International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) The DP Core Syllabus

What is the Extended Essay (EE), and how long is it?

An independent, self-directed piece of research culminating in a formal essay of up to 4000 words on a topic of the student's choice, normally within one of the DP subjects.

What is the maximum word count of the Extended Essay, and how are words beyond this treated?

The maximum is 4000 words. Examiners do not read or assess any material beyond the 4000-word limit.

Roughly how many hours are students recommended to spend on the Extended Essay?

Approximately 40 hours of self-directed work in total.

What is the role of the EE 'research question'?

It is a clear, focused and arguable question that defines the scope of the essay; the whole essay is structured as an argued response to this question.

What are the qualities of a good Extended Essay research question?

It should be clear, focused, narrow enough to be answered thoroughly within 4000 words, arguable/analytical (not merely descriptive), and researchable with available sources.

What is the difference between an EE topic, research question, and title?

The topic is the broad subject area; the research question is the specific arguable question being investigated; the title is a concise summary of the focus of the investigation.

What is the maximum number of supervision hours a supervisor should spend with an EE student, and what is the recommended minimum number of formal reflection sessions?

Supervisors should spend up to 3–5 hours with the student. There must be three formal reflection sessions, the last being the concluding 'viva voce'.

What are the three formal reflection sessions of the Extended Essay?

The first/initial reflection session, the interim reflection session, and the final reflection session known as the viva voce (conducted after the essay is complete).

What is the 'viva voce' in the Extended Essay process?

A short concluding interview (about 10–15 minutes) between student and supervisor, serving as the final reflection session to confirm authenticity and discuss the research experience.

What form must students complete to record their EE reflections, and how is it assessed?

The Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF), with a maximum of 500 words across the three sessions; it is assessed under the criterion 'Engagement'.

What is the word limit on the EE Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF)?

A maximum of 500 words total across the three reflection sessions.

List the standard structural components of an Extended Essay.

Title page, contents page, introduction (including research question), body/argument, conclusion, and references/bibliography (with optional appendices). An abstract is no longer required.

Is an abstract required in the current Extended Essay?

No. The abstract was removed from the EE requirements; current essays do not include one.

What five assessment criteria are used to mark the Extended Essay, and what is the maximum mark?

Criterion A: Focus and Method; B: Knowledge and Understanding; C: Critical Thinking; D: Presentation; E: Engagement. The maximum total is 34 marks.

Which EE criterion carries the most marks, and how many?

Criterion C, Critical Thinking, carries the most marks at 12 out of 34.

What does 'methodology' mean in the context of the Extended Essay?

The overall strategy and specific methods used to gather and analyse evidence (e.g. literature review, surveys, experiments, source analysis) appropriate to the chosen subject.

What does the acronym CAS stand for, and over how long must it run?

Creativity, Activity, Service. CAS must run as a continuous experience over at least 18 months, normally with a roughly even balance across the three strands.

Define the three strands of CAS.

Creativity — arts and other experiences involving creative thinking; Activity — physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle; Service — unpaid, voluntary work with a learning benefit and real consequences for others.

Is there still a fixed minimum number of CAS hours required, and what replaced the old '150 hours' rule?

No fixed total hours are required now; the previous suggestion of about 150 hours was replaced by an emphasis on regular, balanced, meaningful engagement assessed through the seven learning outcomes.

How many CAS learning outcomes are there, and what is required regarding them?

There are seven learning outcomes; the student must provide evidence of having achieved all seven through their CAS experiences and project.

List the seven CAS learning outcomes.

1) Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth; 2) Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills; 3) Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience; 4) Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences; 5) Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively; 6) Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance; 7) Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions.

Which CAS learning outcome specifically concerns global issues?

Learning outcome 6: 'Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.'

Which CAS learning outcome concerns ethics?

Learning outcome 7: 'Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions.'

What is the CAS project, and what is its minimum duration?

A collaborative, student-initiated CAS undertaking involving one or more strands, lasting at least one month from planning to completion, that challenges students to show initiative, perseverance and teamwork.

What is the minimum duration of the CAS project?

At least one month, from the initial planning stage through to completion.

What are the typical stages students follow when carrying out a CAS experience or project?

Investigation, Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Demonstration — the CAS stages framework.

How is CAS assessed for the diploma?

CAS is not formally graded or scored; it is assessed only as 'completed/satisfactory' based on the CAS portfolio evidence and achievement of the seven learning outcomes, confirmed in interviews with the CAS coordinator.

What is the CAS portfolio?

A collection of evidence (reflections, photos, plans, records, supervisor feedback) that documents a student's CAS experiences and demonstrates achievement of the seven learning outcomes.

How many formal CAS interviews are normally required, and when do they occur?

Three: an initial interview at the start, an interim interview partway through, and a final interview near the end of the CAS programme.

Why is reflection central to CAS, and what are the four elements of meaningful reflection?

Reflection allows students to make sense of their experiences and demonstrate learning outcomes. Meaningful reflection: describes what happened, expresses feelings, generates ideas, and raises questions.

Compare how TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS are each assessed.

TOK and the EE are graded A–E and together award 0–3 bonus diploma points; CAS is not graded and is recorded simply as satisfactorily completed (a requirement for the diploma but worth no points).