IB Extended Essay support in DSO

The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme. It’s a 4,000-word research paper that gives students the opportunity to explore a topic of their choice, typically linked to one of their six IB subjects. The aim is to help students build academic research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Each student gets a supervisor who guides them through the process & oversees three mandatory reflection sessions. These reflections are written down and count toward the final grade.

There’s also a World Studies option. Here, students can explore global issues by combining two subjects. Regardless of the subject the essay must answer a specific research question, follow academic standards & include proper citations. It is a great practice for university-level work and learning on your own.

Why It Matters

The EE helps students practice real academic research and writing. It builds essential skills like forming a focused research question, analyzing sources, organizing arguments & presenting findings clearly. All this makes them thoroughly prepared for university-level work.

The EE is assessed externally and forms part of the core along with Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Together, the EE and TOK grades are entered into a points matrix to award between 0 and 3 extra points toward a student’s IB diploma score. Importantly, receiving a failing grade (E) in either the EE or TOK is considered an automatic failing condition, preventing the award of the diploma regardless of performance in other areas. That makes the EE not only a vital learning experience but also a pivotal part of the diploma outcome.

What Students Actually Do

Choose a topic and research question
Students begin by selecting a subject & crafting a focused & manageable research question that can be fully explored within 4,000 words.
Work with a supervisor
Each student is assigned a supervisor, typically a teacher, who supports the research journey and conducts three formal reflection sessions, including a final viva voce.
Dive into research
Students explore relevant secondary and primary sources. They apply subject-specific terminology and methods to build a well-supported argument.
Write, structure, and cite
The essay must follow academic writing standards including a formal tone, clear structure using headings and subheadings, accurate in-text citations, and a complete bibliography all within the word limit.
Reflect and document
Students record their reflections. These reflections showcase their engagement with the research and learning process as a whole.

How It’s Graded

IB examiners assess the Extended Essay across five criteria, with a total of 34 marks:

A: Focus & Method (6 pts) – how clearly the research question is defined and whether the methodology remains consistent and appropriate.
B: Knowledge & Understanding (6 pts) – how well students demonstrate subject-specific knowledge and contextual understanding.
C: Critical Thinking (12 pts) – the strength of analysis, argument development, evaluation, and insight.
D: Presentation (4 pts) – the structure, clarity, formatting, and accuracy of citations.
E: Engagement (6 pts) – reflections on the research and learning process.

Grade boundaries (out of 34):

A: 27-34

B: 21-26

C: 14-20

D: 7-13

E: 0-6 (a failing condition for the IB Diploma)

To receive the diploma, students must score at least 7 marks (grade D or higher) in the EE & must not receive an E in either EE or TOK.

Bridging School and University: The Power of the EE

The IB Extended Essay is a journey into independent learning, academic discipline, and personal growth. It challenges students to think critically, manage a long-term project & express their ideas clearly & effectively. Success in the EE not only strengthens their overall diploma score but also equips them with essential skills for university and beyond. Students across different regions, including those getting IB Extended Essay support in UAE, often find this process very rewarding. It helps them become more independent & confident in their studies.

FAQS

Q1. What is the main purpose of the IB Extended Essay?
It encourages independent research and improves critical thinking & academic writing skills.

Q2. How important is the Extended Essay for the IB Diploma?
EE is mandatory; together with TOK, it can add up to 3 bonus points or lead to a failing condition if either is graded E.

Q3. Can the Extended Essay be written on any topic?
It must be based on one of the six IB subjects studied and framed around a focused research question. Students working with IB extended Essay support in JLT often start by refining the research question with expert input.

Q4. What role does the supervisor play in the EE process?
The supervisor guides the student, conducts three reflection sessions & ensures academic integrity.

Q5. How is the Extended Essay assessed?
It is externally graded on five criteria totaling 34 points, with a grade below D risking diploma ineligibility. In academic hubs like Dubai Silicon Oasis, IB Extended Essay support in DSO helps students get the right guidance early on, especially during the research and planning stages.

Many students reflect during their final viva voce and see how far they’ve come. With IB tutors in Dubai Silicon Oasis, this journey often boosts their confidence, builds curiosity, and helps them aim higher in academics.