International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) DP Core: Extended Essay (EE) and CAS Syllabus

DP Core: Extended Essay (EE) and CAS syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for DP Core: Extended Essay (EE) and CAS in International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Extended Essay Foundations

   3 topics

   • Choosing a Subject and Topic
     • Aligning with a registered DP subject
     • Narrowing scope to a focused topic
   • Developing a Research Question
     • Clarity, focus, and feasibility
     • Analytical vs. descriptive framing
   • World Studies Interdisciplinary Option
2. 2

   Research and Writing Process

   3 topics

   • Methodology and Source Evaluation
     • Primary and secondary sources
     • Reliability and academic integrity
   • Argument, Analysis, and Structure
     • Introduction, body, and conclusion
     • Evidence-based reasoning
   • Citation, Referencing, and Formatting
3. 3

   Reflection and Assessment

   3 topics

   • Reflections on Planning and Progress (RPPF)
     • Initial, interim, and viva voce reflections
   • EE Assessment Criteria
   • The TOK/EE Points Matrix
4. 4

   Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

   3 topics

   • The Three CAS Strands
     • Creativity: arts and creative thinking
     • Activity: physical exertion
     • Service: collaborative community engagement
   • Seven Learning Outcomes
     • Identifying strengths and growth areas
     • Demonstrating perseverance and collaboration
   • The CAS Project
     • Planning and initiation
     • Reflection and portfolio evidence

DP Core: Extended Essay (EE) and CAS flashcards for International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

24 of 50 cards from the DP Core: Extended Essay (EE) and CAS deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the maximum word count for the IB Extended Essay (EE)?

   4,000 words. The word count excludes the title page, contents page, maps/charts/diagrams, tables, equations, footnotes/endnotes that are purely references, the bibliography, and appendices.

2. In which subject must a student normally write the IB Extended Essay?

   In one of the student's six chosen Diploma Programme subjects (or in the interdisciplinary World Studies option). It is usually written in a subject the student is studying.

3. When choosing an EE topic, what three qualities should it have?

   It should be (1) personally interesting/motivating, (2) sufficiently narrow and focused to be treated in 4,000 words, and (3) supported by accessible, sufficient resources/data.

4. Why are EE topics that are too broad problematic?

   A broad topic cannot be explored in depth within 4,000 words, leading to description rather than analysis and a weak, unfocused argument. Narrowing the scope allows depth and a clear line of reasoning.

5. What is the difference between a 'subject', a 'topic', and a 'research question' in the EE?

   The subject is the discipline (e.g., History); the topic is the specific area within it (e.g., Cold War propaganda); the research question is the precise, answerable question that focuses the investigation.

6. What are the qualities of a strong EE research question?

   It is clear, focused, specific, arguable/analytical (not merely descriptive), answerable within the word limit, and appropriate to the subject's methods. It is usually phrased as a question, not a statement.

7. Why is a research question phrased 'To what extent...' often stronger than one phrased 'What is...'?

   'To what extent' invites evaluation, weighing of evidence, and a reasoned argument, whereas 'What is' tends to elicit description. Analytical question stems promote critical thinking, which is the most heavily weighted criterion.

8. What is the World Studies EE option?

   An interdisciplinary Extended Essay that investigates an issue of contemporary global significance through the lens of two IB diploma disciplines.

9. Name the six themes available for a World Studies Extended Essay.

   (1) Conflict, peace and security; (2) Culture, language and identity; (3) Equality and inequality; (4) Health and development; (5) Environmental and/or economic sustainability; (6) Science, technology and society.

10. How many academic disciplines must a World Studies EE integrate, and how?

    Exactly two IB disciplines, integrated genuinely so that both contribute to answering the research question; the essay must demonstrate a true interdisciplinary approach, not two separate single-subject analyses.

11. What makes an issue suitable for a World Studies EE?

    It must be of contemporary global significance, allow analysis through two disciplines, and ideally be illustrated through a specific local or national example that connects to the wider global context.

12. In source evaluation, what is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

    A primary source is original, first-hand evidence from the time/event studied (e.g., letters, data, artifacts, original experiments). A secondary source interprets, analyses, or comments on primary sources (e.g., textbooks, reviews, scholarly articles).

13. What four criteria are commonly used to evaluate the reliability of a source (OPVL/CRAAP style)?

    Origin/Currency, Purpose, Authority/Author, and Accuracy/Reliability (plus relevance). Students assess who created it, why, when, and how trustworthy it is for their argument.

14. What is methodology in the context of the Extended Essay?

    The systematic approach used to gather and analyse information or data to answer the research question (e.g., experiments, surveys, textual analysis, statistical analysis), chosen appropriately for the subject.

15. Why must EE methodology be 'appropriate to the subject'?

    Each discipline has accepted methods (e.g., controlled experiments in science, close textual analysis in literature, statistical modelling in economics). Using methods appropriate to the subject is assessed under Criterion A (Focus and method).

16. What is triangulation in research, and why is it valuable in an EE?

    Triangulation is cross-checking findings using multiple sources, methods, or data types. It strengthens validity and reliability by reducing reliance on any single, potentially biased source.

17. What distinguishes analysis from description in an EE?

    Description states what something is or what happened; analysis explains how and why, breaks ideas into parts, examines relationships, evaluates evidence, and links findings back to the research question to build an argument.

18. What is the recommended overall structure of an Extended Essay?

    Title page, contents page, introduction (context + research question), body (developed argument with evidence and analysis), conclusion (answer to the question + limitations/unresolved issues), and references/bibliography.

19. What should the EE introduction accomplish?

    It should state the research question, explain the topic's significance and context, and indicate the scope and approach—establishing why the question is worth investigating.

20. What should an effective EE conclusion contain?

    A clear answer to the research question consistent with the evidence presented, acknowledgement of limitations, and identification of unresolved questions or areas for further study—without introducing new evidence.

21. What does a 'sustained, reasoned argument' mean in EE marking?

    A coherent line of reasoning maintained throughout the essay where each section builds logically toward answering the research question, with claims consistently supported by evidence and analysis.

22. Why must the EE include in-text citations and a bibliography?

    To credit sources, avoid plagiarism (an academic misconduct breach), allow verification, and demonstrate research engagement. Consistent referencing is assessed under Criterion D (Presentation).

23. Does the IB require a specific citation style for the EE?

    No—the IB does not mandate a particular style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago), but the chosen style must be used consistently and completely throughout the essay.

24. What two elements must a complete citation system include?

    (1) In-text citations/footnotes that point to sources at the moment of use, and (2) a full reference list/bibliography listing every source cited. Every in-text citation must have a matching entry.

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