Maximum word count applies
The essay must not exceed the maximum word count (excluding the title page, contents page, references, footnotes and appendices).
The Extended Essay is a compulsory, independent research paper that forms part of the IB Diploma core. It gives students the chance to investigate a topic of personal interest within a DP subject, developing research, writing and critical thinking skills that prepare them for university study.
The Extended Essay (EE) is a mandatory component of the IB Diploma Programme. It is an independent, self-directed piece of research culminating in a formal academic paper with a defined word limit.
Students choose a topic within one of their six DP subjects (or a World Studies combination) and work under the guidance of a school-appointed supervisor. The EE is externally assessed and, together with Theory of Knowledge, contributes core points toward the diploma total.
Assesses the research question, methodology and how well the essay maintains focus.
Evaluates knowledge and understanding of the topic within its subject context.
Measures analysis, evaluation and synthesis of evidence.
Covers structure, layout, referencing and formal presentation.
Judges engagement through the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF).
The essay must not exceed the maximum word count (excluding the title page, contents page, references, footnotes and appendices).
Required elements include a title page, contents page, introduction, body, conclusion, references and bibliography.
A consistent referencing style (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago) must be applied throughout.
The presentation should be clear: readable font, page numbers, labelled figures and tables, and no candidate or school identification on the essay itself.
Clear layout with page numbers, labelled figures and tables supports Criterion D (Presentation).
The EE must be the student's own work.
The RPPF, completed during the three reflection sessions, provides evidence of the student's intellectual engagement and authenticity.
The final viva voce allows the supervisor to confirm authorship and discuss the research process.
Any suspected malpractice — plagiarism, excessive external help, fabricated data — is investigated by the IB and can result in loss of the diploma.
The supervisor authenticates the process through comments on the RPPF and the viva voce.
Frequent issues include choosing a topic that is too broad to treat in depth, relying on description instead of analysis, using sources uncritically, inconsistent or missing referencing, and missing reflection sessions or submitting an incomplete RPPF.
A weak research question that does not allow for argument and evaluation limits the score on Criteria A and C. Last-minute drafting often leads to presentation errors that cost points on Criterion D.
The Extended Essay must not exceed the maximum word count. This count excludes the title page, contents page, references, footnotes, appendices and the RPPF.
The IB requires three mandatory reflection sessions: an initial session, an interim session and a final viva voce after the essay is completed.
The EE must be registered in one of the student's six DP subjects or as a World Studies essay combining two DP subjects. It cannot be in a subject the student is not studying.
Missing a reflection session means the RPPF will be incomplete, which can reduce the score on Criterion E (Engagement) and may raise questions about the authenticity of the work.
The supervisor provides guidance on the research question, methodology and structure, and comments on the RPPF. They do not edit, proofread or write any part of the essay.
Our tutors help you refine your research question, align your structure with the assessment criteria and prepare for reflection sessions — all while keeping the work authentically yours.