The IB Extended Essay

The IB Extended Essay is a stumbling block for many IB students. A core component of the IB Diploma Programme, the Extended Essay is characterised as a 4,000-word independent research paper that seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of a topic chosen by IB candidates. While candidates are supported in their work by a supervisor, only three sessions are permitted. Consequently, IB students are often left wanting for greater levels of feedback or direction with regard to their Extended Essay.

Put simply, the IB Extended Essay is one of, if not the most, challenging aspect of a student’s IBDP. That the IB Extended Essay is not the only piece of coursework, with IAs and other such projects necessary, as well as the need for continuous revision, IB students can easily become overwhelmed. However, there are ways to maintain a level-head.

The Economics EE & the RQ

Those who choose to complete their Extended Essay in Economics must be aware of certain subject-specific characteristics of the IB Economics EE before attempting any research or writing. Of paramount importance is the RQ, or Research Question. A well-developed RQ can function as a guiding light during the composition of an IB Economics EE. Similarly, a poorly conceived Research Question can be a dead weight. Students must think carefully about what their Research Question might be, while keeping in mind two key factors.

The first is that whatever topic they choose to examine in the field of Economics, it must relate to economic information, policies, outcomes or events that are no more than five years old. The IB Economics EE is not a history paper. Students are not discussing the history of a particular school of thought within the subject of Economics. Nor are they to write about the success and/or failure of a particular policy from the past. Topics must be relatively contemporaneous.

The second is that candidates must not “double-dip”, as it is often put. This means that whatever topic is chosen for the Economics EE, there must be no repetition occurring between it and other pieces of coursework completed during the IBDP. The EE, after all, is a unique intellectual exploration into a topic of particular interest within the field of Economics. While this may seem obvious to some, IB Economics students struggle each year with the development of their respective Research Questions.

What to keep in mind when writing

Although an Economics essay, candidates should call upon their knowledge of English composition and be aware of the need for clear and concise expression. Due to the complexity of the task, sentences and paragraphs of Economics Extended Essay, or any IBDP Extended Essay for that matter, can run on considerably. When this happens, writing can often become needlessly complex and difficult to follow. Consequently, IB learners, whether completing their EE in Economics or not, must be sure to take care when composing their text. Clarity and brevity often go hand-in-hand. Short to medium length sentences and paragraphs in which information is shared clearly enhances a text’s readability. Not only does this show confidence in one’s understanding of the topic being discussed but may also engender the marker towards the candidate. Further, the more complex pieces of punctuation—a semicolon, for example—should largely be avoided, as the margin of error for students in using such elements of written English is far higher than exists for the comma and full stop.

How BartyED can help

The IB Economics Extended Essay is a daunting piece of coursework. Significantly more challenges abound than can be expressed in a blogpost. Consequently, those studying IB Economics and wishing to complete their EE in the subject can benefit greatly from the guidance provided by an experienced tutor. At BartyED, our team of expert tutors have guided innumerable students through the difficulties inherent in the IB EE. We have assisted those studying Economics, History, Geography, and English, to name but a few, and the results speak for themselves.

If you believe you or your child could benefit from bespoke tutoring in the IB Economics EE, or any other aspect of learning, reach out today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).