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International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

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August 30, 2021

How to Write IB Extended Essay Reflection

Under the extended essay criteria for ‘Engagement’, students are awarded a maximum 6 marks out of 34 for writing the a 500 word reflection on the Planning, Research, and Writing phases of their EE. This means the reflections are worth 19% of the total EE score, and can often swing a your score from a B to A. We will review the EE reflection rubrics and explain what it takes to score maximum marks for this component.

According to the International Baccalaureate (IB), Reflection in the EE focuses on the student’s progress during the Planning, Research and Writing process. It is intended to help students with the development of their EE as well as allowing them the opportunity consider the effectiveness of their methodology and decide whether changes are needed along the way.

For the first reflection- Planning

You should discuss how you started the EE, framed your research question, and reflect on the decisions you have made. The first reflection should provide a critical evaluation of the initial decision-making, research process, methodology, and appropriate sources of data collection. Some examples of what to discuss include

• How will I begin the research process?
• Do I have access to appropriate sources?
• Are my chosen research methods appropriate for the subject I have chosen to complete it in?

It is important to not just describe what you have done. Instead, reflect on your thinking process. Did you make the right decisions? What challenges have you faced in the initial stages of your research and how did you overcome them? More importantly, how would you change your planning the next time you do a research like this?

For the interim reflection- Writing

In this second reflection, a student must review the progress that he or she has made in the research. Effective reflection highlights the journey a student has taken to engage in an intellectual and personal process. The reflection should present challenges faced in data collection, content generation, and how you intend to overcome them. For instance, will you reformulate the research question, or will you consider other sources of data collection? Examiners love it when students explain significant challenges and demonstrate good ability to sidestep them. This learning process should be well documented and your reflection stands out if you can explain this in your own voice, demonstrate the discovery and evolution of conceptual understandings and skills development. The IB wants to see how you have evidenced the rationale for decisions made throughout the planning process and the skills and understandings developed. Some examples of what to discuss include

• If I do not have sufficient data/information, how will I go about resolving this? Can it be resolved?
• To what extent does the data/information I have relate to my proposed research question?
• Given the data/information I have collected, do I need to reformulate my research question?
• Has the data/information collected taken me in an unexpected direction?
• Do I have a reasoned argument that can be sustained throughout the essay?
• Am I able to make coherent links between different points made and the evidence presented?
• To what extent have I answered my research question?

For the final reflection- Viva voce

The final reflection is written after the EE is submitted. You will not be allowed to make further changes to the EE at this point. Thus, this reflection is a post-essay reflection. You should discuss what you have learned about your topic, how you undertook the entire research process. What, if any questions emerged as a result of the research that you were not expecting? Most importantly, critically evaluate your own learning, as well as outline any new questions you have uncovered and how you found a solution for them- if any. Conclude by examining how you would do this research differently- if you were to do it again. Some examples of what to discuss include

• To what extent has my thinking been confirmed or changed about my chosen topic as a result of my research?
• What strategies did I employ that proved particularly effective in the research process?
• What skills have I developed and how might these be useful in the future?
• What improvements might I suggest to my own working practices?
• How might different research strategies have impacted my outcomes?

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Extended Essay: Criteria E - 3 Reflections

• Introduction to the EE
• Step 1 - Choose a subject
• World Studies
• Step 3 - The Researchers Reflection Space
• Identify Sources
• Tools for Note Taking
• Video Guides
• Step 5 - Creating Research Questions
• Step 6 - Outlines and Plans
• Step 7 - Citing
• Criteria E - 3 Reflections
• Know Your Criteria
• Criteria D - Check your Formatting
• 4000 words final hand in

Initial Meeting and Reflection

Interim reflection and meeting, viva voce and final reflection, information.

• You should develop a good working relationship with your supervisor. They are officially only allowed to help you for 4 to 5 hours, so when you go and meet them make sure that you are very well prepared with a list of questions of how they might be able to help you.
• It is  YOUR responsibility  to arrange meetings with the supervisor and not theirs. This is  your extended essay  and you have to take ownership of it.
• There are 3 times that you will have to reflection on these meetings and your progress. Prepare for these using the following resources
• Blog - IB Mastery  - How to Write Reflections - some good advice here
• Examiners Comments 2021  - Crit E: Start here

Examples 

• Link to folder  with Reflections from past CIS students , and some examples from the IB ee pages. Look at the difference between a 2, 3,4,5 and 6 point reflection.
• IB EE examples  - This is really important to look at for examples of EE's and reflections in all subjects. IMPORTANT to look at this.

Your First Reflection on Mangebac

This is where you put your first reflection - 

Note - If you are writing in Chinese you do not write on Managebac - You will instead write directly on a pdf and place this in your folder.

Link to pdf form for Chinese RPPF - you have 600 characters limit.

Preparing for your Reflection/ check in session

The table below gives you an idea of what questions to ask yourself when preparing for your check in /reflection sessions and what evidence you could show in your RRS.

Questions during Sessions

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• << Previous: Step 7 - Citing
• Next: Know Your Criteria >>
• Last Updated: Mar 10, 2024 10:40 PM
• URL: https://cis.libguides.com/extendedessay

Extended Essay: Reflection

• Extended Essay- The Basics
• Step 1. Choose a Subject
• Step 2. Educate yourself!
• Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
• Identify Keywords
• Do Background Reading
• Define Your Topic
• Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
• Step 5. Draft a Research Question
• Step 6. Create a Timeline
• Find Articles
• Find Primary Sources
• Get Help from Experts
• Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
• Databases and Websites by Subject Area
• Create an Annotated Bibliography
• Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
• Chicago Citation Syle
• MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
• Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
• Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
• Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
• Conducting Secondary Research
• Conducting Primary Research
• Formal vs. Informal Writing
• Presentation Requirements

Evaluating Your Work

You will meet with your supervisor a number of times while you are working on your EE, for a total of 3 to 5 hours.  Three of those sessions will be " reflection sessions ", meaning that following these meetings you will be required to submit a 150-175 word reflection on the research and writing process of your EE to the EE Coordinator.  Your reflections will be submitted to IB by WSA's IB Coordinator, using the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF).

The 'Initial Session' in the spring of your junior year.  The remaining reflection session take place in your senior year:  one 'Interim Session' in September, and one 'Final Session' (also know as 'Viva Voce') in December.

Your three reflections will count for 18% of your final EE grade from the IB examiner.

On this page: 

Reflecting Throughout the Research Process Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) and RPPF examples Viva Voce - the final conference with your EE Supervisor

One way to help with your reflection is to ask yourself questions. Your answers will help you identify any problems, so you can then find ways to solve them. See the page in this section:

Check the WSA EE Timeline for the scheduling of reflection sessions with your supervisor and the due dates for the three reflections.

Reflecting throughout the research process

Reflection is a continual process. If you are constantly considering the decisions you are making in the extended essay (EE) process, you are better able to avoid the common pitfalls of independent research. Reflection also helps you plan, allowing you to monitor your progress. 

The following table identifies three stages in the review process and the kinds of questions you can usefully consider at each. It also suggests what evidence you might use in your reflection sessions to demonstrate your progress and learning.

What is the viva voce ?

The  viva voce  is a short conference between the student and the supervisor.   It is the recommended conclusion to the Extended Essay process, and lasts between 10 and 15 minutes.  

Why have the viva voce ?

The EE supervisor is required to submit a report when your EE is shipped to the IB examiner has been assigned to grade it.  The supervisor can ask questions in the viva voce that will help with writing that report.  This is especially important if the supervisor feels there is a need to check for plagiarism and malpractice in general.  Supervisors are required to confirm the authenticity of the work in any Extended Essay submitted to IB.

The supervisor will use the viva voce to help you:

• Reflect on the successes and difficulties you had when researching and writing your essay
• Reflect on what you have learned

What questions will be asked in  the viva voce ?

Here are some examples of questions you might be asked:

• What have been the high and low points of the research and writing process?
• In hindsight, would you choose the topic again?
• What were the most interesting aspects of the process?  Did you discover anything that surprised you?
• What have you learned through writing this essay?  
• Having finished your essay, what additional questions did you find that could lead to further investigation?
• Is there any advice you could pass on to someone who has just started work on their EE?

Reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF)

The Reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF) enables examiners to gain an insight into students’ thinking processes while researching and writing the EE. The examiners are looking to see how students’ thinking and skills have developed during this time.  

• Reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF) For first use in 2018 assessment

The following are examples of the RPPF.  There is no one "right" way to complete the form and these examples should not be viewed as the "ideal".

• RPPF Example 1 - Studies in Language and Literature
• RPPF Example 2 - Studies in Language and Literature
• RPPF Example 3 - History
• RPPF Example 4 - Visual arts
• RPPF Example 5 - World Studies
• RPPF Example 6 - Biology
• RPPF Example 7 - World Studies
• RPPF Example 8 - Mathematics
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Extended Essay: Reflections

• Introduction
• Subject Guidance & Proposal Forms
• 8 Simple Steps to writing an Academic Essay... and Outlines!
• Finding a Topic
• Academic Sources of Information
• Researcher's Spaces
• Reflections
• IB Resources for Students
• Citations and Referencing - IB REQUIREMENTS
• In-Text Citations
• Formatting your EE
• Ms Sally's Presentations

1st Formal Reflection Session

The first formal reflection session.

This is a student-led 20-30 minute session. Please make sure to set an appointment with your supervisor. 

Here are some ideas and questions to help you plan your session:

Start by talking about your research question: 

What is your research question? Are you happy with the phrasing (particularly after your background reading)? Can it be narrowed down or improved? 

Why is the topic worthy of investigation? Can you point to any facts from relevant academic sources to help you prove it’s worthiness? 

Why is this question personally important to you?

Was there a specific conversation, book, news report or other source that helped you narrow your focus or decide on your question? Explain.

Group 1 & 2 subjects - Discuss the readings that you have completed:

Have you conducted additional background reading? What have you learned from this reading?

Have you read your book(s)? Or for Category 3, collected appropriate artifacts that you can share!? 

Are there any emerging arguments?

Use your outline! 

Share your annotations, quotes, ideas!

Groups 3,4 & 5 subjects - Discuss your conceptual/theoretical understandings/groundings & the methods/materials that you are using or plan to use to collect information:

Have you done any additional background reading? What have you learned from this reading?

What is the theoretical or conceptual grounding from the discipline that you will apply in your investigation? How varied are your sources? Can you add any more? 

How do you plan to investigate (gather information) your research question? What methods will you use?

If applicable, have you written interview, survey questions that you can share during this session? *This is very important in subjects like geography or economics! How large will your sample be? How will you analyze the answers? Will you run statistical analysis? Which one? Why? 

What kind of reasoned argument do you expect to be able derive from your sources? What are the perspectives? Who are the stakeholders?  

What do you see as your biggest challenge as you begin this process?  How do you hope to address this challenge?

Finally, discuss your next steps:

Talk about what you plan to accomplish and how you plan to accomplish it.

Guided Student Reflection

In critically reviewing your engagement in the research process, it might help to think in terms of three levels of reflection: descriptive, analytical and evaluative reflection. the table below gives some examples of guiding questions to help with this., reflections flowchart - published by the ib.

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Extended Essay (IB): Reflecting

• The Inquiry Process
• EE Seminar 1
• EE Seminar 2
• IT Workshop 1
• EE Investigation Days
• EE Writing Days
• Choosing a subject and topic
• Developing a line of inquiry
• Finding and selecting sources
• Working with ideas
• Expressing your ideas
• Using ManageBac
• Supervisor resources
• Who can help?

Criterion E (Engagement) is worth 18% of your final mark and will be largely assessed through your reflections on the Reflections in Planning and Progress form, so it is vital to practise this skill.

On this page you will find information on:

• What is a Researcher's Reflection Space
• What should I put in my Researcher's Reflection Space
• Where should I keep my Researcher's Reflection Space
• Reflections on Planning and Progress Form
• Saving documents to OneDrive

What is a Researcher's Reflection Space?

While not a compulsory, assessed element of the EE, the RSS is very important because it will help you to understand and talk about the choices you make and paths you choose. This will not only help you to write reflections for your Reflections on Planning and Progress Form, but will actually support you in developing all the skills and attitudes that you need to become a better inquirer - something which can potentially have a huge impact on the rest of your life.

What should I put in my Researcher's Reflection Space?

• A diary or log of your reflections. Remember it is as important (if not more important) to reflect on what is going wrong or proving frustrating and what you plan to do about it, as it is to reflect on your successes.
• Paperwork you used to help you to make decisions, such as the Using with Subject-Specific Guidelines table, the Supervisor Application Form and the Research Proposal Form , along with notes of any changes of direction you have made and why, and drafts you have made for the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form.
• Notes from any meetings with your supervisor or conversations with your subject teachers about your EE.
• A record of emerging questions and new lines of inquiry. Your final question will usually emerge out of your investigation, so it is important to track how it changes as you understand your topic better.
• A record of the resources you have found to support your inquiry and your thoughts about them - the Annotated Bibliography is excellent for this
• More detailled notes on individual resources - the Investigative Journal is designed for this. You might also want to annotate copies of aricles (either on paper or on printouts in OneNote for example)
• A record of search strategies and/or data collection methods you used and how successful they were. The Keyword Record might be helpful here.

There is no fixed way to do this - it is YOUR Researcher's Reflection Space. You might use Mind maps, lists, tables, diagrams or blocks of text. You might want to annotate or highlight documents in different colours, or make separate notes. Find something that works for you - but make sure you keep your notes organised so that they make sense to you!

• How your planning is going
• What you are learning - about the topic, but more importantly about the process
• Whether you are on track and how you should proceed

Where should I keep my Researcher's Reflection Space?

The Researchers Reflection Space is YOUR tool for recording your thinking, and you need to do this in a way that works best for you.

You might use:

A notebook: while you could use a notebook like a diary to write down your reflections, you are also going to want somewhere to store printed documents relating to your EE, and electronic notes (such as URLs).

A folder: This is a great way to store all the paperwork relating to your EE, including handwritten notes, forms and printouts of articles. Make sure you use dividers and think carefully about how you organise it though.

But you are likely to want to use at least one online method to store notes too. This will be particularly important when you start the investigate stage of your inquiry and need somewhere to store dowloaded articles and links. You might use:

If you decide to keep your Researchers Reflection Space on a computer's hard drive you MUST take regular back ups. You should never keep it on just a single hard drive or memory stick.

While you can use the school network, you may find this difficult to access during holiday periods and you should NEVER save anything important directly to your desktop on the school network.

OneDrive  is useful If you just want to save a series of documents (one of which might be your Reflective Journal) . It is very similar to using a computer hard drive or memory stick but is cloud based so you can access it from anywhere and it does not need to be backed up.

It is still very important to use a sensible folder structure and filenames so that you can find your documents again.

There are instructions at the bottom of this page for saving documents to OneDrive directly from Office 365, and uploading documents of any type to OneDrive.

See graphic below for how to access this.

Regardless of how you choose to set up your RRS, the most important thing is what you put into it...

Saving to OneDrive from within Office 365

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• Last Updated: Apr 15, 2024 10:52 AM
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US IB Extended Essay: Reflections

• Academic Writing
• Researchers Reflective Space (RRS)
• Research Questions
• Databases & Web Resources (English & Spanish)
• Bibliographies, References & Citations
• Reflections
• Subject Specific EE Resources

Criterion E: Reflection (6 pts max)

Reflection ONE-Initial Stage and Example

This will be after one of the early sessions with your supervisor where you outline:

• Your ideas regarding the topic in general
• The research question you have in mind
• Initial background reading or research you may have conducted
• Possible approaches
• Initial thoughts about the answer to your research question
• Roughly 100 words in length

Guiding Questions:

• What exactly do you want to find out?
• What resources do you plan to use?
• What problems do you anticipate in your research?
• What writing and research have you done since last session?
• Have you found any sources with conflicting viewpoints?
• Have you been able to find relevant sources from different eras?
• What challenges did you encounter in finding relevant sources?
• How do you think you might use your sources?
• Have you collected sufficient data?
• Have you finished note taking from your text?
• What am I interested in researching and why?
• What are my motivations for undertaking research in this area?
• How will I begin the research process?
• Is my chosen topic appropriate for the subject I have chosen to complete it in?
• Do I have sufficient knowledge of the subject area to fulfill the criteria of an EE?
• What possible question(s) might I research?
• How might I go about undertaking this research?
• Do I have access to appropriate sources?
• Are my chosen research methods appropriate for the subject I have chosen to complete it in?
• Are there any ethical issues I need to consider before pursuing this area of research?
• Is there sufficient focus to my research area?

Example: History EE Reflection   I was attracted to Anna Comnena's  The Alexiad  as a result of some extra readings which formed part of my IB History course (Crusades). As the first female historian, she stands in a unique place in terms of historiography, something which appealed to me as both a woman and budding historian. I was initially considering writing about her accounts of the First Crusade but quickly found the topic to be far too wide in scope. A reading of Paul Magdalino's article "The Pen of the Aunt" helped refocus me on the issue of historical purpose, i.e., why she wrote the history she did. I have now allocated time to reading historical accounts of Manuel I's reign to decide how closely the events Anna mentions in her history of her father's reign (Alexius) so as to validate my current hypothesis-  that Anna intended the work as a celebratory account of her father so as to cast a negative light on the rule of her nephew Manuel I. My current list includes Runciman, France, Macrides, Christomides, and Hill.

Reflection THREE-Looking Back and Example

This final reflection should be written  BEFORE  the Viva Voce meeting. It should:

• Offer your final reflections on the process
• Discuss any achievements realized or challenges overcome
• Discuss elements that allowed you to complete the task that may not be readily apparent in the essay itself.
• Discuss any relevant ATL's (Approaches to Learning) that you have developed through the process & be ready to provide good examples.
• Roughly 200 words in length

Guiding Questions

• What did you discover that surprised you?
• Is writing the EE mainly about process or product AND why?
• What would you have done differently and why?
• What advice would you give to a student just beginning this process?
• What have been the high and low points of the research and writing processes?
• What would you have done differently?
• What is the most important thing that you learned?
• What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?
• What would you change if you did another EE?
• What was the most valuable experience that you took away from the process?
• What was your greatest challenge and what did you do to overcome it?
• What IB learner profile attribute would you say helped you through the process (communicator, risk-taker, etc.)?
• Would you like to continue reading on this topic?
• What questions did this process raise?
• What conclusions have you drawn about the topic?

Example:  History EE Reflection I am very pleased with how the essay has turned out. Skills wise, I had no problems with referencing which I picked up quickly though integrating source analysis did prove a challenge at times due to my narrative tendencies. I believe I've been able to challenge the orthodox interpretations of Anna's work as a piece of fantasy fiction at the hands of a disgruntled woman by showing that Anna was effectively using one of the few weapons still permitted her in her diminished political state- the power of words- to criticize the existing leadership. Hill's works proved of particular use to me as they examined female power in a broader context and thus gave me a framework for interpreting what Anna was able to do within the context of her time.

Reflection TWO-Interim Stage and Example

This reflection session will usually fall somewhere in the middle to latter half of your EE process, usually before the first draft is completed.

• Discuss how the research question has become more refined.
• Comment on any challenges you have encountered & what solutions you have attempted.
• Discuss how your thinking on your topic has evolved.

Where was I? Where I am now? Where am I going?

• What sources do you find helpful?
• How have you evaluated your sources?
• Have you adopted a structure for writing based on what the IB requires?
• What do you need to do next?

Example: History EE Reflection I was finding it hard to come up with a satisfactory counter to the question of accuracy and authenticity which feature prominently in modern readings of her work. Historians ranging from Edward Gibbon and John France to the more direct Howard-Johnson paper which completely challenges her authorship effectively negated my hypothesis entirely. Using Magdalino and Hill as a focus point, I re-read key sections of  The Alexiad  and mapped out her account against the policital events of Manuel I's reign and quickly discovered some interesting overlaps (building works, military campaigns, relations with the West, etc.). Though occasionally obscure and subtle, the criticisms emerge by means of an unspoken comparison which Byzantine readers of her account would have well understood. This approach is providing me with a suitable counter to the aforementioned criticisms. I have also begun structuring my work accordingly with sections devoted to historical context followed by a section on  The Alexiad  which compares and contrasts events from Alexius' time with those of Manuel's. I am considering a chapter on the historiographical tradition of Byzantium but may integrate it into the main body in the end.

Adding Your Initial EE Reflection

Adding Your Reflections to Managebac

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• Next: Subject Specific EE Resources >>
• Last Updated: Oct 16, 2023 4:40 PM
• URL: https://asmadrid.libguides.com/IBExtendedEssay

Extended Essay: The Viva Voce

• Kick Off Day
• Define Topic
• Locate Resources
• Annotated Bibliography
• Evaluating Sources
• Integrating Quotes
• Citations & Referencing
• Evaluation Criteria & Examiner Reports
• Criterion A, B, C: Assessment of Research
• Criterion D: Presentation
• Criterion E: Engagement (Reflection)
• The Viva Voce
• EE Draft Feedback Template for Supervisors
• Language of Analysis
• Approaches to Learning (ATL)
• Roles and Responsibilities

Guiding questions & prompts

Engage in the Viva voce once the Extended Essay has been completed.

Consider using some of these questions to engage in rich dialogue about the learning process. Process questions - Content questions  - Personal questions

What have been the high and low points of the research and writing processes?’

What would you have done differently in the research process?

What is the most important thing that you learned?

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

What would you change in your research if you did another EE?

How rewarding did you find the experience??

What was the most valuable experience that you took away from the process?

What was your greatest challenge and what did you do to overcome it?

What advice would you give to the next year’s group?

What IB learner profile attribute would you say helped you through the process (communicator, risk-taker, etc.)?

Would you like to continue reading on this topic?

What questions did this process raise?

What conclusions have you drawn about the topic?

What ATL skills did you develop the most through this process?

It is also acceptable to use this reflection session (partly) as a more ‘traditional’ viva to check on authenticity / depth of thinking.

Also, pick points out of the essay - ask specific questions, ask for clarifications

Key - begin and end positively.  This is the end of a long, sometimes tough, process.

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• Next: Supervisor Resources >>
• Last Updated: Mar 5, 2024 11:47 AM
• URL: https://ismanila.libguides.com/extendedessay

Extended Essay: EE Reflections

• General Info
• EE Timeline
• Picking a Subject Area
• Picking a Topic
• Picking your EE Supervisor
• First Reflection Session
• Interim Reflection Session
• Research Proposal
• Annotated Bibliography
• EE Presentation
• First Complete Draft
• Second Complete Draft
• Final Draft

Why reflection is important in the EE Process

Remember, you are limited to a total of 500 words for all three reflections!

The Omaha Central Extended Essay timeline is designed to emphasize the importance of the the three mandatory reflection periods that end with a written reflection on the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF).  See the completed RPPF samples on this page.

The form states the following:

 “The first formal reflection session should focus on your initial ideas and how you plan to undertake your research; the interim reflection session is once a significant amount of your research has been completed, and the final session will be in the form of a viva voce once you have completed and handed in your EE.” 

Sample RPPFs by Subject Area

Here are a few sample RPPFs -- provided so you can see what other students have written for their required Extended Essay reflections. You may use these as inspiration -- but keep in mind that we don't know how these reflections were scored!

• Sample Biology RPPF
• Sample English RPPF
• Sample History RPPF
• Sample Psychology RPPF
• Sample Visual Arts RPPF

Reflection Deadlines

The reflection deadlines are:

March 25 -- First reflection deadline -- 150 words to ManageBac

May 30 -- Interim reflection deadline -- 150 words to ManageBac

February 2019 -- Final reflection due date TBD -- 200 words to ManageBac

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• Last Updated: Apr 2, 2019 11:45 AM
• URL: https://libguides.ops.org/c.php?g=813602

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Las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha no discriminan basados en la raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, estado civil, orientación sexual, discapacidad , edad, información genética, estado de ciudadanía, o estado económico, en sus programas, actividades y empleo, y provee acceso equitativo a los “Boy Scouts” y a otros grupos juveniles designados. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para atender estas inquietudes referentes a las pólizas de no discriminación: El Superintendente de las Escuelas, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-9822).

Extended Essay : Reflection RPPF

• Home - EE Overview
• Educate Yourself (Key IB Documents)
• Set up Research Reflection Space (RRS)
• Research Questions
• Databases & Research
• Citation & Referencing This link opens in a new window
• Introduction
• Presentation
• Assessment Criteria
• Reflection RPPF
• Supervisor Info
• EE Session Presentations

Criterion E

Quick links to information on this page:, reflection                                      tips for writing your ee reflection                                      , viva voce                                      questions to ask yourself, your three reflections                   guidance for writing your rppf reflection, criterion e                                     sample rppfs, criterion e engagement rubric, don't take criterion e lightly. reflection accounts for 18% of your ee mark and can make the difference of a grade level (up or down) depending on the quality of your work.

You will meet with your supervisor a number of times while you are working on your EE, for a total of 3 to 5 hours.  Three of those sessions will be " reflection sessions ", meaning that following these meetings you will be required to submit a 150-175 word reflection on the research and writing process of your EE.  Your reflections will be submitted to the IB by our IB Coordinator, using the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF).

Your 1st formal reflection session will be in the spring of your junior year. The remaining two sessions take place during the winter of your senior year. The 2nd or interim session will take place in December and the 3rd or final session called the Viva Voce will take place in February. Writing a good reflection is important as the three combined reflections count for 19% of your final EE grade from the IB examiner. 

Source: Susan Trower West Sound Academy

Your Three Reflections

• Reflection 1 Prompts
• Reflection 1 Example
• Reflection 2 Prompts
• Reflection 2 Example
• Reflection 3 Prompts
• Reflection 3 Example
• Sample Scored Reflections From the IB

Write the  first reflection  after one of the early sessions with your supervisor. Use the prompts below to help guide your reflection and discussion with your supervisor. (Think 100-125 words)

• What am I interested in researching and why?
• What are my motivations for undertaking research in this area?
• How will I begin the research process?
• Is my chosen topic appropriate for the subject I have chosen to complete it in?
• Do I have sufficient knowledge of the subject area to fulfill the criteria of an EE?
• What possible question(s) might I research?
• How might I go about undertaking this research?
• Do I have access to appropriate sources?
• Are my chosen research methods appropriate for the subject I have chosen to complete it in? 
• Are there any ethical issues I need to consider before pursuing this area of research?
• Is there sufficient focus to my research area?

Source:  Shekou Int School Libguide  & IBO

1st Reflection - History

I was attracted to Anna Comnena's  The Alexiad  as a result of some extra readings which formed part of my IB History course (Crusades). As the first female historian, she stands in a unique place in terms of historiography, something which appealed to me as both a woman and budding historian. I was initially considering writing about her accounts of the First Crusade but quickly found the topic to be far too wide in scope. A reading of Paul Magdalino's article "The Pen of the Aunt" helped refocus me on the issue of historical purpose, i.e., why she wrote the history she did. I have now allocated time to reading historical accounts of Manuel I's reign to decide how closely the events Anna mentions in her history of her father's reign (Alexius) so as to validate my current hypothesis-  that Anna intended the work as a celebratory account of her father so as to cast a negative light on the rule of her nephew Manuel I. My current list includes Runciman, France, Macrides, Christomides, and Hill.

The  Second Reflection  session usually falls in the latter half of your EE process. Use the prompts below to help guide your reflection and discussion with your supervisor. (Think 175-250 words)

• Do I have a reasoned argument that can be sustained throughout the essay?
• Did I make coherent links between different points made and the evidence presented?
• To what extent have I answered my research question?
• What reasons may have affected my ability to answer my research question?
• If I have been selective in the evidence presented in my essay, can I justify my choices?
• Is there a clear summative conclusion, and does this reflect the discussion that has taken place?
• To what extent do I think I have fulfilled the expectations of the extended essay as a task?
• Has my research resulted in me changing my perspective or views on the topic in question?
• What strategies have I employed that have worked particularly well at this stage of the process?

2nd Reflection - History 

I was finding it hard to come up with a satisfactory counter to the question of accuracy and authenticity which feature prominently in modern readings of her work. Historians ranging from Edward Gibbon and John France to the more direct Howard-Johnson paper which completely challenges her authorship effectively negated my hypothesis entirely. Using Magdalino and Hill as a focus point, I re-read key sections of  The Alexiad  and mapped out her account against the policital events of Manuel I's reign and quickly discovered some interesting overlaps (building works, military campaigns, relations with the West, etc.). Though occasionally obscure and subtle, the criticisms emerge by means of an unspoken comparison which Byzantine readers of her account would have well understood. This approach is providing me with a suitable counter to the aforementioned criticisms. I have also begun structuring my work accordingly with sections devoted to historical context followed by a section on  The Alexiad  which compares and contrasts events from Alexius' time with those of Manuel's. I am considering a chapter on the historiographical tradition of Byzantium but may integrate it into the main body in the end.

The  Third Reflection  can be written before the Viva Voce meeting to help you prepare for the conversation and after you have submitted your final draft. (Think 175-250 words)

What did you discover that surprised you?

Is writing the EE mainly about process or product AND why?

What would you have done differently and why?

What advice would you give to a student just beginning this process?

What have been the high and low points of the research and writing processes?

What would you have done differently?

What is the most important thing that you learned?

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

What would you change if you did another EE?

What was the most valuable experience that you took away from the process?

What was your greatest challenge and what did you do to overcome it?

What IB learner profile attribute would you say helped you through the process (communicator, risk-taker, etc.)?

Would you like to continue reading on this topic?

What questions did this process raise?

What conclusions have you drawn about the topic?

3rd Reflection - History

I am very pleased with how the essay has turned out. Skills wise, I had no problems with referencing which I picked up quickly though integrating source analysis did prove a challenge at times due to my narrative tendencies. I believe I've been able to challenge the orthodox interpretations of Anna's work as a piece of fantasy fiction at the hands of a disgruntled woman by showing that Anna was effectively using one of the few weapons still permitted her in her diminished political state- the power of words- to criticize the existing leadership. Hill's works proved of particular use to me as they examined female power in a broader context and thus gave me a framework for interpreting what Anna was able to do within the context of her time.

• An RPPF with Examiner Comments With a little guidance, every candidate should be able to score top marks on Criterion E: Engagement, which is based on the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF). Reflection is an art form. And like any art form it can be learned. Below is a rather mediocre RPPF in the left column. In the right column, an experienced examiner has provided comments. Try to learn from these comments before writing your own RPPF comments or commenting on other RPPFs.

Source: Shekou Int School Libguide 

• Lang & Lit (Eng A) RPPF with Examiner Comments
• Lang Acq (Eng B) RPPF with Examiner Comments
• BM RPPF with Examiner Comments
• Econ RPPF with Examiner Comments
• History RPPF with Examiner Comments
• Biology RPPF with Examiner Comments
• Chemistry RPPF with Examiner Comments
• Computer Science RPPF with Examiner Comments
• Physics RPPF with Examiner Comments
• SEHS with Examiner Comments
• Music RPPF with Examiner Comments
• Visual Arts RPPF with Examiner Comments

Questions to Ask Yourself

Avoid using only description and keep descriptions brief. Use the prompts to spark your thinking.

Descriptive Ideas (limited reflection)

• What did I do?
• How did I undertake my research?
• What were the problems I faced?
• Did my approach or strategies change throughout the process?
• What have been the high and the low points of the research and writing process?

Analytical Ideas (good reflection)

• To what extent was my research successful?
• If I changed approach or strategies during the process, why did I do this?
• What did I learn from the experience in terms of my understanding of the subject area and/or skills needed?
• How has my understanding of the topic and process developed?

Evaluative Ideas (excellent reflection)

• If I did this again, what would I do differently?
• If I did this again, would I change the theories applied, or my methodology?
• Would there be a different outcome?
• What can I conclude?
• Were the strategies I used most appropriate for achieving my outcomes?
• What questions emerged as a result of my research? Would these questions influence my approach if I did this all over again?

Guidance for writing your RPPF reflection

What is the  viva voce ?

The  viva voce  is a short conference between the student and the supervisor. It is the recommended conclusion to the Extended Essay process, and lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. 

Why have the  viva voce ?

The EE supervisor is required to submit a report when your EE is shipped to the IB examiner has been assigned to grade it.  The supervisor can ask questions in the  viva voce  that will help with writing that report.  This is especially important if the supervisor feels there is a need to check for plagiarism and malpractice in general.  Supervisors are required to confirm the authenticity of the work in any Extended Essay submitted to IB.

The supervisor will use the  viva voce  to help you:

• Reflect on the successes and difficulties you had when researching and writing your essay
• Reflect on what you have learned

What questions will be asked in the  viva voce ?

Here are some examples of questions you might be asked:

• What have been the high and low points of the research and writing process?
• In hindsight, would you choose the topic again?
• What were the most interesting aspects of the process?  Did you discover anything that surprised you?
• What have you learned through writing this essay?  
• Having finished your essay, what additional questions did you find that could lead to further investigation?
• Is there any advice you could pass on to someone who has just started work on their EE?

Source: Susan Trower - West Sound Academy

Source: IBO Criterion E

Tips for Writing your EE Reflection

Sample RPPFs

• Bus Mgt RPPF Sample D
• Bus Mgt RPPF Sample C
• Eng A RPPF Sample G

Criterion E: Engagement Rubric

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Extended essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students.

Read about the extended essay  in greater detail.

You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for the extended essay , find examples of extended essay titles from previous DP students and learn about the world studies extended essay .

Learn more about the extended essay in a DP workshop for teachers . 

DP subject briefs

Find out about what each subject offers within the Diploma Programme (DP).

Our DP subject briefs—for both standard and higher level—contain information about core requirements, aims and assessment.

• Explore the DP subject briefs

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Extended Essay - Criteria: Interim reflection

• Criterion A: Focus and Method
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking
• Table of Contents
• Citations and Referencing
• Appendices (Optional)
• Initial reflection
• Interim reflection
• Interim Reflection Handout

Between the Interim Reflection and the completion of the extended essay, students should continue to see their supervisor as appropriate.

Interim Reflection

DO NOT MENTION YOUR SUPERIVOR'S NAME in your reflection.

The interim, or second, reflection session takes place before the first full draft is completed, but after a substantial amount of work has been done. The first step is a mandatory interview between the student and the supervisor. The questions asked during this session tend to be more analytical, with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of initial findings and research methods. This interview informs the second written reflection.

Interview Session

INTERVIEW SESSION (20–30 minutes)

During this interview session supervisors might ask:

• Where are you now in the research process and how did you get there?
• What challenges have you faced and what strategies have you used to overcome these?
• How are you adhering to the academic honesty policy?
• How has your understanding of the question/topic changed?
• What changes need to be made in order to complete this research?
• What have you learned that might affect the way you continue?
• Is your argument well structured and coherent?
• Have you provided enough evidence to support a reasoned argument?
• Have you critically evaluated this research?
• Are there adjustments or changes that you might make to improve your essay?

INTERIM REFLECTION (max. ~150 words)

When writing the final reflection, students might reflect about any of the above questions that were discussed.

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Extended Essay: Exemplar Essays

• General Timeline
• Group 1: English Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts
• Interdisciplinary essays
• Brainstorming
• Pre-Writing
• Research Techniques
• The Research Question
• Paraphrasing, Summarising and Quotations
• Writing an EE Introduction
• Writing the main body of your EE
• Writing your EE Conclusion
• Six sub-categories for WSEE
• IB Interdisciplinary EE Assessment Guide
• Sources: Finding, Organising and Evaluating Them
• Conducting Interviews and Surveys
• Citing and Referencing
• Check-in Sessions
• First Formal Reflection
• Second Formal Reflection
• Final Reflection (Viva Voce)
• Researcher's Reflection Space (RRS) Examples
• Information for Supervisors
• How is the EE Graded?
• EE Online Resources
• Stavanger Public Library

Exemplar Essays

• Extended Essay Presentations
• ISS High School Academic Honesty Policy

Please note that many of these examples mentioned below were written prior to the publication of the new IB Guide 2018.  Therefore, changes such as the abstract no longer being required, will not be reflected in some of these examples. 

You can also refer to the IB Extended Essay Guide for Assessed Student Work for more updated examples. 

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IB Extended Essay: Past Essays

• Research Questions
• Past Essays
• Notes & Outlines
• Works Cited Page
• In-Text Citations
• Assessment Criteria
• Reflections
• Supervisor Info
• Net Valley Library This link opens in a new window

Check these CAREFULLY to be sure your topic fits with IB expectations!

• Language & literature (language A)
• Language acquisition (language B)
• Mathematics
• Visual Arts
• World Studies

Business Management

English a & b ee examples.

• English A EE Example
• English A EE Example 1
• English A EE Example 2
• English A EE Example 3
• English B EE Example
• English B EE Example 1
• English B EE Example 2
• English B EE Example 3
• English B EE Example 4
• English B EE Example 5
• English B EE Example 6

Philosophy EE Examples

• Philosophy Example 1
• Philosophy Example 2
• Philosophy Example 3
• Philosophy Example 4

Economics EE Examples

• Econ Example 1
• Econ Example 2
• Econ Example 3
• Econ Example 4
• Econ Example 5
• Econ Example 6
• Econ Example 7
• Econ Example 8

Review Past Papers

• From the IB:  papers from other students and how they scored
• Renaissance Library Past Essays :  Links to all subject area examples

Music EE Examples

• Music EE Example 1
• Music EE Example 2
• Music EE Example 3
• Music EE Example 4

Psychology EE Examples

• Psych EE Example 1
• Psych EE Example 2
• Psych EE Example 3

Chinese EE Examples

• Chinese EE Example 1
• Chinese EE Example 2
• Chinese EE Example 3
• Chinese A EE Cat 1
• Chinese A EE Cat 2
• Chinese A EE Cat 3
• Chinese B EE Example 1
• Chinese B EE Example 2
• Chinese B Example 3
• Business EE Example 1
• Business EE Example 2
• Business EE Example 3

Visual Arts EE Examples

• Visual Arts EE Example 1
• Visual Arts EE Example 2
• Visual Arts EE Example 3
• Visual Arts EE Example 4

Film EE Examples

• Film Example 1
• Film Example 2

Chemistry EE Examples

• Chemistry EE Example

Biology EE Examples

• Biology EE Example
• Biology EE Example 1
• Biology EE Example 2
• Biology EE Example 3

Physics EE Examples

• Physics EE Example
• Physics EE Example 1
• Physics EE Example 2
• Physics EE Example 3
• Physics EE Example 4
• Physics EE Example 5

Math EE Examples

• Math EE Example 1
• Math EE Example 2
• Math EE Example 3
• Math EE Example 4
• Math EE Example 5
• Math EE Example 6

World Studies EE Examples

• World Studies Example 1
• World Studies Example 2
• World Studies Example 3
• World Studies Example 4
• World Studies Example 5
• World Studies Example 6
• World Studies Example 7
• World Studies Example 8
• World Studies Example 9
• World Studies Example 10
• World Studies Example 11
• World Studies Example 12
• World Studies Example 13
• World Studies Example 14
• World Studies Example 15
• World Studies Example 16
• World Studies Example 17
• World Studies Example 18
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