The Extended Essay

The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from a list of approved Diploma Programme subjects – normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (teacher in school).

After approximately 40 hours work 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. The research process necessarily involves intellectual risk-taking and extensive reflection; open-mindedness, balance and fairness are key requisites for a good extended essay.

The aims of the extended essay are to provide students with the opportunity to:

• Pursue independent research on a focused topic
• Develop research and communication skills
• Develop the skills of creative and critical thinking
• Engage in a systematic process of research appropriate to the subject
• Experience the excitement of intellectual discovery

Titles of former students’ extended essays

Click here to view titles of former students’ extended essays.