CYPRESSCREEKHIGH SCHOOL

INTERNATIONALBACCALAUREATEWORLDSCHOOL

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE EXTENDED ESSAY

IB Diploma Candidates May 2018

Junior Year Extended Essay Coordinators: Mr. Jacob Fruchtman

Senior Year Extended Essay Coordinator: Mr. Sam Reisner

IB Coordinator: Mrs. Meagan Peacock

Extended Essay Timeline

Date / Assignment
Junior Year:
❏January 2018 / Introduction to the EE:
Mr. Fruchtman will meet with all Juniors to discuss the extended Essay, to distribute materials, and to discuss timelines and expectations. Students should begin studying the various academic subject areas to find sources for their potential thesis construction.
❏Monday 2/5/2018
❏Extended Essay Contract form Due / Students Pick subject Area to write EE:
❏English
❏Environmental Systems
❏History
❏Psychology
❏Sports and Exercise
❏Theater
❏World Studies
❏Monday 2/12/2018
❏Three Possible Research Questions due / Students present 3 possible research questions by filling out google form questionnaire on Canvas
❏Wednesday 2/14/2018 / Extended Essay Committee vets all Research Questions. Advisors assigned to students via teachers lists per department.
❏Monday 2/20/2018-2/23/2018
❏EE Advisor Approval Deadline / Advisor approval of research questions by filling out Google form questionnaire on Canvas (Make Appointment with advisor)
❏Monday 3/26/2018
Source Evaluation deadline / Students will turn in initial Source evaluation:
English: 4 sources total (two works/2 criticisms)
Environmental Systems: 8 sources
History: 8 sources
Psychology: 8
Origin, Purpose, Content, Value, Limitations Outline Discussion of each source.
❏ Monday 4/23/2018 / Outline of entire paper with an Annotatedbibliography deadline
❏Friday 5/25/2018 / Rough Draft due, No Exceptions (Hard copy printed for Advisor and delivered.)
Senior Year:
❏No later than Friday 9/7/2018 / Update Conference with advisor ( student makes appointment via email)
❏Monday 9/24/2018 / Revised Paper Deadline
❏Monday 9/24/2018-10/15/2018 / Advisor Marks Paper Against Rubric
❏Wednesday 10/31/2018 / Final Draft Due
❏When fully complete, schedule a meeting with advisor via email and upload all final docs to Managebac and submit all final docs and reflections. / Viva Voce presentation with advisor (Last meeting)

Requirements for IB Diploma Candidates Regarding the Extended Essay

It is required that students:

  • Choose a topic that fits into one of the subjects from the approved Extended Essay list
  • Observe the regulations of the Extended Essay
  • Meet all deadlines
  • Acknowledge all sources of information and ideas in an approved academic manner

It is STRONGLY recommended that students:

  • Start work early
  • Think very carefully about the research question for their essay
  • Plan how, when, and where they will find material for their essay
  • Plan a schedule (see timeline on previous page) for both researching and writing their essay, including extra time for delays and unforeseen problems
  • Record sources as their research progresses (rather than trying to reconstruct a list at the end)
  • Have a clear structure for the essay itself before beginning to write
  • Check and proofread the final version carefully
  • Make sure that all basic requirements are met

Advice from Examiners to Students

Examiners’ Reports frequently emphasize the following positive steps:

  • Read the assessment criteria (attached)
  • Spend time working on your research question (imagine the finished essay)
  • Work out a structure for the Essay

During the research process, and while writing the Essay, students should:

  • Start work early and stick to deadlines
  • Maintain a good working relationship with your advisor
  • Construct an argument that actually answers your research question
  • Record sources as you go along (rather than trying to reconstruct a list at the end)
  • Choose a new topic and research question that can be answered if there is a problem with the original topic and/or question
  • Use the appropriate language for the subject
  • Let your interest show

Things to avoid at all costs:

Students should not work with a research question that is too broad, too narrow, too difficult, or inappropriate. A good research question is one that asks something worth asking and that is answerable within 40 hours/4000 words. It should be clear what would count as evidence in relation to the question, and it must be possible to acquire such evidence in the course of the investigation. If a student does not know what evidence is needed, or cannot collect such evidence, it will not be possible to answer the research question.

In addition, students should not:

  • Forget to analyze the research question
  • Ignore the assessment criteria
  • Collect material that is irrelevant to the research question
  • Use the internet uncritically
  • Plagiarize
  • Merely describe or report (evidence must be used to support the argument)
  • Repeat the introduction in the conclusion
  • Cite sources that are not used

One further piece of advice: the more background you have in the subject, the better the chance you have a writing a good extended essay.

Formal Presentation of the Extended Essay

I. Format Guidelines

A. Use a serif font (Times New Roman or Tahoma are examples) because serif fonts are more readable than san-serif.

B. Text should be 12 point.

C. Double space text (Exceptions: Follow the style manual of your selected

formatting style for specific directions on block quotations, tables, charts, and bibliographic citations).

D. Indent paragraphs.

E. Use appropriate margins on all sides (1” all around, acceptable format on first page is 2” top margin).

F. Use consistent pagination throughout – either running head (header) in the top right corner or centered at bottom (footer). You may put your candidate number in the header but not your name.

II. Parts of the Extended Essay

A. Title Page

1. Title centered on page

2. Student Name

3. Candidate Number

4. Date of IB Exams

5. EE Category/Area

6. Advisor’s Name

7. Word Count

B. Abstract (with word count at bottom of page)

C. Table of Contents

D. Introduction

E. Body of Paper

F. Conclusion

G. Works Cited/Bibliography

III. Points to Consider

A. Have you followed the guidelines for your subject? Are you sure your

question is acceptable within the guidelines?

B. Have you closely examined the scoring rubric to see if you have met the

criteria for the maximum number of points?

C. Have you followed the guidelines for writing an introduction? Have you

adequately met the criteria?

D. Have you supported your position with reputable research?

E.Is the most important part of your essay the research question and how

you support it? That is, have you clearly stated your research position and

supported it by building a case based on your thoughts/perspectives and

then, secondarily, supported your claim with pertinent research?

F. Do you have a strong finish – a strong conclusion? What are the

implications for further development of the topic, for further research in

this area?

G.Does your works cited/bibliography page include only your in-text citations?

Extended Essay Criterion

A: Research Question

This criterion assesses the extent to which the purpose of the essay is specified. In many subjects, the aim of the essay will normally be expressed as a questions and, therefore, this criterion is called the research question. Certain disciplines may permit or encourage different ways of formulating the research task.

Achievement Level / Descriptor / Mark
0 / The research question is not in the introduction or does not apply to the subject that it is registered in.
1 / The research question is in the introduction but it is not clear or is not specific enough to be written about within the word limit.
2 / The research question is clearly stated in the introduction and can be analyzed within the word limit.

For additional help on writing a thesis/research question go to the Dartmouth College Writing Program Website at

B: Introduction

This criterion assesses the extent to which the introduction makes clear how the research question how the research question relates to current knowledge on the topic and explains how and why the topic is worthy of investigation.

Achievement Level / Descriptor / Mark
0 / Little or no attempt is made to set the research question into context. There is little or no attempt to explain the significance of the topic.
1 / Some attempt is made to put the research question into context. There is some attempt to explain the significance of the topic and why it worthy of investigation.
2 / The context of the research question is clearly demonstrated. The introduction clearly explains the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation.

You should study the information on developing an introduction on the Dartmouth College Writing Program website at

C: Investigation

This criterion assesses the extent to which the investigation is planned and an appropriate range of sources has been consulted, or data has been gathered, that is relevant to the research question. Where the research question does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject in which the essay is registered, the maximum level that can be awarded for this criterion is 2.

Achievement Level

/
Descriptor
/
Mark
0 / There is little to no evidence that sources have been consulted or data gathered, and little or no evidence of planning in the investigation
1 / A range of inappropriate sources has been consulted, or inappropriate data has been gathered, and there is little evidence that the investigation has been planned.
2 / A limited range of appropriate sources has been consulted, or data has been gathered, and some relevant material has been selected. There is evidence of some planning in the investigation.
3 / A sufficient range of appropriate sources has been consulted, or date has been gathered, and relevant material has been selected. The investigation has been satisfactorily planned.
4 / An imaginative range of appropriate sources has been consulted, or data has been gathered, and relevant material has been carefully selected. The investigation has been well planned.

D: Knowledge and Understanding of Topic

Where the research question does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject in which the essay is registered, the maximum level that can be awarded for this criterion is 2. “Academic context,” as used in this guide, can be defined as the current state of the field of study under investigation. However, this is to be understood in relation to what can be reasonably be expected of a pre-university student. For example, to obtain a level 4, it would be sufficient to relate the investigation to the principal lines of inquiry in the relevant field.

Achievement Level /
Descriptor
/
Mark
0 / The essay demonstrates no real knowledge or understanding of the topic studied.
1 / The essay demonstrates some knowledge but little understanding of the topic studied. The essay shows some awareness of an academic context for the investigation.
2 / The essay demonstrates an adequate knowledge and some understanding of the topic studied. The essay shows some awareness of an academic context for the investigation.
3 / The essay demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the topic studied. When appropriate, the essay successful outlines an academic context for the investigation.
4 / The essay demonstrates a very good knowledge and understanding of the topic studied. Where appropriate, the essay clearly and precisely locates the investigation an academic context.

E: Reasoned Argument

This criterion assesses the extent to which the essay uses the material collected to present ideas in a logical and coherent manner, and develops a reasoned argument in relation to the research question. Where the research question does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject in which the essay is registered, the maximum level that can be awarded for this criterion is 2.

Achievement Level
/
Descriptor
/
Mark
0 / There is no attempt to develop a reasoned argument in relation to the research question
1 / There is a limited or superficial attempt to present ideas in a logical and coherent manner, and to develop a reasoned argument in relation to the research question.
2 / There is some attempt to present ideas in a logical and coherent manner, and to develop a reasoned argument in relation to the research question, but this is only partially successful.
3 / Ideas are presented in a logical and coherent manner, and a reasoned argument is developed in relation to the research question, but with some weaknesses.
4 / Ideas are presented clearly and in a logical and coherent manner. The essay succeeds in developing a reasoned and convincing argument in relation to the research question.

Information about logic and argument is located at the Dartmouth College Writing Program website at Additional information on how to develop an informed argument can be found on the same website at

F: Application of Analytical and Evaluative Skills Appropriate to the Subject

Achievement Level
/
Descriptor
/
Mark
0 / The essay shows no application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills.
1 / The essay shows little application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills.
2 / The essays shows some application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills, which may be only partially effective.
3 / The essay shows sound application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills.
4 / The essay shows effective and sophisticated application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills.

You may benefit from reading the information on constructing an informed argument (and developing evaluative and analytical skills) on the Dartmouth College Writing website at

G: Use of Language Appropriate to the Subject

Achievement Level
/
Descriptor
/
Mark
0 / The language used is inaccurate and unclear. There is no effective use of terminology appropriate to the subject.
1 / The language used sometimes communicates clearly but does not do so consistently. The use of terminology appropriate to the subject is only partly accurate.
2 / The language used for the most part communicates clearly. The use of terminology appropriate to the subject is usually accurate.
3 / The language used communicates clearly. The use of terminology appropriate to the subject is accurate, although there may be occasional lapses.
4 / The language used communicates clearly and precisely. Terminology appropriate to the subject is used accurately, with skill and understanding.

You can make your essay (and your argument) easier to understand by attending to style and usage. Information on these topics can be found on the Dartmouth College Writing Program’s website at

H: Conclusion

This criterion assesses the extent to which the essay incorporates a conclusion that is relevant to the research question and is consistent with the evidence presented in the essay.

Achievement Level
/
Descriptor
/

Mark

0 / Little or not attempt is made to provide a conclusion that is relevant to the research question.
1 / A conclusion is attempted that is relevant to the research question but may not be entirely consistent with the evidence presented in the essay.
2 / An effective conclusion is clearly stated; it is relevant to the research question and consistent with the evidence presented in the essay. It should include unresolved questions where appropriate to the subject concerned.

I: Formal Presentation

This criterion assesses the extent to which the layout, organization, appearance and formal elements of the essay consistently follow a standard format. The formal elements are: title page, table of contents, page numbers, illustrative material, quotations, documentation (including references, citations and bibliography) and appendices (if used).

Achievement Level / Descriptor / Mark
0 / The formal presentation is unacceptable or the essay exceeds 4000 words.
1 / The formal presentation is poor.
2 / The formal presentation is satisfactory.
3 / The presentation is good.
4 / The formal presentation is excellent

J: Abstract

The requirements for the abstract are for it to state clearly the research question that was investigated, how the investigation was undertaken and the conclusion(s) of the essay.

Achievement Level / Descriptor / Mark
0 / The abstract exceeds 300 words or one or more of the required elements of an abstract (listed above) is missing.
1 / The abstract contains the elements listed above but they are not clearly stated.
2 / The abstract clearly states all the elements listed above.

K: Holistic Judgment

The purpose of this criterion is to assess the qualities that distinguish an essay from the average, such as intellectual initiative, depth of understanding and insight. While these qualities will be clearly present in the best work, less successful essays may also show some evidence of them and should be rewarded under this criterion.

Achievement Level / Descriptor / Mark
0 / The essay shows no evidence of such qualities.
1 / The essay shows little evidence of such qualities.
2 / The essay shows some evidence of such qualities.
3 / The essay shows clear evidence of such qualities.
4 / The essay shows considerable evidence of such qualities.

TOTAL SCORE ______

A = Excellence 30-36

B = Good 25-29

C = Satisfactory17-24

D = Mediocre 9-16

E = Elementary 0-8

International Baccalaureate Program Cypress Creek High School, IB World School, Extended Essay Contract

Please print.

Name of Candidate ______

Topic

Psychology

English Sports & Exercise

Environmental Systems Theater

History

Candidate Email ______

Parent/Guardian Email ______

I have read and understand the regulations and guidelines for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay. I will adhere to the regulations and guidelines and the deadlines prescribed in the contract. I will contact my supervisor and coordinator should there be any modifications in the above indicated information. Students must complete the extended essay in order to continue enrollment in the IB curriculum, have recommendations written based on IB candidacy and be registered for May exams.

Date______Candidate Signature______

I have read and understand the regulations and guidelines for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay. I will offer my parental support to see that my child adheres to the regulations and guidelines and the deadlines prescribed in the contract. I understand that students must complete the extended essay in order to continue enrollment in the IB curriculum, have recommendations written based on IB candidacy and be registered for May exams.