Being an IB student, you must be well aware of the significance of the Extended Essay in earning your diploma. After working with numerous students throughout my experience, I’ve observed the ups and downs of tackling the EE. It’s crucial to keep up with the latest Extended Essay requirements if you want your essay to meet all the criteria and stand out positively.
This article will provide you with the latest Extended Essay requirements updates for 2023/2024, helping you effectively structure your essay and steer clear of common mistakes.
Changes in the 2023/2024 Extended Essay Requirements
The Extended Essay is a fundamental part of the IB Diploma Programme, allowing you to conduct independent research on a topic that interests you. Based on the most recent IBO guidelines, the main emphasis is still on your research, writing, and critical thinking abilities.
In this part, I just wanted to inform you about some important updates for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Overview of IBO’s New Guidelines
The IBO has changed the requirements for the Extended Essay in 2023/2024. I think getting to know these updates before you begin writing is crucial. One significant change is the focus on making your writing clear and coherent. According to the IBO, essays must have a solid structure and maintain a clear focus on the research question throughout the paper. Each paragraph must focus on your research question and not go off on tangents.
Moreover, there are fresh guidelines concerning the usage of sources. There has been a shift in the IBO’s focus towards critical evaluation and academic integrity. In my view, this change is a direct result of the increasing abundance of information on the internet and the necessity for students to differentiate between trustworthy sources and those that are less reliable. It’s essential to diversify your sources:
- Include reputable ones like academic journals, books, and trusted online databases.
- Take a close look at the reliability and relevance of each source.
- Get only those sources cited correctly, following the citation style you must use.
You must prioritize academic integrity and ensure that the work you submit reflects your comprehension and analysis.
Subject-Specific Updates
There have also been some changes to the criteria for specific subjects. Take the Sciences, for example. These days, data analysis and interpretation are getting a lot more attention. Nowadays, it’s not enough to just collect data. You must show that you get what that data is all about and how it backs up your research question.
In Humanities subjects like History and Geography, the emphasis is on assessing sources and building strong arguments. In my opinion, this change motivates students to look deeper into their sources, considering the content, style, and rationale behind them. The IBO values essays that demonstrate a high level of accuracy and depth of analysis, placing a strong emphasis on critical thinking.
Introduction of New Subject Categories
The IBO has implemented new subject categories to ensure that the Extended Essay remains current with current academic fields. This expansion is super cool because it gives you many new choices when picking a topic for your essay. These new categories show that the IBO acknowledges the importance of emerging fields of study and current issues influencing our world today.
For instance, now you can research environmental science or digital media. These subjects are super cool and allow you to go deep into research and analysis. Selecting a topic from these fresh categories ensures that your Extended Essay reflects your passions and aligns with your future academic or professional goals. This change is one of the best things about the recent updates because they let you create brilliant and personally important work.
New Research Pathways in the 2023/2024 Extended Essay
The newest version of the EE emphasizes giving students two research pathways: combining different subjects or focusing on a specific one. In my opinion, this new development expands the possibilities of the Extended Essay and allows you to customize your research experience to better match your interests and academic strengths.
Two Clearly Defined Research Pathways
One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of these two distinct research paths. Choosing the right pathway is essential to succeed in the EE. Let’s take a look at what each path has to offer:
- Interdisciplinary approach. With this pathway, you can use a topic from the perspectives of two DP subjects from several EE groups. This option is perfect for you if you take on complex issues that can benefit from various viewpoints. For instance, you can combine aspects of Global Politics and Environmental Systems to analyze how climate change affects international relations.
- Focus on the subject at hand. Alternatively, the subject-focused pathway is ideal if you prefer a specific option. This method lets you research one particular DP subject, like History, Biology, or English Literature.
Both pathways hold immense value. The decision ultimately hinges on your interests and the subject you want to study. Choose the path that best aligns with your strengths and academic goals.
The Importance of Reflection
There’s been an important update to the EE about getting a better grasp on reflection. The IBO acknowledges that the reflection process goes beyond simply reviewing your work; it focuses on understanding how the EE experience contributes to your personal growth. This new focus on reflection prompts you to consider the transferable skills you’ve gained from your research.
These skills, including critical thinking, time management, and effective communication, are fundamental. They will benefit your Extended Essay and your future academic and professional pursuits.
Changes in Language Essays
The IBO has recently updated the categorization of language essays. For example, Language A and Language B essays no longer have categories, giving students more freedom to approach these assignments uniquely. In my experience, this change allows you to dig into your essay’s content and analysis without feeling limited by strict categories.
The changes to the EE for the 2023/2024 academic year are basically about giving you more options and better research opportunities.
New Assessment Model for the 2023/2024 Extended Essay
The assessment model for 2023/2024 maintains the fundamental areas of evaluation from previous years, but the criteria have been carefully reimagined. In my view, understanding these guidelines is the initial step in creating an essay that meets the highest standards.
The new assessment model has five main criteria, each highlighting a different aspect of your essay. The table below summarizes the requirements to help you better understand how your essay will be evaluated.
| Criterion | Marks Available | Guiding Question |
| Framework for the Extended Essay | 6 | Do the research question, research methods, and structural conventions provide a framework for the EE? |
| Knowledge and Understanding | 6 | Does the IB student demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject matter used in their research? |
| Analysis and Line of Argument | 6 | Does the IB student analyze the EE’s information and produce a coherent argument? |
| Discussion and Evaluation | 8 | Does the IB student discuss the findings and critically evaluate the EE? |
| Reflection | 4 | Does the IB student evaluate the effect of the EE learning experience on their development as a learner? |
The new assessment model for the Extended Essay highlights the importance of clear communication, thorough analysis, and thoughtful introspection. By carefully considering and addressing each of these criteria, you can ensure that your essay meets the highest standards set by the IBO. A carefully written EE demonstrates your academic skills, commitment, and effort.
Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.
Are you struggling to come up with topic suggestions for your IB Extended Essay? Or do you need help with Internal Assessment?
Our experienced writers can help you choose the perfect topic and assist you with any assignment.
You can order an Extended Essay tailored to your specific subject and requirements.
Our experienced IB writers are always ready to help.
Simply click:
Writing Tips for the 2023/2024 Extended Essay
By following these suggestions, you’ll be on track to meet the 2023/2024 Extended Essay requirements and make the most of this one-of-a-kind academic opportunity.
Master Time Management
Effective time management is crucial when tackling your EE. It is advisable to plan and work on your research and writing over a longer period to minimize stress and avoid rushing at the last minute. Establish a well-defined timeline with specific objectives for each phase of the essay. This will assist you in staying focused and organized throughout the process. This method lets you set aside enough time for research, drafting, and revision, guaranteeing that your final submission is top-notch and expertly crafted.
Get the Most Out of Your Word Count
While the Extended Essay still has a maximum word count of 4,000, the latest guidelines emphasize the importance of clear and direct writing. The IBO advises students to avoid unnecessary filler and instead concentrate on ensuring that every word carries weight. Focus on quality rather than quantity and ensure each paragraph adds value to your argument and relates to your research question.
Revise Your Research Question
The research question forms the basis of your Extended Essay. The latest updates from the IBO emphasize the significance of formulating a specific and researchable question within the given word limit. In my opinion, having a clear and concise research question is crucial for directing your research and keeping your essay on track. Collaborate closely with your supervisor to fine-tune your question and align it with the latest IBO criteria.
Find out the differences between an Extended Essay and a regular essay and how each impacts your writing approach by checking out this article.
Final Thoughts
Although it may take some time to get used to these updates, they provide a solid structure for creating a top-notch essay that meets the IB’s expectations. I believe accepting these changes and approaching your work with a strategic mindset will lead to success and enhance the overall experience. The Extended Essay is your chance to show off your research skills and enthusiasm for your chosen topic. So make sure to put in the effort and create something you can be proud of!
If you need help with your Extended Essay or topic suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at IB Writing Service.
