Post on 26-May-2015
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The Extended Essay
Senior 6 Introductory Session
BRITISH SCHOOL OF COSTA RICA
2013 Session
BEFORE WE START
Make a list of the most pressing questions you have at the moment about Extended Essays. At the end of this session we will try to answer all of your questions
You may also bring up myths and comments you have heard around to clarify.
Make notes during the whole presentation. You will find them useful later on.
The Diploma Programme
EE Brief Description
A requirement to obtain the IB Diploma
Externally assessed by IBO evaluators (not supervisor)
Total assessment points 0-36, of which a grade between an A to E is awarded
Represents 40 hours of work
Point relationship between TOK and EE (maximum 3 diploma points altogether) (E grade in both is automatic fail. E in one and less than 28 points is also a fail)
Opportunity for personal exploration/independent learning
Great preparation for university-style research papers
Topic chosen by YOU, but agreed upon with supervisor
Topic chosen within IB subjects taught in school
EE General Requirements
Between 3,500-4,000 words
Involves academic, critical research
Supervisor can spend a maximum of 5 hours helping you
Apply analytical and evaluative skills, and terminology appropriate to subject matter
Supervisor submits a predicted grade and a supervisor’s report to the IBO. Not revealed to student.
Concludes with the viva voce interview
EE demands a “diverse range of sources” in most subjects
EE Assessment Objectives
As an Extended Essay student you are required to:
Plan carefully, leading up to proposed topic
Develop a precise research question
Learn where to find and interpret research materials
Structure a reasoned argument to answer research question (based on research)
Apply the correct vocabulary, format and argumentative style according to the subject
EE Coordinator Role Train all supervisors and students
Provide students with a qualified supervisor
Make Extended Essay information and guidelines accessible
Provide and manage deadlines to all supervisors and students
Provide learning and researching opportunities
Resolve all pending EE issues and questions
Ship all EEs out for external assessing
Contact information: anarojas@bscr.ed.cr
Always in the English office during first break
Mrs. Wolff, IB Coordinator: twolff@gmail.com
Subject-Specific AreasWhich are my options?
Group 1 (English/Spanish)
Literature
Language and Literature
Group 2 (French B)
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
Geography
History / Historia
Information technology in a global society (ITGS)
Economics
Philosophy / Filosofía
Group 4 Experimental Sciences
Biology / Biología
Chemistry
Physics / Física
Environmental systems and societies
Group 5 Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics
Computer Science
Group 6 The arts
Visual Arts/Artes visuales
Music
Note: To obtain a bilingual diploma you want to do your Extended Essay in a language other than your Group 1 Language
IB clarifies:
To qualify as a history EE, all events discussed must take place ten years ago or more
Group 2 EEs must be written in the target language and on matters related to the target language (not Costa Rican media)
No strong links between internal assessment topics and Extended Essay
No similar topics between current students or former students
Responsibilities of the Student
Choose a topic of personal interest and invest the time defining carefully your research question
Observe and follow all EE regulations, both general and specific (“Extended Essay Guide 2013” printed copy from supervisor or in the office)
Never plagiarize, acknowledge ALL sources cited
Meet BSCR/Supervisor deadlines
Communicate with your supervisor!
Actively request appointments and attend meetings
Ask for help immediately when struggling
Address emerging issues
IB recommends
Start work early
Draft research question carefully and precisely
Plan when, where and how to obtain material for research
Plan schedule for researching and writing, including extra time for unforeseen problems
Record sources in bibliography and quotes as you read them. Do not wait until essay writing time!
Have a clear structure before writing
Check and edit essay carefully
Check and meet all basic requirements
EE Examiners recommend
Read assessment criteria and EE Guide 2013 (subject)
Read previous Extended Essays (Library)
Maintain a good working relationship with supervisor
Use the library and consult supervisor for further sources
Change research question as soon as serious problems appear for a more answerable question
Use language appropriate for the field
Show your enthusiasm for the topic in your writing
Off the Record from the IBO
Quality is important, but so is quantity. Getting as close to the 4,000 word-count is important…
…except in Math. A great paper can be 3,300 words. But usually, 3,300 words will earn very low marks.
Experimental designs are frequently a must-have for a decent grade in a science essay.
Do not choose a subject that you are just beginning to have background in. This is not the time for beginner’s exploration. This is a time for further exploration.
Things to Avoid Choosing a question that is too broad or vague, narrow,
difficult or inappropriate
Forgetting to analyze/answer the question
Ignoring the EE Assessment Criteria
Wasting time collecting data irrelevant to your question
Surfing the Internet aimlessly and uncritically
Limiting yourself to internet sources only
Plagiarizing
Simply describing or reporting other information
Repeat introduction in the conclusion
Citing sources that aren’t used
Supervisor’s Role Use knowledge in subject area to provide advice and
guidance to students
Helps define research question
Aids in the research process
Reads and comments on first draft
Submits a predicted grade to the IBO
Conducts the viva voce with student
Reports plagiarism, if suspected
Your supervisor does NOT have to: Offer/choose a topic for you
Chase you around school for meetings or deadlines
Edit/proofread your paper, only advice on ideas
Read endless numbers of drafts for you
Supervisor Selection
Students request a meeting with at least 2 potential supervisors to discuss possible topics (already proposed by you). If feasible, supervisor signs proposal form and you hand it in to the Extended Essay coordinator.
Think about at least 2 different subjects, since some subjects seem to be too popular and supervisors get booked/full very early.
Choose a teacher you will feel comfortable working with.
Ask your supervisor if they will be in school next year, to avoid any future issues regarding supervision.
Changes in subject choice need to occur very early in the process, and only when both supervisors, Extended Essay coordinator and IB coordinator agree.
The Research Process (Phase A)
Read the subject-specific guide for your subject area (starting on p. 26 of the 2013 Extended Essay Guide)
Check out past student essays in the Library (As and Bs)
Brainstorm general ideas or attempts at research questions, explaining why the topic is of interest to you
Work with your supervisor to develop a research question that is:
Answerable within 3,500-4,000 words
Focused to the subject matter
Correctly worded and unambiguous
Relevant/Important enough to be asked
The Research Process (Phase B)
Discuss with your supervisor: The location of materials for your topic (Internet, Google
books, school library, university libraries, institutional libraries, books purchased internationally, specialized journals or magazines, research databases, interviews with experts, experiments, surveys, etc.)
A proper academic referencing/citing system (APA, MLA, etc.)
A general list of sub-headings for your paper
A developing list of EE reading for background and information-gathering
Internal BSCR deadlines
Best times to meet or discuss the EE
The Research Process (Phase C)
Undertake some preparatory reading (is there enough research material, has this been done before?). If too difficult, start again with a new topic
Make sure you use scholarly sources (essays, articles, books written by professionals with advanced degrees in the field of study)
Carry out the investigation
Organize material gathered logically according to outline
Prepare for things to go wrong. You may find material that contradicts what you started with, so be ready to revise and change research question
Writing the Extended Essay
Parts of an Extended Essay
Title page
Abstract
Acknowledgements (of desired)
Contents page
Introduction
Body (development/methods/results)
Conclusion
References and bibliography
Appendices
Word limitMaximum 4000 words, minimum 3500 (20 p)
Introduction
Body (including quotes)
Conclusion
What is not included in these 4000 words
Abstract
Acknowledgements
Content page
Maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations, tables, image captions
Equations, formulas and calculations
Citations and references (whether parenthetical or footnotes)
Bibliography
Appendices
Writing the Extended Essay
Extremely precise structure
Introduction should be written after you have already developed the body of the essay (general overview)
Abstract written absolutely last (after first draft conference)
Main focus of essay is the body
Sub-headings helpful in most subjects
Include only relevant sources, citations all present and consistent
Evaluator not required to read references, bibliography, or footnotes
Planning your time
7/8 = Research Phase (Apr-Nov 2012)Student & supervisor work together to:
Explore and discuss ideasLocate appropriate resourcesDiscuss readings and ideasDevelop a suitable research questionSupervisor monitors research progress
1/8 = Writing Phase (Dec-May 2013)
Student works independently over summer to:
Organize research materialCarry out experimentsWrite EE first full draft Revision conference to discuss draftRevise and have ready the final EEInterview with supervisor about the whole experience (viva voce)
SENIOR 6
SENIOR 7
Contacting your parents
Students are required to be proactive in attending meetings, completing assignments, and communicating struggles
Parents will be kept updated of your progress on grade reports and progress reports sent home
First phone call to parents may occur after missed meetings, due dates, or failing to be in school on deadline days
This will result in after school detentions to make up for the time wasted
What is the Viva Voce?
Verbal interview
Lasts 10-15 minutes
Serves as conclusion to EE process
Opportunity for reflection
Can serve as plagiarism/malpractice check
Used to bolster holistic assessment
Should end on a positive note
Extended Essay Grade Boundaries
A 29 – 36
B 23 – 28
C 16 – 22
D 8 – 15
E 0 – 7