Extended Essay(EE)

Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

The Extended Essay is

compulsory for diploma programme students

What is the Extended Essay?

A formal piece of scholarship of no more than 4,000 words based on extensive independent research

4,000 word upper limit includes intro, body, conclusion, quotations Does not include:

Abstract Contents page Citations Works cited Appendices

The Extended Essay is

chosen from a list of approved subjects

the result of approximately 40 hours of student work over 1 & ½ years

Scored by IB, not East teachers

EE and ToK Diploma Points

EE + ToK: 0-3 Diploma Points A grade of ‘E’ (lowest grade) on the EE raises

the total number of required DP points (28) A grade of ‘E’ in EE & ToK is an automatic

Diploma Programme failure

Why? Aims of the EE

Pursue independent research on a focused topic

Develop research and communication skills Develop creative and critical thinking skills Engage in a systematic process Experience intellectual discovery

Why? Objectives

Formulate a precise research question Gather and interpret material from

appropriate sources Structure a reasoned argument in response

to the research question Support the argument with evidence Acknowledge sources (WC list) Use subject appropriate

terminology/language

“Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.”

Sir Francis Bacon (1625)

Who?

You, of course! Independent investigatory and writing

experience

Who?

Well, mostly you. You will have the assistance of a faculty

supervisor who will serve as your guide.

Role of the Supervisor

Meet with student (total: 3-5 hrs) Assist with EE fundamentals

EX) writing a research question Possess knowledge of EE rules/guidelines Read and comment on first draft Submit predicted grade and brief report Conduct ‘viva voce’ (exit interview)

The Iceberg Model

7/8 = Pre-Writing Phase Student and Supervisor work

together to: Explore and discuss ideas Locate resources Discuss readings and ideas Develop suitable research

question Supervisor monitors

progress 1/8 = Writing Phase Student works independently

to: Write EE draft Prepare the final EE

How are supervisors assigned?

You will be assigned a supervisor based on selected subject area, personal preference and supervisor availability

Where?

This is not a class that regularly meets. Research and writing is conducted mostly on

your own time. Make use of KE’s excellent library resources

Online databases & physical books Library staff! (aka your new best friends)

Meetings with supervisor @ KE Off campus libraries – UB, Erie County,

databases

When? EE Timeline

In general: Junior year

all pre-writing & rough draft Summer between junior year & senior year

Time away from the EE Fall senior year: revise and write final draft

Due February

Students should

Read several EE samples in different subject areas Pick a subject and topic of genuine interest Avoid picking a subject just to work with a “popular

teacher” Meet deadlines

Components count as a grade Start early (procrastination kills) Build in time for unexpected problems Meet with your supervisor Be academically honest

Academic Honesty

Student is ultimately responsible Work or ideas of others must be fully and

correctly acknowledged The EE submitted must be the authentic

work of the student Both plagiarism and collusion (working

with others) are forms of malpractice

Deadlines: Junior Year

September 28, 2012: Read extended essay guide including subject area guides for your subject

October  19,  2012 : Read 3 example EEs (from KE IB website), complete comment sheet, select subject

November 2,  2012 : Supervisor will be assigned

January 2013: Working research question finalized

EE Junior Year continued

February - April  2013 : Acquire sources April  2013 : Annotated bibliography April - June  2013 : Develop working outline,

meet with supervisor to discuss outline June  2013 : Finalize outline with supervisor July - August  2013 : Write first draft

Timeline: Senior Year

September  2013 : Submit first draft for commentary to your supervisor

October - December  2013 : Rethink, Revise, revise, revise, edit and proofread

Viva Voce w/ supervisor Interview with supervisor, EE coordinator, DP

coordinator January 2014 - Submit paper to IB

It is your responsibility to be responsible for your responsibilities

Ultimately, you are responsible for your EE.