Introduction to the IB Extended Essay.

1. The Extended EssayWhat is it?Deadlines/CalendarSample Topics

2. What is the EE? The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 3500 - 4000-word paper. College level essay – with a lot of guidance In-depth study in a topic of interest

3. EE Length Average length is 19-20 pages Word count does not include abstracts, contents, charts/tables, bibliography or appendices. The IBO recommends the student spend 40 hours on their EE

4. Format Must be Double spaced 12 point type. Only standardized fonts with non-stylized, standard horizontal spacing The essay requires an abstract (summary), Title page, table of contents, and bibliography Uniform citation style (MLA) All margins should be one inch All pages should be numbered

5. Scoring The total score of the essay places it in one of the following categories: A excellent B good C satisfactory D mediocre E elementary

6. Assessment Criteria Externally assessed by IBO examiners General assessment criteria: writing, use of data and overall presentation. Subject assessment criteria: how the chosen topic is managed within the context of the chosen subject of the essay. Each subject has its own set of assessment criteria. Official essay guidelines will be provided to the student when the essay topic is finalized.

7. Bloom’s New Taxonomy

8. The EE Develops Capacity to: Analyze Synthesize Evaluate knowledge Taken from: http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/essay/

9. Advisors Students are supported throughout the process with advice and guidance from a supervisor (usually a teacher at the school) Role of Advisor Offer encouragement, support Help with determining topic and research question (but this should be the student’s choice) The advisor reads and comments on the first draft of the extended essay, but is not permitted to edit this draft for the candidate. It is the candidate’s responsibility to correct mistakes and verify the accuracy of the contents of the extended essay. Completes advisor’s report when EE is completed

10. Research Process Emphasis is placed on the Research Process: Formulating an appropriate research question Engaging in a personal exploration of the topic Communicating ideas Developing an argument.

11. The Iceberg Model 1/8 = Writing Phase Student works independently to prepare the final EE: Revision conference drives final version of essay 7/8 = Pre-Writing/Draft Phase Student works with supervisor to: Explore and discuss ideas Locate resources Develop suitable research question Take notes, make outline Write drafts—monitor progress

13. Important EE Deadlines Choose an Advisor Choose Subject and topic Advanced Outline Due First Draft Due Second Draft Due (1st day of school) Final Essay Due

14. What should you be doing now? Explore different subjects you are interested in Begin with: Your subject area interests The things you have been reading Conversations you have had in class or with others are often good sources of ideas. Think about the subject areas of the IB hexagon which area interests you the most? Talk to your teachers about possible topics

15. IB Hexagon

16. Choosing a Topic Select a subject you are interested in Must be one of your IB diploma subjects. Read the subject guideline in The Extended Essay Guide (EE Wiki) Meet with your supervisor Create a list of possible topics Narrow to a topic of interest to you

20. Subject Areas English literature Arabic literature History Biology Mathematics Chemistry Music Visual Arts Physics

21. Subject vs. Topic The single biggest problem most students have is distinguishing between a subject and a topic.

22. Examples Subject: The life and paintings of Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840). Topic: The transfer of the silhouette technique from humans to landscape in the later paintings of Caspar David Friedrich. Subject:Raku pottery. Topic: The impact of Raku glazes on contemporary western pottery.

23. Which is a better topic? Nationalism Nationalism as a cause of the First World War

24. History Cecil Rhodes An examination of the influence of British Darwinism on Cecil Rhodes

25. Math Prime numbers Prime numbers in cryptography

26. Math Graph Theory Using Graph Theory to minimize cost

27. Alternative energy sources Wind Power: A clean source of Energy?

28. English Literature The Brontes Religious imagery in Wuthering Heights

29. English Literature Racial conflict in the twentieth century The problems of racial conflict as shown through the works of James Baldwin

30. Arabic Literature The land in MahmodDarwish poets MahmodDarwish poets

31. Arabic Literature Women in Khalil Gibran’s writing Khalil Gibran

32. Art The history of Renaissance Art An analytical study of the cycle of frescoes of St Christopher’s Church in Milan

33. Biology Factors which affect the germination of seeds The effect of banana peel on seed germination

34. Chemistry Chemical Kinetics Kinetics of oxidation of Iodide with H2O2 in acidic solutions

35. Economics The Third World Debt Crisis Do interest rates affect investment decisions?

36. Economics The consequences of shrimp farming in Ecuador The economic costs and benefits of shrimp farming in Ecuador

37. Music The music of Africa African influence on Paul Simon

38. Music The Xylophone The marimba music of Bagamoyo