extended essay assessment criteria 2021

IB Extended Essay: Assessment Criteria

• Research Questions
• Past Essays
• Notes & Outlines
• Works Cited Page
• In-Text Citations
• Assessment Criteria
• Reflections
• Supervisor Info
• Net Valley Library This link opens in a new window

Score Descriptors for each Criterion:

• A - Focus and Method
• B - Knowledge and Understanding
• C - Critical Thinking
• D - Presentation
• E - Engagement

Printable: Full Rubric  for all subjects

To view details for your SUBJECT, open the correct page below.

• Choose "Interpreting the EE Assessment Criteria" on the sidebar to see how to score well in YOUR subject area

Language & literature (language A)

Language acquisition (language B)

Mathematics

Visual Arts

World Studies

Business Management

Grade Boundaries

What's Expected?

• A: Focus/Method
• B: Knowledge
• C: Critical Thinking
• D: Presentation
• E: Engagement
• A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
• B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
• C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
• D: Presentation (4 marks)
• E: Engagement (6 marks)
• Total marks possible: 34 (see grade boundaries below)
• Printable:  Full Rubric
• Printable: A3 size with details
• Printable:  Details for each criterion , via the Oxford guide

Criterion A:  Focus and Method (6 points)

What It Means:   This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question), how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Questions to ask:  

• Does this essay meet the requirements for the subject for which you are registering it?
• Is your research question stated as a question?
• Have you explained how your research question relates to the subject that you selected for the extended essay?
• Have you given an insight into why your area of study is important?
• Is your research question feasible within the scope of the task? Could your research question be “answered” or it is too vague?
• Did you refer to your research question throughout the essay (not only in the introduction and conclusion)?
• Did you explain why you selected your methodology?
• Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?
• If you stated a particular methodology in the introduction of your essay, or specific sources, have you used them?
• Are there any references listed in the bibliography that were not directly cited in the text?

(Source: Susan Trower, via West Sound Academy)

Criterion B:  Knowledge and Understanding (6 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which the research relates to the subject area/discipline used to explore the research question; or in the case of the world studies extended essay, the issue addressed and the two disciplinary perspectives applied; and additionally, the way in which this knowledge and understanding is demonstrated through the use of appropriate terminology and concepts.

• Have you explained how your research question relates to a specific subject you selected for the extended essay?
• Have you used relevant terminology and concepts throughout your essay as they relate to your particular area of research?
• Is it clear that the sources you are using are relevant and appropriate to your research question?
• Do you have a range of sources, or have you only relied on one particular type, for example internet sources?
• Is there a reason why you might not have a range? Is this justified?

(Source: Oxford EE manual, p. 110)

Criterion C:  Critical Thinking (12 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which critical thinking skills have been used to analyze and evaluate the research undertaken.

• Have you made links between your results and data collected and your research question?
• If you included data or information that is not directly related to your research question have you explained its importance?
• Are your conclusions supported by your data?
• If you found unexpected information or data have you discussed its importance?
• Have you provided a critical evaluation of the methods you selected?
• Have you considered the reliability of your sources (peer-reviewed journals, internet, and so on)?
• Have you mentioned and evaluated the significance of possible errors that may have occurred in your research?
• Are all your suggestions of errors or improvements relevant?
• Have you evaluated your research question?
• Have you compared your results or findings with any other sources?
• Is there an argument that is clear and easy to follow and directly linked to answering your research question, and which is supported by evidence? Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p. 111)

Handy Links:

• Presentation One Pager  via Catalina Bordoy
• Presentation Checklist
• Sample Title page   (see below - top half of the page)

Criterion D:  Presentation ( 4 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which the presentation follows the standard format expected for academic writing and the extent to which this aids effective communication.

• Have you read and understood the presentation requirements of the extended essay?
• Have you chosen a font that will be easy for examiners to read on-screen?
• Is your essay double-spaced and size 12 font?
• Are the title and research question mentioned on the cover page?
• Are all pages numbered?
• Have you prepared a correct table of contents?
• Do the page numbers in the table of contents match the page numbers in the text?
• Is your essay subdivided into correct sub-sections, if this is applicable to the subject?
• Are all figures and tables properly numbered and labelled?
• Does your bibliography contain only the sources cited in the text?
• Did you use the same reference system throughout the essay?
• Does the essay have less than 4,000 words?
• Is all the material presented in the appendices relevant and necessary?
• Have you proofread the text for spelling or grammar errors?

Criterion E: Engagement

• Three reflections (best after meeting with your supervisor)
• 500 words TOTAL (100 + 150 + 250?)
• Reflections are done in Managebac on your Reflection space
• See the "Reflections" tab above for prompts to write about

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p.135)

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p.133)

• Sample Reflections
• Full chapter on Reflections from the Oxford Guide

Criterion E:  Engagement (6 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the student’s RPPF (Reflections on planning and progress form).

• Have you demonstrated your engagement with your research topic and the research process?
• Have you highlighted challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your intellectual and skills development?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your creativity and intellectual initiative?
• For prompts to deepen your reflections, go  here  and then to the bottom of the page
• Presentation Quick Guide
• << Previous: In-Text Citations
• Next: Reflections >>
• Last Updated: Apr 9, 2024 9:39 AM
• URL: https://sis-cn.libguides.com/ExtendedEssay

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

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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:

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.

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?

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...

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!

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.

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

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.

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

What's Next?

Trying to figure out what extracurriculars you should do? Learn more about participating in the Science Olympiad , starting a club , doing volunteer work , and joining Student Government .

Studying for the SAT? Check out our expert study guide to the SAT . Taking the SAT in a month or so? Learn how to cram effectively for this important test .

Not sure where you want to go to college? Read our guide to finding your target school . Also, determine your target SAT score or target ACT score .

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Assessment Criteria

This page provides detail on EE Assessment Criteria, the TOK EE Matrix, grade boundaries, and unpacking criteria.  

Grade Boundaries

For the Class of 2018, 2019 and 2020

A = 27 - 34

B = 21 - 26

C = 14 - 20

From IBO.org

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.

                                                                          Understanding EE criteria 

Source: Assessment<H ome < Guide < Assessment < Unpacking the criteria

A: Focus & Method

This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question), how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Example- To what extent can an oracle's success be contributed to its corporate culture and organisational structure? (High Order of analysis, evaluation and synthesis rather than a descriptive essay).

It talks about Business problem issues or worthy of investigation.

The essay should be focused on the human resources topic of BM.

The essay must consistently maintain a corporate culture aspect, which is a predominant factor in its unparalleled accomplishment.

Methodology -Data examined should be sourced from authentic resources such as peer-reviewed journals,case studies and articles.

Usage of Theory: -Like Mintzberg's Theory and Charles Handy's Theory should fit to the discussion.

Source-(Oxford Extended Essay 103)

B: Knowledge & Understanding

This criterion assesses the extent to which the research relates to the subject area/discipline used to explore the research question, or, in the case of the world studies extended essay, the issue addressed and the two disciplinary perspectives applied, and additionally, the way in which the knowledge and understanding is demonstrated through the use of the appropriate terminology and concepts.

C: Critical Thinking: This criterion assesses the extent to which critical-thinking skills have been used to analyze and evaluate the research undertaken.

The student should comment on the quality, balance and quantity of the sources and reflect on any bias or limitations that may weaken the strength or affect the objectivity of supporting materials.  

Source: Oxford Extended Essay 1 11 )

Source-(Oxford Extended Essay 111)

D: Presentation

This criterion assesses the extent to which the presentation follows the standard format expected for academic writing and the extent to which this aids effective communication.

  Source- (Oxford Extended Essay 1 31 )

E: Engagement

The criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. it will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay , and is based solely on the candidate’s reflections as detailed in the rppf, with supervisory comments and the extended essay itself as context..

                                                                      Source: ("EMWS EE: Assessment Criteria").

Unpacking the criteria 

                                                                                                                    Managebac Resource

EE TOK MATRIX 

      Subject Reports 

Biology 2021: Subject Report

BM 2021: Subject Report

Chemistry 2021: Subject Report

Mathematics ( A & I ) 2021 : SUBJECT Report

Mathematics (A& A) 2021: Subject Report

English B 2021: Subject Report

ESS 2021 : Subject Report

Physics 2021: Subject Report

Psychology 2021: Subject Report

Visual Arts 2021: Subject Report

EE Writing Steps

Extended Essay: Assessment Criteria

• Step 1 - Choosing a Subject
• Step 2 - Choosing a Topic
• Step 3 - Draft a Research Question
• Step 4 - Finding Sources
• Step 5 - Evaluating Information
• Step 6 - Bibliography & Citation
• Step 7 - Organizing Information
• The Arts: Visual Arts
• Individuals & Societies: Business Management
• Individuals & Societies: History
• Individuals & Societies: Psychology
• Language Acquisition
• Language and Literature
• Sciences: Biology
• Sciences: Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Papers: World Studies
• Assessment Criteria
• Research Questions
• Investigation

General Assessment Criteria

Criterion A

Criterion C

Criterion E

Criterion B

Criterion D

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OIS Extended Essay: Subject Guides

• Subject Guides
• Referencing
• OIS Secondary

Credit to West Sound Academy Library and the International School of Bangkok for their resources including subject guide links.

“LibGuides: Extended Essay: Step 2. Educate Yourself!”  Westsoundacademy.org , 2018, libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee/educate-yourself. Accessed Jan. 2021.

“Extended Essay at ISB.”  Isb.ac.th , 2021, ee.isb.ac.th/ee-noticeboard. Accessed Jan. 2021.

Reading about the IB subjects you are considering to choose for your Extended essay can help you make the right decision. Before making a decision read the  IB EE subject guides  using the links below , Ethical Guidelines and the  IB Assessment Criteria .

• IB DP Extend Essay Guidelines (English) "The extended essay is defined as an in-depth study of a limited topic within a subject. Its purpose is to provide candidates with an opportunity to engage in independent research. Emphasis is placed on the process of engaging in personal research, on the communication of ideas and information in a logical and coherent manner, and on the overall presentation of the extended essay in compliance with these guidelines. Many of these general issues, such as the way in which information is handled, the level of analysis and the quality of argument, are assessed through the general assessment criteria. This is reflected in the relative weighting of 2:1 between the general and subject assessment criteria. "IB Extended Essay, 1998, p7)
• IB DP Extended Essay Guidelines (Japanese)

EE Subject Guide Links

• EE Subject Guide: Language and Literature
• EE Subject Guide: Language Acquisition
• EE Subject Guide: Mathematics
• EE Subject Guide: Biology
• EE Subject Guide: Chemistry
• EE Subject Guide: Physics
• EE Subject Guide: Computer Science
• EE Subject Guide: Design Technology
• EE Subject Guide: Sport, Exercise and Health Science
• EE Subject Guide: History
• EE Subject Guide: Geography
• EE Subject Guide: Economics
• EE Subject Guide: Psychology
• EE Subject Guide: Global Politics
• EE Subject Guide: Environmental Systems and Societies
• EE Subject Guide: Music
• EE Subject Guide: Visual Arts

Ethical Guidelines for Research & Fieldwork

The following guidelines apply to research and fieldwork in all extended essays.

•  Extended essay students must exercise the greatest sensitivity to local and international   cultures.
•  Any research/fieldwork that creates anxiety, stress, pain or discomfort for participants is not   permitted.
•  Any research/fieldwork that involves unjustified deception, involuntary participation or   invasion of privacy, including inappropriate use of information technology (IT), email and the   internet, is prohibited.
•  All participants in research activities must be informed before commencing the research that   they have the right to withdraw at any time. Pressure must not be placed on any individual   participant to continue with the investigation beyond this point.
•  Each participant must be informed of the aims and objectives of the research and in addition   be shown the results of the research.
•  Informed consent should be obtained from the people who are the subject of the fieldwork.
• Research involving children needs the written consent of parent(s) or guardian(s). Students   must ensure that parents are fully informed about the implications for children who take part   in such research. Where research is conducted with children in a school, the written consent   of the teachers concerned must also be obtained.
•  Extended essay students must avoid conducting research with any adult who is not in a fit   state of mind and cannot respond freely and independently.
•  If any participant shows stress and/or pain at any stage of the research, the research must   finish immediately, and the participant must be allowed to withdraw.
•  Participants must be debriefed and given the right to withdraw their own personal data and   responses. Anonymity for each participant must be guaranteed.
•  All data collected must be kept in a confidential and responsible manner and not divulged to   any other person.
•  Research that is conducted online, using IT methods, is subject to the same guidelines. Any   data collected online must be deleted once the research has been completed. Such data   must not be used for any purpose other than the conduct of the research. 

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Assessment Criteria #

With your Extended Essay, you can earn a maximum of 34 points , distributed across five different criteria that assess various components of your work:

Total marks: 34

This section focuses on how to master specific criteria and is tailored toward Computer Science. For a more general and in-depth overview refer to the Extended Essay Guide .

Content overview: #

• Criterion A
• Criterion B
• Critetion C
• Criterion D
• Criterion E

Criterion A: Focus and method #

Strands : Topic , Research question , Methodology

Clear Title Focus:

• Title should prominently feature the computer science aspect of the research.

Avoid ITGS, Broad, and Futuristic Topics:

• Ensure your topic aligns with computer science rather than leaning towards social aspects suited for ITGS.
• Be cautious of selecting overly broad topics that may lead to a superficial treatment within the word limit.
• Steer clear of speculative or futuristic topics that often result in opinion-based essays lacking substantial factual support.

Sharp and Accessible Research Question:

• Ensure a well-focused research question that allows for in-depth exploration within the 4,000-word limit and is suitable for an IB student’s understanding.
• Clearly state the research question as a question in the introduction , providing context for the areas investigated.

Justification for Topic:

• Explain why the chosen topic and research question are suitable and significant for an Extended Essay. Provide sufficient background information related to the chosen topic.

Transparent Methodology:

• Clearly describe the methodology to be employed in answering the research question.
• Consider incorporating experimental or programming elements with valuable data sources, avoiding reliance on small-scale surveys from fellow students.

Well-Planned Essay:

• Ensure a well-structured and planned essay that draws from authoritative sources, including internet, literature, and expert interviews.

Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding #

Strands : Context , Subject-specific terminology and concepts

Demonstrate Personal Understanding:

• Showcase your comprehension of the chosen topic, avoiding reliance on reworded source material.
• Provide clarifications or simplified explanations of technical information, always linking it back to the original research question.

Strategic Use of Source Material:

• Select and incorporate source material to illustrate the knowledge you gained in relation to the chosen topic.

Technical Language Appropriateness:

• Employ a technical language suitable for computer science, ensuring clarity that reflects the student’s understanding.
• Avoid excessive technicality, considering that the reader may not be an expert in the specific addressed topic .

Criterion C: Critical thinking #

Strands : Research , Analysis and Discussion and evaluation

Logical Argument Development:

• Develop a logically flowing argument throughout the essay.

Selective and Critical Use of Information:

• Select information directly relevant to the research question , avoiding an excessive number of sources.
• Evaluate the relevance, necessity, and validity of sources.

Thorough Analysis and Conclusions:

• Draw conclusions throughout the essay, not solely in the concluding section.
• Analyze tables and graphs, going beyond translation to explain the underlying reasons for the obtained results.

Comprehensive Final Conclusions:

• Final conclusions should extend beyond summarizing , presenting a justified answer to the original research question.
• Indicate potential areas for future research to explore unanswered questions or expand the essay’s original scope.

Criterion D: Presentation #

Strands : Structure , Layout

Use of Charts, Images, and Tables:

• Carefully select and label charts, images, and tables from literature sources.
• Include large tables of raw data you collected in the appendix, carefully labeled.
• Design tables of processed data to clearly display relevant information in the most appropriate form.
• Limit the use of graphs, charts, and tables to enhance the written explanation without overwhelming the communication.

Acknowledgment and Referencing:

• Acknowledge and reference any non-original material , including audio-visual material, text, graphs, and data.
• Follow proper referencing standards, including the name of the author, date of publication, title of the source, and page numbers.

Bibliography, Structure, and Presentation:

• Include a bibliography in a standard format.
• Ensure the title page, table of contents, and page numbers contribute to the overall quality of presentation.
• Follow accepted academic standards for research paper presentation.
• Consider using a section and sub-section structure with informative headings.

Word Limit and Exclusions:

• Keep the essay narrative within the 4,000-word limit .
• Note that graphs, figures, calculations, diagrams, formulas, and equations are not included in the word count .
• Examiners will not read beyond the 4,000-word limit , and no assessment will be made on material presented thereafter.

Criterion E: Engagement #

Strands : Reflections on planning and progress

The assessment of this criterion is based on the RPPF , which you complete after submitting your Extended Essay.

Decision-Making and Planning:

• Reflect on how you arrived at the chosen topic.
• Explore the methods and approach you used in completing the essay.
• Assess the rationale for decisions you made throughout the planning process.
• Provide insight into your thinking, creativity, and originality in the research process.

Critical and Effective Reflection:

• Show evidence of critical and reflective thinking that goes beyond procedural descriptions .
• Explore setbacks you faced in research and how you overcame them.
• Reflect on questions that emerged as a result of the research.
• Consider what you would do differently if undertaking the research again.
• Ensure your voice is clearly present and demonstrates the learning that has taken place.

Extended Essay : Assessment Criteria

• Home - EE Overview
• Educate Yourself (Key IB Documents)
• Set up Research Reflection Space (RRS)
• Research Questions
• Databases & Research
• Citation & Referencing This link opens in a new window
• Introduction
• Presentation
• Assessment Criteria
• Reflection RPPF
• Supervisor Info
• EE Session Presentations

Marking Criterion What's Expected

• A: Focused/Method
• B: Knowledge
• C: Critical Thinking
• D: Presentation
• E: Engagement

Overview of the 5 marking criterion: 

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)

Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)

Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)

• EE Assessment Criteria
• EE Marking Rubric
• Detailed Printable Rubric
• One Page Rubric

Thanks to Shekou International School and Seoul Foreign School for these rubrics. 

Criterion A:  Focus and Method (6 marks)

What It Means:   This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question), how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Questions to ask:  

• Does this essay meet the requirements for the subject for which you are registering it?
• Is your research question stated as a question?
• Have you explained how your research question relates to the subject that you selected for the extended essay?
• Have you given an insight into why your area of study is important?
• Is your research question feasible within the scope of the task? Could your research question be “answered” or it is too vague?
• Did you refer to your research question throughout the essay (not only in the introduction and conclusion)?
• Did you explain why you selected your methodology?
• Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?
• If you stated a particular methodology in the introduction of your essay, or specific sources, have you used them?
• Are there any references listed in the bibliography that were not directly cited in the text?

Quick tip on your introduction

Question: What do I include in my introduction? 

Answer: There are four core items to explicitly mention in your introduction: 1. the research question, 2. some context with regards to your topic, 3. why it is worthy of investigation and 4. the methodological approach and/or source material you have used to arrive at your conclusion. 

Source Oxford EE companion guide pg. 103 and Susan Trower of West Sound Academy 

Criterion B:  Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which the research relates to the subject area/discipline used to explore the research question; or in the case of the world studies extended essay, the issue addressed and the two disciplinary perspectives applied; and additionally, the way in which this knowledge and understanding is demonstrated through the use of appropriate terminology and concepts.

• Have you explained how your research question relates to a specific subject you selected for the extended essay?
• Have you used relevant terminology and concepts throughout your essay as they relate to your particular area of research?
• Is it clear that the sources you are using are relevant and appropriate to your research question?
• Do you have a range of sources, or have you only relied on one particular type, for example internet sources?
• Is there a reason why you might not have a range? Is this justified

Source: Susan Trower of West Sound Academy

Criterion C:  Critical Thinking (12 marks)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which critical thinking skills have been used to analyze and evaluate the research undertaken.

• Have you made links between your results and data collected and your research question?
• If you included data or information that is not directly related to your research question have you explained its importance?
• Are your conclusions supported by your data?
• If you found unexpected information or data have you discussed its importance?
• Have you provided a critical evaluation of the methods you selected?
• Have you considered the reliability of your sources (peer-reviewed journals, internet, and so on)?
• Have you mentioned and evaluated the significance of possible errors that may have occurred in your research?
• Are all your suggestions of errors or improvements relevant?
• Have you evaluated your research question?
• Have you compared your results or findings with any other sources?
• Is there an argument that is clear and easy to follow and directly linked to answering your research question, and which is supported by evidence? Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

Criterion D:  Presentation (4 marks)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which the presentation follows the standard format expected for academic writing and the extent to which this aids effective communication.

• Have you read and understood the presentation requirements of the extended essay?
• Have you chosen a font that will be easy for examiners to read on-screen?
• Is your essay double-spaced and size 12 font?
• Are the title and research question mentioned on the cover page?
• Are all pages numbered?
• Have you prepared a correct table of contents?
• Do the page numbers in the table of contents match the page numbers in the text?
• Is your essay subdivided into correct sub-sections, if this is applicable to the subject?
• Are all figures and tables properly numbered and labelled?
• Does your bibliography contain only the sources cited in the text?
• Did you use the same reference system throughout the essay?
• Does the essay have less than 4,000 words?
• Is all the material presented in the appendices relevant and necessary?
• Have you proofread the text for spelling or grammar errors?

Source: Susan Trower of West Sound Academy 

Criterion E:  Engagement (6 marks)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the student’s RPPF (Reflections on planning and progress form).

• Have you demonstrated your engagement with your research topic and the research process?
• Have you highlighted challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your intellectual and skills development?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your creativity and intellectual initiative?
• Will the examiner get a sense of how you responded to actions and ideas in the research process?

EE Grade Boundaries

A: 27-34 marks

B: 21-26 marks

C: 14-20 marks

D: 7-13 marks

E: 0-6 marks

IB Extended Essay Publications

• IB EE Subject Specific Guidance
• Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

Sample EE Papers by Subject

• Eng A Examiner Marks
• Eng B Examiner Marks
• Bus Mgt Examiner Marks
• Econ Examiner Marks
• Geography Examiner Marks
• Hist Examiner Marks
• Bio Examiner Marks
• Chem Examiner Marks
• Comp Sci EE
• Comp Sci Examiner Marks
• Phys Examiner Marks
• SEHS Examiner Marks
• Math Examiner Marks
• Music Examiner Marks
• Visual Arts EE
• Visual Arts Examiner Marks
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Sir Wilfrid Laurier C.I. Library & Learning Commons

The Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

I’ve tried to narrow down the amount of information you need in terms of assessing the Extended Essay. We’ve all got enough “stuff” to read, right?

Advice for Assessing the E.E. A collection of advice for both mentors and students writing the E.E. I think this would be very helpful to share with students.

The Extended Essay Assessment Criteria This is the same handout given back in September. It would be a valuable tool while aiming coming to a Predicted Grade.

The Best Fit Approach Explains why the I.B. is using the “best fit” approach and what it means in terms of A&E.

Assessment of the E.E. and Exemplars The I.B.’s Extended Essay website has examples of assessed submissions in different subject areas. It also includes mark breakdowns and commentary. This kind of information helps give us an idea of what Evaluators are looking for.

• Criterion C: Critical thinking

Notes from the IB

RE: Research Question and Title of Extended Essay

Please note the statement below from the EE curriculum manager regarding the need to have both a title and a RQ for all subjects. Previous versions of the EE Guide indicated that the title and the RQ should be the same for History, Business Management and Mathematics. This is no longer the case.  All essays, regardless of the subject, need to have both a RQ and a title.

Hi Kathy, 

To answer your question, I am going to quote directly from a response John Royce provided, on this forum, in October in response to a very similar question: (it was a question about using Spanish sources - hence the mention of Spanish)

It is certainly  permissible to use sources which are not in the language of the essay, but translation into the target language is required , one cannot assume that the reader understands the original language.

It is usual to quote the original as well as presenting the translation.  [Do not put quotation marks around your translation, just around the original]

Umberto Eco argues ("in Mouse or rat?") that direct translation may lose meaning, paraphrase or use of different idioms may be required to get the ideas across. Paul Bellos ("Is that a fish in your ear?") makes a similar argument - direct translation may confound meaning... Direct translation may not be ideal - meaning and understanding are preferred - so, not to worry that your student with her good Spanish cannot present a direct translation.

What  must be made clear is that the translations are those of the student;  these are her understandings. Readers can make of that what they will - and if unsure, are presented with the original - they can seek another translation.  A note in the acknowledgements and/or in the introduction to the effect that all translations are those of the writer is ... essential.

In response to the question about the  Bibliography/Works cited, my preference would be to list the source in its original Thai version, but perhaps with the English in brackets, to help the examiner.

Your bibliography will have the entries in Thai characters first in the document. Any in-text citation to Thai sources will be in (Thai characters [English translation]).

Citation in Thai [English translation]

Works Cited Example:

วงษ์ปัญญา, ธนกร [Wongpunya, Thanakorn]. “โรงงานยาสูบรวยแค่ไหน และเอาเงินไปทำอะไรบ้าง.”  [How rich is the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and where does the money go?] (candidate translation). The Standard, The Standard, 30 Aug. 2018, thestandard.co/thailand-tobacco-monopoly/.

Format of the Extended Essay

Required Formatting

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look. 

To help achieve this, the following formatting is  required:

• 12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
• double spacing throughout entire Essay;
• page numbering - top right corner;
• no candidate or school name or supervisor name on the title page or page headers.

Submitting the extended essay in the required format will help set the tone of the essay and will aid readability for on-screen assessment by examiners.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected. 

There are six required elements of the final work to be submitted. More details about each element are given in the  “Presentation”  section. Please note that the order in which these elements are presented here is not necessarily the order in which they should be written. 

Six required elements of the extended essay:

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required Title Page  

The title page should include  only  the following information: 

• the title of the essay
• the research question
• the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized) 

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays. 

2. Required Contents Page

A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. Please note that an index page is not required and if included will be treated as if it is not present.

3. Required Introduction

The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in particular an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument to be taken. 

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay  (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

The main task is writing the body of the essay, which should be presented in the form of a reasoned argument. The form of this varies with the subject of the essay but as the argument develops it should be clear to the reader what relevant evidence has been discovered, where/how it has been discovered and how it supports the argument. In some subjects, for example, the sciences, sub-headings within the main body of the essay will help the reader to understand the argument (and will also help the student to keep on track). In structuring their extended essay, students must take into consideration the expected conventions of the subject in which their extended essay is registered. 

Once the main body of the essay is complete, it is possible to finalize the introduction (which tells the reader what to expect) and the conclusion (which says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved). 

Any information that is important to the argument  must not  be included in appendices or footnotes/endnotes. The examiner  will not  read notes or appendices, so an essay that is not complete in itself will be compromised across the assessment criteria.

5. Required Conclusion

The conclusion says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved. While students might draw conclusions throughout the essay based on their findings, it is important that there is a final, summative conclusion at the end. This conclusion(s) must relate to the research question posed.

6.  Required References & Bibliography

Students should use their chosen style of academic referencing as soon as they start writing. That way they are less likely to forget to include a citation. It is also easier than trying to add references at a later stage. For more information on this, refer to the guidelines in the IB document  Effective citing and referencing.

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

• Essays from May 2018 with IB marks and commentaries
• Assessed Student Work & Commentary IB-provided. "Student sample extended essays, corresponding marks and comments from senior examiners are available for the following Diploma Programme disciplines. Please note that in light of not having authentic RPPFs to accompany these essays, they are marked against criteria A – D only, for a total of 28 possible marks. Following the first assessment session in 2018, exemplars will be refreshed with authentic sample material." more... less... Biology English Economics History Studies in language and literature Language acquisition Mathematics Psychology Visual arts World studies extended essay (WSEE)
• Excellenet Extended Essays Concordian GoogleDoc
• EngA1_Othello EE Othello 2018 From inThinking.net Click the link to see the score and evaluation.
• Fifty (50) More Excellent Extended Essays DVD by International Baccalaureate Call Number: HS DVD 808.4 ISBN: 9781906345600 Publication Date: 2011 1 DVD-ROM (1:33 min.)

Past CIS Extended Essays

Available in the library behind the desk are file folders of past Extended Essays by Concordian students and IB EE Exemplars. Feel free to browse the papers which must be kept in the library.

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HS IB Extended Essay Guide: Supervisor Info

• Getting Started

Research Questions

• References & Citations
• Reflection (RPPF)

World Studies Extended Essay

• Science EE Info
• Past Essays
• Supervisor Info
• Citing Images, Tables, & Graphs

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Supporting the Extended Essay - Supervisor

Supervisors WILL :

• undertake three mandatory reflection sessions with each student they are supervising
• initial and date each reflection summarized on the  Reflections on planning and progress form  and provide comments at the end of the process. If the form and essay are submitted via the eCoursework system, then it is deemed signed and authenticated. An RPPF that is blank, unsubmitted, or written in a language other than that of the essay, will be awarded a 0 for criterion E.
• provide students with advice and guidance in the skills of undertaking research
• encourage and support students throughout the research and writing of the extended essay
• discuss the choice of topic with each student and, in particular, help to formulate a well-focused research question which is suitable to the subject of registration and ensure that the chosen research question satisfies appropriate legal and ethical standards with regard to health and safety, confidentiality, human rights, animal welfare and environmental issues
• is familiar with the  regulations  governing the extended essay and the assessment criteria, and gives copies of these to students
• monitor the progress of the extended essay to offer guidance and to ensure that the essay is the student’s own work (this may include presenting a section of the essay for supervisor comment)
• read and comment on one draft only of the extended essay (but do  not  edit the draft); this should take place after the  interim reflection session , but before the  final reflection session , the  viva voce
• ensure that the final version of the essay is handed in before the final reflection session ( viva voce ) takes place, and that no changes are made to it subsequently
• read the final version and, in conjunction with the  viva voce , confirm its authenticity.

Source: ibo.org

Supervisors are  strongly  recommended to:

• read recent extended essay reports for the subject
• spend between three and five hours with each student, including the time spent on the three mandatory reflection sessions
• encourage the development of a  Researcher’s reflection space  for students
• set a clear schedule for the reflection sessions
• ensure that the chosen research question is appropriate for the subject
• access to appropriate resources (such as people, a library, a laboratory)
• research methods
• how to cite and reference .

Supervisor Meetings

• EE Supervisor Meetings - Guidance

There are three mandatory reflection sessions that are a formal part of the extended essay.

• Reflection sessions
• First formal reflection session
• Interim reflection session
• Viva Voce reflection session

Source: Oxford, EE Manual, 2016

Five Criteria

A: Focus and method (6)

B: Knowledge and understanding (6)

C: Critical thinking (12)

D: Presentation (4)

E: Engagement (6)

Total: 34 marks

• Full EE Criteria
• Full EE Criteria - with comment space
• Assessment: Grade Descriptors
• Assessment: Unpacking the criteria
• Assessment: Understanding the assessment criteria

Grade Boundaries

Reporting Procedures

EE progress will appear on Reports DP Year 1: Semester 2 (EE supervisor) DP Year 2: Semester 3 & Semester 4 (EE coordinator) 

• EE: Reporting Instructions
• Formulating well-focused research questions
• Sample research questions
• The World Studies EE is organized across six global themes. Students choose one of these under which to register their essay
• The World Studies EE invites students to conduct an in-depth,  interdisciplinary  investigation into an issue of contemporary global importance
• The World Studies EE requires students to bring together aspects of different disciplines to illuminate their chosen topic
• Recognize and understand local and global relationships in dynamic interaction
• Students should use two DP subjects. It is strongly recommended that students are undertaking a course of study in at least one of the subjects chosen for their essay
• Students are not expected to address the topic in its full complexity, but should aim to generate understandings that are new to them
• World Studies global themes
• World Studies introduction
• World Studies multiple forms of integration

Subject Reports

These reports are produced by IB EE examiners, based on past student work and include subject specific notes about: 

• Range and suitability of work submitted
• Candidate performance against criteria A-E
• Recommendations for supervision of future candidates
• EE: Do's & Don'ts by Subject - April 2021 These do's and don'ts lists were compiled by EE supervisors, based on the EE Subject reports
• EE: General report 2021
• Biology: EE subject report 2021
• Business Management: EE subject report 2021
• Chemistry: EE subject report 2021
• Chinese B: EE subject report 2021
• Design: EE subject report 2021
• Economics: EE subject report 2021
• ESS: EE subject report 2021
• Film: EE subject report 2021
• Geography: EE subject report 2021
• Global Politics: EE subject report 2021
• History: EE subject report 2021
• Language A: EE subject report 2021
• Language B: EE subject report 2021
• Math: EE subject report 2021
• Music: EE subject report 2021
• Philosophy: EE subject report 2021
• Physics: EE subject report 2021
• Psychology: EE subject report 2021
• SEHS: EE subject report 2021
• Theatre: EE subject report 2021
• Visual Arts: EE subject report 2021
• World Religions: EE subject report 2021
• World Studies: EE subject report 2021

IB Subject Specific Requirements

These files cover individual subjects’ requirements for the extended essay (EE) in terms of:

• Choice of topic
• Treatment of topic

You can find subject specific information at the following website or in the PDF documents below:

• IBO.org EE Subject specific guidance Choose your subject group and then your identified subject to find out the subject requirements.
• EE guide Language A
• EE guide Language B
• EE guide Business Management
• EE guide Economics
• EE guide Global Politics
• EE guide History
• EE guide Psychology
• EE guide Philosophy
• EE guide ITGS
• EE guide Biology
• EE guide Chemistry
• EE guide Design Technology
• EE guide Physics
• EE guide SEHS
• EE guide Mathematics
• EE guide Music
• EE guide Theatre
• EE guide Visual Arts
• EE guide Film
• EE guide World Studies
• EE guide ESS
• EE guide Computer Science
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Extended Essay: Evaluation Criteria & Examiner Reports

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Extended Essay Support Site

Tok / ee matrix.

Marks from the EE are turned into grades, using the grade boundaries . The EE grade is combined with the TOK grade to determine the number of bonus points awarded, using the following 'matrix'. If you do not submit your extended essay on time (NS = Not Submitted) , or you do not submit your TOK essay on time you will not be awarded your IB Diploma. Failure to submit either will result in a failure to receive the Diploma.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is of course the third required component of the IB Diploma Programme 'core'. Besides earning grades for the EE and TOK, candidates must fulfil the requirements for CAS in order to receive their diploma.

So how many students are awarded bonus points on the average? These numbers vary from year to year, but generally speaking these are world averages. See the latest IB Statistical Bulletin for the most recent numbers.

3 bonus points = 8% 2 bonus points = 36% 1 bonus point = 26% 0 bonus points = 30%

Why are they called 'bonus' points (or previously 'additional' points)? The 24-point requirement for receiving the Diploma cannot be attained through bonus points but from the candidate's six subjects.