INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM
RAMSAY HIGH SCHOOL
EXTENDED ESSAY HANDBOOK
2014-15
IB Coordinator:
Mrs. Sonja N. Hill
EE Coordinator:
Mrs. Deborah Holloway
Principal:
Dr. Mark Sullivan
Assistant Principals: Ms. Cassandra Fells and Mr. Micah Kemp
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Ramsay High School IB
The Extended Essay
This essay is a requirement for the IB Diploma. It is a 4,000-word essay on a topic of your choosing. The topic
MUST fall within the criteria for one of the EE subjects on page 4 of this handout. The EE “counts” along with
your score in Theory of Knowledge. You can earn up to 3 bonus points with your score on the EE and on ToK.
According to the IBO, the aims of the Extended Essay are to provide students with the opportunity to:
 pursue independent research on a focused topic
 develop research and communication skills
 develop the skills of creative and critical thinking
 engage in a systematic process of research appropriate to the subject
 experience the excitement of intellectual discovery
Students
You are expected to spend approximately 40 hours on the EE over the course of six months (SeptemberFebruary). It is your responsibility to meet with your mentor and complete assignments on the EE timeline.
Mentor’s role
Students will be assigned a faculty mentor early in the process. The mentor should spend between 3-5 hours
(including reading time) with the student. The mentor agrees to meet with the student at scheduled times,
read the full draft of the essay ONLY and sign and date the form each time you meet. It is the candidate’s
responsibility to correct mistakes and verify the accuracy of the contents of the extended essay.
The extended essay mentor has five principal responsibilities:
 To encourage and support the candidate throughout the research and writing of the extended essay
 To provide the candidate with advice and guidance in the skills of undertaking research
 To ensure that the extended essay is the candidate’s own work
 To complete the advisor’s report
 To direct to appropriate resources (such as people, a library, a laboratory)
Choosing a Subject and Topic
The subject selection for the extended essay must come from the list of available subjects in the IB Extended
Essay Guide. Once the subject is chosen and approved, a topic within that subject must be selected. Students
are advised to choose a subject in which they have sufficient background knowledge and skills. Subjects that
are not part of the student’s diploma program course of study are permitted, but caution is advised unless the
student has a high level of personal interest in that particular subject.
Choosing a topic from a particular subject requires careful consideration. Students are advised to review
relevant subject guidelines which will be provided by the IB Coordinator. Topics should be limited in scope so
that students have the opportunity to research the issue in depth. Collecting data and information should
allow students to provide analysis and evaluation in their research.
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Students are advised that broad topics are not likely to result in successful essays. Likewise, essays that do not
reflect personal research but rely on narrative or descriptive approaches will not be appropriate. Essays
written on well-documented subjects are also unlikely to result in successful extended essays.
Subjects from which to choose – see corresponding page number in the IB Extended Essay
Guide
p. 29….Group 1 – Literature and Language in English (3 categories from which to choose)
p. 36….Group 2 – Writing an essay in your IB second language on Language, Culture and Society, or Literature
p. 43….Biology
p. 117….Music
p. 48….Business and Management
p. 123….Peace and Conflict Studies
p. 53….Chemistry
p. 126….Philosophy
p. 57….Classical Greek and Latin
p. 133….Physics
p. 60….Computer Science
p. 140….Politics
p. 64….Dance
p. 145….Psychology
p. 69….Design Technology
p. 150….Social and Cultural Anthropology
p. 74….Economics
p. 154….Sports, Exercise and Health Science
p. 79….Environmental Systems and Societies
p. 160….Theater
p. 84….Film
p. 165….Visual Arts
p. 89….Geography
p. 170….World Religions
p. 94….History
p. 175….World Studies (6 topics from which
p. 102….Information Technology in a Global Society
to choose)
p. 106….Literature and Performance
p. 113….Mathematics
What are my next steps?
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Print out the Ramsay EE Handbook.
Download the IB Extended Essay Guide to your electronic device (laptop, tablet, etc.)
Choose a subject area of interest, and read the assessment criteria from the IB Extended Essay Guide.
Choose a topic within the subject.
Narrow the topic by focusing on a defined specific area and meet your assigned EE Mentor.
Write the research question and develop a fleshed-out thesis.
Carry out in-depth research, making notes as you go and taking care to include exact references.
Outline the topic, including quotes from your research. This will serve as your plan for the structure of
your EE.
Adjust your research question / thesis as needed.
Attend all scheduled workshops.
Write! Write! Write!
Discuss progress with EE Mentor, and receive feedback on drafts.
Adhere to deadlines…Mentors are NOT expected to read drafts submitted at the last minute!
Revise! Revise! Revise!
Submit the final product in person and to managebac.com.
Read the assessment criteria (rubric) for your specific subject (in the IB Extended Essay Guide).
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Writing the Extended Essay
After careful outlining and drafting, it is likely that the majority of extended essays will follow a structure
similar to that described below.
Introduction
The introduction should include:
 An indication of why the topic chosen is interesting, important or worthy of study
 Some background information and an attempt to place the topic in an appropriate context
 An indication of whether the topic has been narrowed to a focus of more manageable proportions
 A clearly and precisely stated research question
 A clear concluding statement of the thesis and argument, i.e. the response to the research
 A question or questions that will subsequently be developed in the body of the essay
Body / Development
The essential feature of the major section, or body, of the essay is the systematic development of a convincing
answer to the research question. The structure and the approach to this section will be shaped by the
conventions of the particular subject in which the extended essay is being undertaken. Some subjects may
require sub-headings for major sections within the main body. For example, scientific investigations will
usually have separate sections for method and results. In some other subjects; however, sub-headings should
be avoided because they disrupt the flow and unity of an essay.
Conclusion
The requirements of the conclusion are that it:
 Is clearly stated
 Is relevant to the research question being investigated
 Is substantiated by the evidence presented
 Indicates issues, unresolved questions and new questions that have emerged from the research
What counts in the 4,000 words?
The introduction, the body of the essay, the conclusion, and any quotations BUT NOT:
o The abstract (should be no more than 300 words)
o The table of contents page
o Maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations and tables
o Equations, formulas and calculations
o Citations/references (whether parenthetical or numbered)
o Footnotes or endnotes
o The bibliography or Appendices
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Predicted Grade
Your EE Supervisor and IB Coordinator will give you a predicted grade based on the scores you earn in each
assessment criteria for your specific subject rubric. The grades are A, B, C, D, and E (elementary).
All Extended Essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IBO, and are marked on a scale
from 0 to 36. This maximum score is made up of the total criterion levels available for each essay. The total
score obtained on the scale 0 to 36 is used to determine in which of the following bands the extended essay is
placed. This band, in conjunction with the band for Theory of Knowledge, determines the number of diploma
points awarded for these two requirements.
A student who, for example, writes a good Extended Essay and whose performance in Theory of Knowledge is
judged to be satisfactory will be awarded 1 point, while a student who writes a mediocre extended essay and
whose performance in theory of knowledge is judged to be excellent will be awarded 2 points.
A student who fails to submit an Extended Essay will be awarded N for the extended essay, will score no
points, and will NOT be awarded a diploma.
Performance in both the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge of an elementary standard is a failing
condition for the award of the diploma.
 From 2010 onwards, 28 points overall will be required to be eligible for the diploma if a student
attains an ‘E’ grade in either the extended essay or theory of knowledge.
 As previously, a grade ‘A’ in one of the requirements earns an extra point, even if the other is a
grade ‘E’.
 Attaining a grade ‘E’ in both the extended essay and theory of knowledge continues to represent an
automatic failure.
© IBO 2007
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EXTENDED ESSAY ORGANIZATION FORMAT
Necessary Elements! (In this order please)
Please see the IB Extended Essay Guide for more details.
 Yellow Extended Essay Cover Sheet (will be provided at workshop) – be sure to sign and date.
 Title Page – It should provide a clear indication of the essay’s focus. It should be precise and
NOT phrased in the form of a question.
 Subject Area
 Candidate’s Name
 Ramsay High School
 March 2015
 Word Count:
 Abstract
 Not more than 300 words, typed on one page
 Contents page
 Introduction
 Body (development/methods/results)
 Conclusion
 References and Bibliography (only the sources you cite, not all that you used)
 Appendices if any, placed after the bibliography (this would include tables and illustrations)
Word Count
The only element that counts for word count is the actual essay. It must NOT exceed 4000 words.
Page Numbers
Put a page number in Roman numerals for Abstract and Table of Contents, and then numerals starting with
the first page of the actual Essay to the end of Bibliography.
For example:
Abstract – i
Table of Contents – ii
Essay – Bibliography - 1…23
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!
Follow MLA or APA by the book – don’t make up your own ways of citing sources, especially websites!! If
something seems suspicious, it will be treated as malpractice.
The Title of the essay SHOULD NOT be your research question or thesis statement. Be clever, accurate and
appropriate.
Please put the subject of your essay (History, Group 1: Category 1, Psychology) on the title page.
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Ramsay High School IB
Parent/Student Extended Essay Contract & Subject/Topic
Due to the IB Coordinator (Mrs. Hill) on or before Friday, Sept. 26, 2014
Candidate’s Name:
________________________________________________
EE Subject Area:
________________________________________________
EE Topic:
________________________________________________
Tentative Research Question:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Assigned Mentor’s Name:
___________________________________________________________
I have read and understand the regulations and guidelines for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay.
I will adhere to the regulations and guidelines and the deadlines prescribed in the contract. I will contact my EE
Supervisor and IB Coordinator should there be any modifications in the above indicated information. I also
understand that all students must complete the Extended Essay in order to be eligible for the IB Diploma, have
recommendations written based on IB candidacy, and be registered for May 2015 exams.
The Extended Essay I plan to submit will be my own work. I will acknowledge each use of the words or ideas
of another person, whether written or oral. I am aware that the word limit is 4,000 words and that examiners are
not required to read beyond this limit. I am aware that my essay will be submitted to turnitin.com to check for
originality and plagiarism.
Student Signature_____________________________________
Date_______________________
I have read and understand the regulations and guidelines for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay. I
will offer my parental support to see that my child adheres to the regulations and guidelines and the deadlines
prescribed in the contract. I understand that students must complete the Extended Essay in order to be eligible
for the IB Diploma, have recommendations written based on IB candidacy, and be registered for May 2015
exams.
Parent Signature_____________________________________
Date______________________
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Responsibilities of the Student
 Choose a topic that fits into one of the
subjects on the approved extended
essay list
 Meet with EE Supervisor and mentor
consistently for at least 3-5 hours
throughout the process
 Observe regulations relating to extended
essay
 Meet deadlines
 Acknowledge ALL sources of information
and ideas in an approved academic
manner
 Think carefully about the research
question for their essay
 Plan how, when, and where they will find
material for their essay
 Plan a schedule for both researching and
writing the essay (include extra time for
delays and unforeseen problems)
 Develop a clear, structured, detailed
outline before beginning to write
 Check and proofread final version
carefully
 Confirm that ALL basic requirements are
met (i.e. all students should get full
marks for the abstract)
Responsibilities of EE Supervisor and/or
Mentor
 Meet with student to provide advice and
guidance in the skills of research
 Encourage and support student
throughout process of researching and
writing
 Discuss the topic of choice with student
to help formulate a well-focused research
question
 Ensure that the chosen research
question satisfies appropriate standards
of IB (including legal, ethical standards)
 Becomes familiar with the regulations
governing the extended essay and the
assessment criteria AND gives copies to
students
 Reads and comments on the first draft
ONLY (this is a critical component of EE
Process)
 Monitors progress of EE to offer
guidance and ensure the essay is
original/authentic to student
 Provide an explanation in the report in
cases where the number of hours spent
with student is a “zero”, describing how it
is possible to guarantee authenticity
 Write a report and present it to the
school’s DP Coordinator if malpractice,
such as plagiarism is suspected in the
final draft.
 Set up meetings with Supervisors prior to
deadlines (do not assumed they are
available whenever you stop by)
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Ramsay High School IB
Extended Essay Student/Mentor Agreement Form
Due to the IB Coordinator (Mrs. Hill) on or before Friday, Sept. 26, 2014.
Student: _____________________________________________________________________
Subject: _____________________________________________________________________ (see the following page)
Assigned Mentor: ______________________________________________________________
The above named student is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and is beginning the extended
essay component. The topic of their choice indicates that you would be an appropriate mentor for them in this process.
Your responsibilities would include to:
1. Encourage and support the student throughout the research process;
2. Provide the candidate with advice and guidance in the skills necessary to research a topic in your area of expertise;
3. Ensure that the extended essay is the student’s own work;
4. Sign off on deadlines
The amount of time spent supervising a student should be between 3 and 5 hours over the course of 6 months (including
reading the final draft); however, this may vary depending on individual circumstances. The student will have numerous
requirements within the essay process and it may be necessary to provide guidance as needed in the following areas:
*defining a topic
*formulating a precise research question
*access to appropriate resources (people, library, laboratory, etc…)
By signing below, I agree to perform the responsibilities as outlined in the IB Extended Essay Guide.
For Students
It is required that students:
o choose a topic that fits into one of the subjects on the approved extended essay list;
o observe the regulations relating to the extended essay;
o meet deadlines;
o acknowledge all sources of information and ideas in an approved academic manner.
It is strongly recommended that students:
o plan a schedule for both researching and writing the essay, including extra time for delays and unforeseen
problems;
o record sources as their research progresses (rather than trying to reconstruct a list at the end);
o have a clear structure for the essay itself before beginning to write;
o check and proofread the final version carefully;
o make sure that all basic requirements are met (for example, all students should get full marks for the abstract).
Student’s Signature ______________________________________ Date _______________
Mentor’s Signature _____________________________________________ Date ________________
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Extended Essay Subjects (See IB Extended Essay Guide for details)
Group 1 (Language Arts), Group 2 (Language B), Biology, Business and management,
Chemistry, Classical Greek and Latin, Computer science, Dance, Design technology,
Economics, Environmental systems and societies, Film, Geography, History, Human Rights, Information
technology in a global society, Mathematics, Music, Peace and conflict studies, Philosophy, Physics, Politics,
Psychology, Social and Cultural anthropology, Theater, Visual arts, World religions, World studies (see Ms.
Anderson for more information on this subject)
Mentor Meetings
Student Name: __________________________________
Mentor: ________________________________________
Date
Mentor Signature
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Final Checklist
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Action
Is the essay within 4000 words?
Is there a Contents page?
Are all pages numbered?
Are all diagrams, charts and graphs indexed and labeled and
sources referenced where applicable?
Are all necessary terms defined/explained?
Is every reference cited in APA style?
Are your references cited consistently and correctly?
Does the Bibliography include all and only the works of reference
you have consulted?
Does the Bibliography specify author(s), title, and date of
publication and publisher for every reference?
Are the Bibliography sources cited consistently and correctly?
Does the Appendix contain only relevant information?
Are all references to the Appendix clearly cross-referenced and
labeled?
Is your research question stated on the title page?
Is your research question stated and in bold in the Introduction?
Is your research question restated and in bold in the Conclusion?
Does your Conclusion address unresolved questions?
Does your Conclusion address new questions that have emerged?
Are your Introduction and Conclusion titled?
Is your Abstract within 300 words?
Does your Abstract contain the research question (in bold), the
scope of the investigation and the conclusion reached?
Check
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Ramsay High School IB Extended Essay Timeline – Class of 2015
Topic/Assignment
Introduction to the EE and meeting with the IB
Coordinator and the EE Supervisor
EE Handbook (print and read before first
Workshop)
Available on district’s website
Workshop I – Research skills and APA/MLA
style
Meeting 1-Mrs. Holloway
Select subject area and topic;
Faculty mentor assigned-meet with mentor to
discuss topic and possible research questions;
Return signed agreement form to Mrs.
Holloway
Begin collecting sources for your topic (at least
5 sources)
Dates
Sept. 11, 2014
Sept. 18
Sat. Sept. 20
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Sept. 22-26
Sept. 26
Sept. 26-Oct. 10
Workshop II – Writing research questions,
thesis statements, outlines, and annotated
bibliographies
Meeting 2-Mrs. Hill
Submit annotated bibliography (5 sources),
research question, and thesis statement
Meeting 3 (Adams-McNeil: Mrs. Hill)
(Means-Wilson: Mrs. Holloway)
Sat. Oct. 4
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Collect at least 5 more sources; write
annotated bibliography and outline
Oct. 13-24
Workshop III – EE Guidelines and writing
abstracts
Meeting 4-Mrs. Holloway and Mrs. Hill
Write outline and working draft (2000 words
or 7/8 pages)
See mentor at least once to ask questions and
schedule meeting time (15 minutes) to submit
working draft on Nov. 14
Submit working draft and outline to mentor;
Signature from mentor must be turned in to
Mrs. Holloway by the end of the day.
Friday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Write solid draft (2500-3000 words)
Oct. 9-10
Oct. 24-Nov. 14
Nov. 14
Mentor will ONLY read outline and thesis
statements at this time, but they will check to
see that you have a working draft of at least
7 pages.
Nov. 14-30
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Solid draft due
Meeting 4 (Adams-McNeil: Mrs. Hill)
(Means-Wilson: Mrs. Holloway)
Report sent home to parents outlining
student’s progress and what needs to be done
in December
Complete first draft (3500-4000 words);
Meet with mentor once before Christmas
break to ask questions
Turn in full draft to mentor for reading;
Schedule meeting with mentor for response
during week of Jan. 12
Pick up draft from mentor along with
signature
Proofread and revise full draft
Submit final EE electronically in proper
format with all MLA citations and complete
works cited page, title page, table of contents,
and abstract; also
Submit two hard copies to Mrs. Holloway and
one hard copy to Mrs. Hill;
Set up Viva Voce (interview) with Mrs.
Holloway and Mrs. Hill
Meeting 5 (Adams-McNeil: Mrs. Hill)
(Means-Wilson: Mrs. Holloway)
Viva Voce Interviews
EE mailed to IB for assessment
Dec. 1-2
Dec. 5
Dec. 3, 2014-Jan. 8,2015
Jan. 9, 2015
Jan. 16
Jan. 16-30
Feb. 2, 2015
Feb. 3-6
March 2015
*Adjustments may be made to the timeline to accommodate additional workshops.
*Bring EE handbook to each workshop.
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