Hey everyone, I'm in the IB program and I'm kinda confused about the Extended Essay. Can someone explain what needs to be in it or maybe share their own EE experiences? Any extra help would be much appreciated.
Hello! The Extended Essay (EE) is a vital part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It's an independent, self-directed research paper that encourages students to dive into an area of interest. You'll need to write a 4,000-word essay, which equates to a mini-thesis, on a subject of your choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (usually a teacher at your school).
Here are a few key factors to remember when crafting your Extended Essay:
1. Choose the Right Subject: You should pick a subject in which you are genuinely interested and about which you are prepared to read extensively. This will help make the process more enjoyable, and your interest will shine through in your writing, making your essay more engaging.
2. Form a Clear, Focused Research Question: Your research question should be clear, precise and focused. A broad or unclear question will make it harder for you to structure your essay and build a convincing argument.
3. Build a Solid Argument: Your essay should present a coherent, well-substantiated argument. You should be able to draw clear connections between your research, analysis, and the research question.
4. Conduct Extensive Research: You should conduct comprehensive primary and secondary research. Be prepared to explore different resources such as books, journal articles, reports, and others to support your argument.
5. Structure Your Essay: The essay should be properly structured, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. It should also follow academic conventions, including citations, referencing and bibliographies.
6. Reflect on the Process: As part of the core of the IB curriculum, the "Reflections on planning and progress form" requires you to reflect on the research and writing process. These reflections are a critical part of the Extended Essay and are taken into account during assessment.
Your own school may have more specific guidelines, so always make sure to check with your supervisor or guidance counselor. The EE can certainly be challenging, but it's also a great opportunity for you to learn about a subject you love in depth and to improve your research and writing skills, which will be beneficial for college and beyond. Best of luck to you!
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