IB Core
The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic, usually chosen from one of the student's six IB DP subjects. It is intended to promote academic research and writing skills, providing students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor. This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. (Ibpublishing.ibo.org, 2017)
Supervisors will give feedback both verbally and in writing during the writing process but the Extended Essay is marked externally by the IB.
The Extended Essay provides students with the skills required to write a formal academic paper. IB research shows that that IB DP students who write an Extended Essay find that the EE
1) provides familiarity with the steps for writing a lengthy essay at university 2) increases students’ confidence in research 3) improves ability to gather and evaluate sources of information, 4) provides preparation for college level writing, 5) improves time management in writing projects 6) increases basic knowledge of a formal academic style appropriate to a field of study.
(Aulls and Lemay, 2013)
Essentially, it is excellent preparation for university level work.
IB Extended Essay Subject Brief