An Extended Essay (EE) is an individual project that requires you to conduct self-directed research on a subject and a topic of your choice.
The extended essay requires you to pick one subject, choose one topic, develop a research question, conduct in-depth research, and write a comprehensive 4,000-word report of your findings.
IB requires you to write an extended essay alongside an internal assessment at SL and HL, a Theory of Knowledge essay, and a ToK exhibition commentary.
Because an extended essay is a formal academic paper, you should conduct research beyond your classroom’s materials and cite sources properly. Additionally, you’ll need to submit your first draft to your supervisor for review and feedback and subsequently revise and refine your work up to the complete version of the essay.
What Are the Extended Essay Requirements?
The extended essay requires you to:
- Select a subject from one of the six categories in the IB Diploma Program.
- Choose an interesting extended essay topic, which could be something you’ve studied in class or a theme you’ve always wanted to explore.
- Develop a clear, focused, and concise extended essay research question based on the topic you’ve selected.
- Conduct independent research and present your findings in a well-structured essay of no more than 4,000 words long.
IB Approved Subjects for Extended Essay
The first step in the extended essay research project is to choose a subject. You’re free to choose any subject you want to explore, as long as it falls into one of the IB-approved subjects.
The table below is a summary of the different subject groups, grouped by categories with relevant examples for clarity:
| Category | Subject | Focus Area |
| Studies in Language & Literature | Language A: Literature | In the student’s native or best language |
| Language A: Language and Literature | Combines literature analysis and language use. | |
| Literature and Performance | Interdisciplinary: literature and theater arts | |
| Language Acquisition | Language B (various languages) | For second-language learners (English B, Spanish B, French B, and so on) |
| Classical Languages | Latin or Classical Greek | |
| Individuals and Societies | Business Management | Topics like marketing, finance, human resources. |
| Economics | Economic theories, current economic issues | |
| Geography | Physical and human geography | |
| Global Politics | Political concepts, contemporary issues | |
| History | Any historical topic of choice, which can be local, national, or international | |
| Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) | How IT affects society. | |
| Philosophy | Abstract reasoning and critical thinking | |
| Psychology | Human behavior and mental processes | |
| Social and Cultural Anthropology | Human societies, cultures, and development | |
| Sciences | Biology | Experimental research and biological concepts |
| Chemistry | Chemical processes, experiments | |
| Physics | Experimental or theoretical physics | |
| Computer Science | Programming, algorithms, data structures, or computational theory | |
| Design Technology | Design cycle, innovation, and product design. | |
| Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) | Interdisciplinary in nature | |
| Mathematics | Mathematics | Pure mathematics, statistics, or applied mathematics. |
| The Arts | Dance | Choreography, performance, dance theory |
| Film | Film theory, film production, or analysis | |
| Music | Music theory, composition, or musicology | |
| Theatre | Theater production, script analysis, stage performance. | |
| Visual Arts | Art production, critique, techniques | |
| Interdisciplinary | World Studies | Combines two subjects to address a global issue |
According to IB, you must choose a subject you’re studying in the Diploma program. Additionally, an extended essay in World Studies has to integrate two subjects that focus on a global issue.
Note that Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary subject that falls into science and humanities.
Extended Essay Topic Consideration
IB gives you the freedom to select an extended essay topic of your choice. This freedom presents an opportunity for you to investigate an issue that aligns with your interest, as long as the topic you’ve selected fits in one of the six subject groups approved by IB.
When it comes to topic selection, we strongly suggest that you pick a topic that don’t just arouse and captivate your curiosity. The topic should equally allow you to focus your research on what’s academically engaging.
According to IB, the topic you choose must fit within the subject’s framework. For example, an extended essay in History can’t be purely about political science.
What Are The Steps to Complete an Extended Essay?
There are 5 major steps to write an extended essay, and they’re as follows:
- Choose a supervisor who is familiar with the subject and topic for which you want to write the essay.
- Pick a subject to focus on, making sure it falls within one of the six subject groups approved by the IB.
- Choose a topic that fascinates you or one that focuses on an issue you’ve always wanted to explore.
- Plan your research and writing process while keeping in mind that you have a maximum of 40 hours to complete the project.
- Ensure you attend all the relevant reflection sessions, as these sessions contribute some points to the final EE grades.
What is an Extended Essay Reflection?
The extended essay reflection is a part of the EE project, usually covered within the 40 hours of writing.
Sometimes referred to as “meetings”, the extended essay reflection sessions connect with your supervisor so that you can engage in discussions about your essay. Ideally, the reflections allow you to document your thinking, planning, and decision-making during the essay research and writing process.
You need to plan and attend a maximum of three meetings. Each meeting is a chance for you to get insights from your teacher and use these insights to enhance your involvement in the research and writing process.
What Assessment Criteria (Rubric) Does IB Use for Extended Essay?
The table below is a summary of the extended essay rubric used by IB examiners to assess the 4,000 words report:
| Criterion | Description | Marks Available | Key Focus Areas |
| A: Focus and Method | Assesses the clarity of the research question, topic relevance, and suitability of the research method | 6 | Your essay must have a clearly focused research question, a relevant topic, and well-chosen research methods. |
| B: Knowledge and Understanding | Evaluates subject-specific knowledge and understanding in context | 6 | The essay should demonstrate accurate knowledge, a strong grasp of the topic within the subject area, and consistent use of subject-specific terminology. |
| C: Critical Thinking | Measures the analysis, discussion, and evaluation of evidence and arguments | 12 | You must analyze and evaluate information effectively, construct a reasoned argument, and consider different interpretations. |
| D: Presentation | Looks at structure, layout, and adherence to formal guidelines | 4 | The essay must be clearly organized, formatted according to IB requirements, and include correct citations and a complete bibliography. |
| E: Engagement | Based on the student’s reflections throughout the research process | 6 | Your reflections should show genuine personal engagement, thoughtful consideration of challenges, and evidence of learning and development. |