Extended Essay: Home

What is the Extended Essay?

The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic, in a particular subject area. It is a unique opportunity for students to explore an academic area in which they have a personal interest, with individual guidance from a supervisor.

This takes the form of an independently written research paper that allows students to demonstrate their passion, enthusiasm, intellectual initiative and/or creative approach for their chosen topic. Such topics can range from focused, in-depth analyses of specific elements of a subject to critically evaluating responses to issues of global significance.

At a Glance:

• A student must achieve a D grade or higher to be awarded the Diploma.
• The extended essay process helps prepare students for success at university and in other pathways beyond the Diploma Programme.
• The extended essay is a piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor in the school.
• It is presented as a formal piece of sustained academic writing containing no more than 4,000 words.
• It is the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student.
• Students are supported by a supervision process recommended to be 3–5 hours, which includes three mandatory reflection sessions.