More on the Extended Essay

The extended essay is an intrinsic part of the IB diploma. The purpose of the requirements and procedures presented in this guide is to ensure that:

• All candidates and teachers fully understand the challenge presented by the extended essay
• The degree of challenge is equivalent for all candidates
• The extended essay makes appropriate demands on candidates
• There is parity in the assessment of extended essays within a subject
• Extended essays of similar quality in different subjects receive the same reward
• The reward is appropriate to the quality of the extended essay.

The assessment criteria for extended essays contained in this guide have emerged from consultation with experienced IB teachers and examiners. They incorporate changes introduced in 1999 to take effect from the examinations for May 2000.