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Extended Essay: General Info

What is the Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay is an essential part of the student's journey to the IB Diploma. It is a year- long study in a student's area of interest and culminates in a 3,500 to 4,000-word investigation. 

  • The EE is compulsory for all students taking the Diploma.
  • A student must achieve a D grade or higher to be awarded the Diploma.
  • The EE is externally assessed. Together with the grade for theory of knowledge, it contributes up to three points to the total score for the diploma.
  • The EE process helps prepare students for university and other pathways beyond the Diploma Programme.
  • The EE is a piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor teacher in the school.
  • It is presented as a formal piece of sustained academic writing (4,000 words maximum) accompanied by a reflection form (500 words maximum).
  • It is the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student.
  • Students are supported by a supervision process recommended to last three to five hours in total, which includes three mandatory reflection sessions, plus a number of check in sessions.
  • The third and final mandatory reflection session is the viva voce, which is a concluding interview with the supervising teacher after the essay is completed.

Your EE Responsibilities, Simplified

You should understand your basic responsibilities in completing this project over the next year:

  • A clear understanding of the nature and requirements of the Extended Essay (both in general and specific to your chosen subject)
  • An external scheduling of the deadlines that will pace you through the process
  • Taking advantage of resources (From mentor teachers to online resources) that can help support and provide guidance to you (and practicing their use prior to relying on them)
  • Establishing a relationship with your Extended Essay Supervisor and maintaining contact with this individual throughout the process of writing your Extended Essay
  • Scheduling and prioritizing the time necessary to research, annotate sources, develop an outline, write, and revise your Extended Essay

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, citizenship status, or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to address inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-9822).

Las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha no discriminan basados en la raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, estado civil, orientación sexual, discapacidad , edad, información genética, estado de ciudadanía, o estado económico, en sus programas, actividades y empleo, y provee acceso equitativo a los “Boy Scouts” y a otros grupos juveniles designados. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para atender estas inquietudes referentes a las pólizas de no discriminación: El Superintendente de las Escuelas, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-9822).