The following is taken from the Extended Essay Guide (2025)
Key features of the extended essay
The extended essay is compulsory for all students taking the DP and is an option for course students.
The extended essay is a piece of independent research and writing on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a designated supervisor in the school.
The extended essay is presented as a formal piece of academic writing containing no more than 4,000 words accompanied by a reflective statement of no more than 500 words. The statement is included on the RPF.
The essay is the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student.
Students are supported by a supervision process recommended to be three to five hours long, which includes three mandatory reflection sessions; the third and final reflection session is the viva voce, a concluding interview with the supervisor.
The extended essay process helps to prepare students for the research-driven environment of university or college.
The extended essay is externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for theory of knowledge (TOK), contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma (see figure 4).
A student must achieve a D grade or higher for the extended essay to be awarded the diploma.
When choosing a subject for the extended essay, students must consult the list of available DP subjects published in the Diploma Programme Assessment procedures for the examination session in question.
Figure 4--Points awarded for TOK and the extended essay
The extended essay is a unique opportunity for student-led, academic exploration of a topic of personal interest. Students demonstrate their intellectual initiative either through an in-depth inquiry within the boundaries of a Diploma Programme (DP) subject, or by investigating a topic using an interdisciplinary approach. The extended essay brings students the excitement of intellectual exploration while helping them to develop important, transferable skills in research, critical thinking, reflection and self-management. Reflection on the research process enables students to gain a deep understanding of their intellectual and personal learning achievements.
An important aim of the DP core is for the extended essay to support and be supported by the students’ work in their chosen subjects. In supporting this aim, the extended essay sees students referring to a DP subject or subjects as they formulate a focused research question, collect, interpret and evaluate evidence, construct a reasoned argument and draw informed conclusions. In exploring a topic of personal interest via either the subject-focused approach or the interdisciplinary approach, students aim to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant DP subjects, applying appropriate methods, concepts and theories and using suitable terminology. Guided through this process by a supervisor, students are encouraged to reflect on insights gained, evaluate decisions and respond to challenges encountered during the research.
Researching and writing an extended essay is a challenging and rewarding experience that prepares students for different pathways beyond the DP by developing skills valued by both university educators and employers. In contributing to the development of inquiring, critical, reflective, lifelong learners, the extended essay embodies the essence of an IB education.
From the Extended Essay Guide (2025)