Choose a topic that requires the gathering and

analysis of information from a number of sources

• Engage in a genuine intellectual challenge

• Do independent research and practice critical thinking

• Present your arguments in a formal and structured manner

What is expected of me?

• To formulate and answer a research question

• To analyze and evaluate effectively

• To give qualified arguments

• To communicate coherently

• To meet high standards of academic presentation (formal langiage, correct referencing, bibliography and abstract)

How much time do I get?

• Recommended: 40 hours work in total

• Work is done outside regular class work

• Includes consultation sessions with supervisor

• Internal deadlines: – Topic, Research question and disposition due in

June, rough draft in August 2013– Final draft due in November 2013

Where can I get help?• Supervisor and subject teacher

• Libraries! school library, research library. For instance: – School library - ask librarian for help– Kungliga Biblioteket– University of Stockholm

• Extended Essay Guide (on managebac)

• Internet reliable sites!

How will my extended essay be assessed?

• Externally assessed - grade boundary scale 0-36

• Grade from A (excellent) to E (elementary)

• Generic assessment criteria (A-K)

• Combined with TOK essay gives max. 3 points

• “Viva Voce”interview with supervisor(10-15 min)

Assessment Criteria:A. Research question (maximum 2 points)

B. Introduction (maximum 2 points)

C. Investigation (maximum 4 points)

D. Knowledge and understanding of the topic studied (max. 4 points)

E. reasoned argument (maximum 4 points)

F. application of analytical and evaluative skills (maximum 4 points)

G. use of language (maximum 4 points)

H. conclusion (maximum 2 points)

I. formal presentation (maximum 4 points)

J. abstract (maximum 2 points)

K. holistic judgement (maximum 4 points)

(they were the same in 2011)

Academic honesty• Give a clear indication of sources used

• NO plagiarism, collusion or duplication This is malpractice!!

• When detected disqualification from Diploma

• “Viva Voce”-interview with supervisor (10-15 min) (the last thing you do)

Definition of Malpractice

• Plagiarism = the representation of ideas or work of another person as the candidate’s own

• Collusion = supporting malpractice by another candidate, as in allowing one’s work to be copied or submitted for assessment by another

• Duplication of work = presentation of the same work for different assessment components and/or diploma requirements

• Any other behavior which gains an unfair advantage for a candidate or which affects the results of another candidate

What must I do this term?• Think about a topic within a subject that you are

really interested in.

• Consult with your teachers about the feasibility of the topic.

• When approved write a formal disposition with Research Question, outline, and list of sources.

• By June you should be in the process of researching an approved topic.