EXtended Essay
The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of available Diploma Programme subjects for the session in question. This is normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for those taking the IB diploma, or a subject that a course student has a background in. It is intended to promote academic research and writing skills, providing students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (an appropriately qualified member of staff within the school). This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. It is mandatory that all students undertake three reflection sessions with their supervisor, which includes a short, concluding interview, or viva voce, with their supervisor following the completion of the extended essay.
World Studies
The WSEE invites students to conduct an in-depth, interdisciplinary investigation into an issue of contemporary global importance (maximum 4,000 words).
TOPICS
Examples of potential topics include: Global health crisis, Climate change, Terrorism, Energy security, Migration, Global health problems, Disaster relief and rehabilitation, Civil protest and unrest, Global financial crisis, Disadvantaged groups, Infringements on human rights, Discrimination and persecution.
INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
The perspective of just one subject may not be adequate to address complex issues like these. The WSEE therefore requires students to bring together aspects of different disciplines to illuminate their chosen topic.
The IB recommends that the student uses two disciplines. These must be Diploma Programme subjects, one of which the student must be studying.
Students are not expected to address the topic in its full complexity, but should aim to generate understandings that are new to them.
The IB recommends that the student uses two disciplines. These must be Diploma Programme subjects, one of which the student must be studying.
Students are not expected to address the topic in its full complexity, but should aim to generate understandings that are new to them.
INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
Interdisciplinary research values the process of learning, as well as its results. The process involves students in:
Students begin the interdisciplinary research process with their initial beliefs about their chosen topics.
- identifying a topic of personal, local* and global significance
- framing a researchable question
- identifying the sources of expertise and disciplinary perspectives to further their understanding of the topic
- gathering relevant information, ideas and tools in such disciplines
- defining a research approach or method
- synthesizing the different perspectives to advance their own interpretation or explanation of, or solution to, the problem under study
- crafting the essay and reflecting on their work, its significance, limitations and possibilities.
Students begin the interdisciplinary research process with their initial beliefs about their chosen topics.
Student reflection in the extended essay is critical. Effective reflection highlights the engagement of the student in an intellectual and personal process and how this has changed the student as a learner and affected the completion of that individual’s essay.
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Students should identify a working research question early on but be prepared to change it as a result of their research.
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You will begin the interdisciplinary research process with your own initial beliefs about their chosen topics. As you gather findings, consider theories and make connections, you will revise and enrich your initial views. Find out more about WSEE research here.
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Your extended essay is a formally written research paper and you should strive to present it as professionally as you can.
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The structure of the essay is very important. It will help you to organise your argument, making the best use of the evidence collected. There are six required elements of the final work to be submitted. You can find more about this here.
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Assessment of the extended essay is a combination of formative assessment (the Reflections on planning and progress form) and summative assessment (the extended essay itself).
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