The Extended Essay (EE), along with Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Action and Service, form the unique core of the IBDP hexagon. The EE essentially springs from the very first IB Learner Profile i.e. “Inquirer”. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research.

Recognising that research is a very important element of tertiary study, the IBDP has proactively introduced the research process in an elementary form. IB students get the opportunity to carry out research in there are of interest, subject to the stringent academic requirements of a research paper. This will stand our students in good stead when they pursue tertiary studies.

Students are encouraged to do an EE in a subject that they are registered for. Each student will be assigned a supervisor who will guide the student at various stages of the EE, spending between three and five hours with each student.

The following are the main steps involved in the EE process:

1. Discussion to find a suitable title, phrased in the form of a question.
2. Literature search
3. Prepare a research proposal
4. Prepare introduction
5. Prepare theoretical framework
6. Prepare research methodology
7. Data collection – both primary and secondary data
8. Prepare research findings
9. Analyse data
10. Prepare report on analysis
11. Prepare conclusion
12. Prepare unanswered questions
13. Prepare abstract
14. Compile the EE – with cover page, acknowledgement, contents, references and appendices.

By doing an EE, an IB student learns the proper methodology and analysis in research, learns to question reliability of sources and also learns to quote his or her sources, thereby ensuring a work that is authentic.

The IB Department will set internal deadlines for various stages of the EE. It is vital that these deadlines are met.

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