IB DP Core: The Extended Essay 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum word count allowed for the Extended Essay?
- 3,000 words
- 4,000 words (Correct answer)
- 5,000 words
- 6,000 words
Correct answer: 4,000 words
The Extended Essay has a strict maximum of 4,000 words; examiners stop reading at that limit.
Question 2: Which section of the Extended Essay is NOT included in the 4,000-word count?
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs
- Conclusion
- Bibliography (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Bibliography
The bibliography, table of contents, and appendices are excluded from the official word count.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF)?
- To submit the final draft for grading
- To document student-supervisor meetings and reflections (Correct answer)
- To record sources consulted during research
- To outline the essay structure before writing
Correct answer: To document student-supervisor meetings and reflections
The RPPF captures the student's reflections at three key points and evidence of supervisor interactions throughout the process.
Question 4: A student writes an Extended Essay comparing two novels by authors from different countries. Which subject is MOST appropriate?
- History
- Language A: Literature (Correct answer)
- Language B
- Global Politics
Correct answer: Language A: Literature
Comparative literary analysis of novels falls under Language A: Literature in the Extended Essay framework.
Question 5: How many formal reflection sessions must a student complete with their supervisor, as documented on the RPPF?
- One (initial meeting only)
- Two (initial and interim)
- Three (initial, interim, and final viva voce) (Correct answer)
- Four (one per term)
Correct answer: Three (initial, interim, and final viva voce)
The IB requires three documented reflections: an initial, an interim, and a final reflection after the viva voce.
Question 6: Which grade boundary represents the minimum passing performance on the Extended Essay when combined with Theory of Knowledge?
- Grade A
- Grade C
- Grade D (Correct answer)
- Grade E
Correct answer: Grade D
A grade of E in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge results in automatic failure of the IB Diploma.
Question 7: What does a well-crafted Extended Essay research question MOST need to demonstrate?
- Broad scope covering many topics
- Clear focus that is arguable and researchable (Correct answer)
- A question already answered in textbooks
- Agreement with the supervisor's own research interests
Correct answer: Clear focus that is arguable and researchable
The research question must be specific, focused, and open to genuine inquiry rather than a simple factual lookup.
IB DP Core: The Extended Essay 2
What is the maximum word count allowed for the Extended Essay?