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EE (Extended Essay) is one of the three core elements of IBDP, and it is a "training" for students to write college papers. In the process of writing EE, students explore the topic in depth, express their thoughts, and make convincing arguments, which are intended to cultivate the skills necessary for students to research problems and prepare for undergraduate research.
EE writing starts from the first semester of DP1 (G11) with the final draft completed in the second semester of DP2 (G12), spaning a total of two years. Students may choose any topic for independent research in any one of the six subjects they have taken, and complete an academic research essay with no more than 4000 English words (no more than 4800 words if written in Chinese) with the guidance of the supervisor.
1. Enthusiasm and interest
in the subject
Students need to choose a subject they are interested in, determine the topic and conduct academic research. The enthusiasm for the subject reflected in the EE will help students apply for relevant university majors in the future.
2. Literature reading and
screening ability
In the era of information explosion, there are many channels for us to obtain information. To choose an authoritative, credible, and highly professional channel and "take the essence and discard the dross" among massive literature to obtain effective information require high level of literature reading and screening skills which are necessary in academic writing.
3. Academic writing ability
EE allows IB students to exercise their academic writing skills in high school and helps students to do academic research writing after entering university.
In the process of writing EE, students need to communicate with classmates, adults related to the topic, and their supervisor. To communicate effectively is a skill students must master.
5. Self-management ability
The first one is time management ability. EE writing lasts for two years. During this process, students need to arrange time reasonably and handle the progress of the essay. The second one is the ability to manage emotions. In the second and third years of high school, students will face multiple tasks such as subject learning, competitions, and activities at the same time. Students need to learn to deal with the pressure of multi-tasking.
Example topic for EE from each subject
Chinese:How does language affect the effect of crisis public relations? --Analysis of the art of language in Alibaba's public relations drafts in the past five years
Economics:The effect of increase in price of subway tickets on the sales of traffic card--Price Elasticity of Demand and Cross-price Elasticity of Demand
Physics: Prediction and investigation of the time required to completely drain a cylindrical tank filled with water
Mathematics: Line Stitching and Area: How to find the area underneath a polygon when two adjacent sides of a square are divided into n equal parts and the corresponding points on two sides are connected
Arts: An analysis of the localization of Catholic art in Lu Hong-nian's paintings
EE is scored by a rater designated by the IBO. The range of EE scores ranges from 0 to 34. The total score will be converted into the following five grades (the conversion rules will be fine-tuned every year):
A – work of an excellent standard.
B – work of a good standard.
C –work of a satisfactory standard.
D – work of a mediocre standard.
E – work of an elementary standard.
△Score conversion standard from previous years
Notice: If the EE is scored as E, the student will not be able to obtain the IBDP diploma.
The 34 points comprise 5 parts, namely:
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6分)
Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding (6分)
Criterion C: Critical thinking (12分)
Criterion D: Presentation (4分)
Criterion E: Engagement (6分)
One worth mentioning is the engagement part. In the process of writing EE, students need to have three formal talks (Reflection Session) with the supervisor in DP1 and DP2, and fill in the RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form) after the talks. The total number of words in the three RPPFs should not exceed 500 English words (no more than 600 words in Chinese), and the quality of them directly affects the final score in Criterion E.
In addition to formal talks, students should keep communicating with their supervisor (Check-in Session) at least once a month. There is no upper limit for the number of times to communicate with the supervisor. It is recommended that students take the initiative to communicate with the supervisor in a timely manner.
Guangzhou Foreign Language School ISA Wenhua IB Diploma Programme
EE timeline:
September-October
When the new semester starts, teachers introduce the EE concepts and its general practices.
November-January
Students think about their EE subject, topic and supervisor candidates.
February-April
Students confirm the EE topic and intended supervisor.
May-July
Students finish the outline of the essay and complete the first formal talk (First Formal Reflection Session)
July-September
Students submit the first draft of EE [Submittal of the first EE estimated score]
October-December
Students revise EE [score could be updated] and complete the second formal talk (The Interim Reflection Session)
February
EE is finalized, and EE defense is completed (Viva Voce (Final Reflection Session)).
March
Final draft of EE is uploaded to IBO.
Writing EE is undoubtedly a challenge for students. Here are some tips for students:
1. Pay attention to time planning.
2. Mobilize subjective initiative. The main role of the supervisor in the process is to confirm the overall direction and academic integrity. Students should fully mobilize their subjective initiative and complete the academic research paper independently.
3. It is strongly recommended that students consider their interests and majors for university application, and choose HL subjects and subjects related to the majors for university application to carry out EE.
4. Never plagiarize, or even ghostwrite!
EE is the first chance for most students to complete a research topic independently, and it may be said to be the most profound academic experience for IB learners in high school. In the process of writing EE, students have the chance to ask questions about topics they like, and put their thinking into practice for systematic exploration, which is also a process that makes students feel extremely fulfilled. We hope students will gain a lot in writing EE!
