IB DP Core: The Extended Essay 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How does the Extended Essay grade combine with Theory of Knowledge to affect the IB Diploma?
- They are averaged together and count as a seventh subject
- They contribute up to 3 bonus points on a combined matrix (Correct answer)
- They each provide up to 3 bonus points independently
- They replace the lowest subject grade if the combination is higher
Correct answer: They contribute up to 3 bonus points on a combined matrix
The EE and TOK grades are entered into a 5x5 matrix that can award 0, 1, 2, or 3 bonus points toward the Diploma total.
Question 2: A student's Extended Essay research question is: 'What factors led to the fall of the Roman Empire?' What is the MAIN problem with this question?
- It is too recent a topic for the IB History syllabus
- It is too broad and lacks sufficient focus for a 4,000-word essay (Correct answer)
- It requires primary sources that are no longer accessible
- It has already been answered definitively by historians
Correct answer: It is too broad and lacks sufficient focus for a 4,000-word essay
This question is far too broad; an effective research question must be narrow enough to be thoroughly explored within 4,000 words.
Question 3: Which statement about the Extended Essay subject choice is ACCURATE?
- Students must write in a subject they are currently studying in the Diploma
- Students may write in any approved IB subject, even one not on their timetable (Correct answer)
- Students can only write in one of their six Diploma subjects
- Students must choose a subject from their Higher Level courses only
Correct answer: Students may write in any approved IB subject, even one not on their timetable
Students may select any approved Extended Essay subject, which does not need to be one of their six scheduled Diploma courses.
Question 4: What is the MOST important characteristic of a strong Extended Essay argument?
- It agrees with the majority view found in secondary sources
- It is supported by a clear line of reasoning linked to relevant evidence (Correct answer)
- It reaches a definitive conclusion that answers the question completely
- It incorporates the maximum number of academic sources possible
Correct answer: It is supported by a clear line of reasoning linked to relevant evidence
A strong argument builds a coherent logical line from evidence to analysis to conclusion, rather than simply summarizing sources or agreeing with consensus.
Question 5: A student writing a Mathematics Extended Essay should focus primarily on:
- Reproducing standard textbook proofs and definitions
- Applying mathematical exploration to a genuine problem or conjecture (Correct answer)
- Calculating results using only IB Diploma-level formulas
- Describing historical developments in mathematical theory
Correct answer: Applying mathematical exploration to a genuine problem or conjecture
Mathematics Extended Essays should demonstrate personal exploration—formulating a problem, applying methods, and interpreting mathematical results.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST explains why the Extended Essay requires a consistent referencing style?
- IB examiners grade bibliography formatting as the highest-weighted criterion
- Consistent citation allows readers to verify sources and upholds academic integrity (Correct answer)
- Using MLA format automatically increases the Presentation score
- The IB mandates APA style for all science and social science essays
Correct answer: Consistent citation allows readers to verify sources and upholds academic integrity
Consistent referencing is a fundamental academic convention that enables source verification and demonstrates honesty in scholarship.
Question 7: If a student receives a grade B on the Extended Essay and a grade C on Theory of Knowledge, how many bonus points are awarded?
- 0 bonus points
- 1 bonus point
- 2 bonus points (Correct answer)
- 3 bonus points
Correct answer: 2 bonus points
On the EE/TOK matrix, a B in EE combined with a C in TOK yields 2 bonus points toward the IB Diploma total.
IB DP Core: The Extended Essay 5
How does the Extended Essay grade combine with Theory of Knowledge to affect the IB Diploma?