EE Guide
Relationship to TOK
- EE shares concern with TOK interpreting and evaluating evidence, but
stronger emphasis is placed on research
International Dimensions
- Try to find relevant information from diverse range of sources
AIMS
Be sure to use this essay as a chance to show off your skills in areas of research,
independency, critical thinking, and enthusiasm for learning!
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
- Try to go into this optimistically. It might be a lot of work, but imagine the
good that you will cause, the change you can bring into the world!
- ABS - always be specific. I doesnt matter whether its your research
question or experiment, make sure youre not overly general, as it ruins any
sense of focus
- Apply your analytical skills appropriate to the subject, and find implications
outside of school
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL
The schools must provide you with a qualified supervisor (informed in the ways of the
EE), subject specific advisors, and inform you about the required 40 hours of work and
importance of the EE. If you feel as though youve been cheated, dont be afraid to bring
it up to one of your teachers, or the IB board itself.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT
As a student, you must:
-choose topic fitting into approved subject
-observe EE regulations
-meet deadlines
-acknowledge all sources
Not a requirement, but highly recommended, is planning ahead by setting deadlines and
sticking to them. Theres nothing worse than finding out your project wont work halfway
through!
ADVICE TO STUDENTS FROM EXAMINERS
-maintain a good relationship with your teachers (youre going to need all the help you
can get)
Things to Avoid:
-dont work on research question that is too vague/narrow; keep it answerable in 40
hours/4000 words
--make sure you answer your research question
*make sure you have a sufficient background in your subject area*
Schoenherr 2
Schoenherr 3
-the more important a source, the more of its source needs to be evaluated (if a lot of
your information comes from one source, its probably best to make sure that source is
legitimate, yeah?
-dont forget, in text citation exist and you need to use them, especially with direct
quotes.
THE USE OF OTHER MEDIA AND MATERIALS
*materials in other media must be submitted only as supporting appendices, shouldnt
detract from written content*
Computers
Encouraged when appropriate as tools for analyzing data relevant to subject of EE
*computer programs can only be included in computer sciences and physics essays*
Cds, DVDs, and audio-visual materials
*dont use em*
Specimen Materials
*cannot be submitted; use photographic evidence as a substitute*
THE VIVA VOCE (CONCLUDING INTERVIEW)
-short interview between student and supervisor, recommended conclusion to extended
essay process
Serves to:
- check plagiarism and gener malpractice
- reflect on successes and difficulties
- aid supervisors report
-the interviewer is might ask you to expand upon certain aspects of your study, or what
you found most interesting, or what you would have wanted to include with more space,
so make sure you thoroughly understand what it is youve created
REGULATIONS
Supervision
*students supervisor cannot be related to student
Language in which EE is written
*if submitted in group 1 or group 2, must be written in respective language, groups 3
and 6 must be written in English, French, or Spanish*
Academic honesty
*student must submit authentic essay, supervisor must confirm authenticity*
Choice of Subject
*doesnt have to be from subject studied by student (though recommended), cant be
submitted in TOK, school-based syllabuses or pilot subjects*
BIOLOGY GUIDE
CHOOSING TOPIC
Schoenherr 4
- Keep clear biological emphasis (science that deals with living organisms
and life processes)
- (example) - in the case of a biochemistry essay, you will be graded on the
biological aspect over the chemistry aspect.
*when picking a topic as vaguely centered as human disease (biological, medical,
social, or economic) be sure to remain focused on your chosen topic*
*experiment likely to inflict pain upon another living organism arent appropriate for
submission. Also, why on earth would you go out of your way to harm others, you
monster*
*dont perform an experiment that puts yourself at risk, or involves releasing confidential
information*
*dont center your essay around information well known to the public (in standard
textbooks, for example)*
TITLE CHOOSING
Ex:
A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery after a
period of supervised improved nutrition is better than Malnutrition in children.
*this isnt an english essay, dont worry about making a snappy title. Describe your study
in detail, no matter how overly-specific it may seem*
HOW TO TREAT YOUR TOPIC
- point out how your research question was arrived at by sharing aspects
not being considered in the essay
- Essays can be based around two different areas:
Data collected by the student through experimentation (survey,
observations, drawing, fieldwork)
data/information collected from literature (primary sources analysed in an
original way by the student)
- If done by experimentation, make sure to describe your procedure in detail
(how the methodology was chosen, what was rejected)
- Dont go crazy with your experiments, keep it somewhat simple and
accessible through your standard school apparatus (under the guidance of one of
your school counselors)
- Make sure to describe unexpected outcomes, but dont focus too much on
it
- -describe limitations on your method of experimentation
- ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
A: research question
-best stated in the form of a question that the essay will attempt to answer
-use question to form your hypothesis
B: introduction
-use to set research question into context
-include general background knowledge (keep it to a minimum, though)
Schoenherr 5
Schoenherr 6
-insight and depth of understanding - shown through detailed research and well
informed argument that addresses the research question
-originality and creativity - show your personal approach backed by solid research and
reasoning