IB - International Baccalaureate DP Core: The Extended Essay Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following components are included in the final 4,000-word count for the IB Extended Essay?
- The introduction, body of the essay, conclusion, and quotations. (Correct answer)
- The abstract, introduction, body of the essay, and conclusion.
- The introduction, body of the essay, conclusion, and bibliography.
- The title page, contents page, introduction, and body of the essay.
Correct answer: The introduction, body of the essay, conclusion, and quotations.
According to the official IB guidelines, the 4,000-word limit for the Extended Essay includes the core components of the academic argument: the introduction, the body of the essay, the conclusion, and any quotations used within these sections. The bibliography, references, contents page, and title page are not part of this word count.
Question 2: A student is finalizing their Extended Essay and has completed three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisor. What is the maximum combined word count for the reflections submitted on the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF)?
- 1,000 words
- 750 words
- 500 words (Correct answer)
- 250 words
Correct answer: 500 words
The IB specifies a maximum total of 500 words for the reflective statement recorded on the RPF. This statement is based on the three mandatory reflection sessions, including the final viva voce. This component is assessed under Criterion E.
Question 3: During the Extended Essay process, what is the primary purpose of the final mandatory reflection session, also known as the 'viva voce'?
- To allow the supervisor to suggest final edits to the essay.
- To provide a final grade for the Extended Essay.
- To give the student a topic for their next research project.
- To confirm the authenticity of the work and reflect on the research process. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To confirm the authenticity of the work and reflect on the research process.
The viva voce is a short interview that serves as the concluding reflection session. Its main purposes are to allow the supervisor to confirm the essay is the student's own work, to provide the student an opportunity to reflect on their learning journey, discuss challenges and successes, and to provide closure to the EE process.
Question 4: A supervisor is guiding a student through the Extended Essay. Which of the following actions represents an acceptable level of support from the supervisor?
- Rewriting a paragraph to improve its clarity and academic tone.
- Providing a detailed list of sources the student must use.
- Giving oral feedback on one complete draft of the essay. (Correct answer)
- Correcting all the citations and references in the bibliography.
Correct answer: Giving oral feedback on one complete draft of the essay.
A supervisor's role is to guide, not to edit or co-author the essay. Providing verbal or written feedback on a single complete draft is an appropriate form of support. However, rewriting sections, dictating sources, or correcting the bibliography for the student crosses the line into academic misconduct.
Question 5: A student submits an Extended Essay where they have copied a significant section from an online source. They included the source in the bibliography but did not use in-text citations or quotation marks. How would the IB most likely classify this action?
- Acceptable research practice
- Academic misconduct (plagiarism) (Correct answer)
- Poor time management
- Effective use of secondary sources
Correct answer: Academic misconduct (plagiarism)
Presenting the words or ideas of another person as one's own without proper acknowledgment (in-text citation and quotation marks for direct quotes) is defined as plagiarism. Even if the source is listed in the bibliography, failing to attribute the ideas or text at the point of use is considered academic misconduct and can lead to serious penalties.
Question 6: The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) are core components of the IB Diploma. How do they jointly contribute to a student's final IB Diploma score?
- They are graded independently and do not affect each other's scores.
- The higher of the two grades is added to the total diploma score.
- A student must pass both to be awarded the diploma, but they contribute no points.
- Their grades are combined on a matrix to award up to three bonus points. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Their grades are combined on a matrix to award up to three bonus points.
A student's performance in both the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are combined on a matrix to award up to 3 additional points towards their total Diploma Programme score. This system recognizes the central importance of these two core elements in developing critical thinking and research skills.
IB - International Baccalaureate DP Core: The Extended Essay Questions and Answers
Which of the following components are included in the final 4,000-word count for the IB Extended Essay?