GEMS WORLD ACADEMY

CLASS OF 2015

The Extended Essay

A Guide to Writing the Extended Essay

Overview of the Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a research project of about 4000 words. It is a requirement of all diploma students. It is the expectation at GWA that all students (diploma and course students) will undertake an extended essay. It is independent research on a topic of the students choice and supervised by a GWA teacher. It is assessed externally by an IB examiner. It facilitates the transition from high school to university.

Contents
Overview What is the Extended Essay? Who needs to write it? How am I assessed on my Extended Essay? How will my school support me? What resources are available to me? MLA Formatting Assessment Criteria Supervisors Log

Assessment

Support

Research

Appendix

Assessment
The Extended Essay is assessed by IB examiners, but GWA supervisors will provide a predicated grade. Students will be marked on the criteria below:

Criteria
Research Question Introduction Investigation Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic Reasoned Argument Application of Analytical and Evaluative Skills Use of Language Conclusion Formal Presentation Abstract Holistic Judgment

Possible Points
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The Assessment Criteria

Descriptors for the assessment criteria can be found in the appendix to this booklet. Course students not submitting an essay for credit will be evaluated using modified GWA criteria. See Ms. Evans and Mr. Hull for more information.

The EE grade and TOK grade are used to determine your diploma bonus points (up to 3)
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Extended Essay Topics

The topics offered are listed below. It is recommended, but not required, that you choose a topic you are currently studying at higher level. Biology Business and Management Chemistry Design Technology Economics Environmental Systems and Societies Language A Literature or Language Language A Language Language B (must be written in studied language) History Mathematics Physics Psychology Visual Arts World Studies (Geography) (Human Rights) (Sports, Exercise, and Health Science) (World Religions) Etc.
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Image from IBO.org

The Research Question:

The Research Question is the foundation of the Extended Essay. It must be sharply focused and appropriate for study within the 4000 word limit. Some Example Research Questions: How does the geology of Sweden contribute to the impact of acid rain on its environment? To what extent were Hitlers educational aims fulfilled in the Uhland Gymnasium, 19371939? What mathematical factors affect the spread of infectious disease? Is individualized counseling or family counseling a more effective form of treatment for anorexia? Why is malaria so prevalent and so unevenly distributed in SubSaharan Africa?

The Role of the Supervisor

provides the student with advice and guidance in the skills of undertaking research encourages and supports the student throughout the research and writing of the extended essay discusses the choice of topic with the student and, in particular, helps to formulate a well-focused research question ensures that the chosen research question satisfies appropriate legal and ethical standards with regard to health and safety, confidentiality, human rights, animal welfare and environmental issues is familiar with the regulations governing the extended essay and the assessment criteria, and gives copies of these to the student monitors the progress of the extended essay to offer guidance and to ensure that the essay is the students own work (this may include presenting a section of the essay for supervisor comment) reads and comments on one completed draft only of the extended essay (but does not edit the draft) reads the final version to confirm its authenticity submits a predicted grade for the students extended essay to IB Cardiff completes the supervisors report (if the extended essay cover is not signed by both the student and the supervisor, the essay will not be accepted for assessment and may be returned to the school) provides an explanation in the report in cases where the number of hours spent with the student in discussing the extended essay is zero; in particular, it is necessary to describe how it has been possible to guarantee the authenticity of the essay in such circumstances writes a report and presents it to the schools Diploma Programme coordinator if malpractice, such as plagiarism, is suspected in the final draft.

The GWA Extended Essay Committee

Extended Essay Coordinator: Jean Melek Committee Members: Tina Evans, Brian Hull, Magdalena Kozlowska, Jennifer Martin Your EE committee will give presentations on the following topics during assembly times: Research Questions Research Tools Evaluating Sources Formal Formatting Writing an Abstract And More

From the IB Extended Essay Guide

Schedule and Deadlines

All dates are subject to change

What? Introduction to the EE Fill in EE Report Form 1 in homeroom Work on RQ with Supervisors Upload the research question to Managebac Presentation on Research Skills List of Sources to Supervisor Present a Working Bibliography to your Supervisor for Approval Outline to Supervisor Present a Working Outline of Your Argument to Your Supervisor EE Writing Day Initial First Draft Due (through Turnitin.com) You must submit the body of your essay COMPLETE draft uploaded to Managebac This Must Contain an Abstract, Introduction, Conclusion, and Bibliography in Addition to the Body of the Essay Meet with Supervisor for Draft Feedback This is Your ONE Chance to Get Written Feedback from Your Supervisor FINAL DRAFT due Viva Voce Interview

When? November 20, 2013 December 8-10, 2013 December 12, 2013 January 1, 2014 Early February 2014 March 27, 2014

April 24, 2014 Early May 2014 May 11, 2014

September 14, 2014

By October 9, 2014

October 26, 2014 By November 16, 2014

Online Resources
Ebsco Host (Scholarly Journals) http://search.ebscohost.com Username: GWA Password: Dubai Newsbank (Newspaper Articles) http://infoweb.newsbank.com Username: gems Password: gems

Encyclopedia Britannica (Encyclopedia) http://school.eb.co.uk/storeschoolcard?id=gemschools ID numbers: gemsworld

See Ms. LJ in the library for additional online research resources.

Academic honesty
The student is ultimately responsible for ensuring that his or her extended essay is authentic, with the work or ideas of others fully and correctly acknowledged. Additionally, it is the responsibility of a supervisor to confirm that, for each student he or she has supervised, to the best of his or her knowledge, the version of the extended essay submitted for assessment is the authentic work of the student. Both plagiarism and collusion are forms of malpractice that incur a penalty. The same piece of work, or two versions of the same work, cannot be submitted to meet the requirements of both the extended essay and another assessment component of a subject contributing to the diploma or an additional certificate. GWA cannot submit an Extended Essay for assessment that it knows to be guilty of academic malpractice.

From IB Extended Essay Guide

Appendix
General Criteria Checklist (for STUDENT USE) Point 1 2 3 4 5 Action Is the essay within 4000 words? Is there a Contents page? Are all pages numbered? Are all diagrams, charts and graphs indexed and labeled and sources referenced where applicable? Are all necessary terms defined/explained? Are your references cited consistently and correctly? Does the Bibliography include all and only the works of reference you have consulted? Are the Bibliography sources cited consistently and correctly? Does the Appendix contain only relevant information? Are all references to the Appendix clearly cross referenced and labeled? Is your research question stated on the title page? Is your research question stated and in bold in the Introduction? Is your research question restated and in bold in the Conclusion? Does your Conclusion address unresolved questions? Does your Conclusion address new questions that have emerged? Are your Introduction and Conclusion titled? Is your Abstract within 300 words? Does your Abstract contain the research question (in bold), the scope of the investigation and the conclusion reached? Have you consulted a wide range of appropriate sources for your research? Does your language indicate your awareness of writing correctly and clearly? Have you used subject-specific terminology? Check

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From IBICUS publication

Supervisors Initials:

Contents of Your Extended Essay

1. Title page An example to help you format this is shown below.

2. Abstract (this page is not numbered) Must not exceed 300 words. It is not an introduction but is designed to allow your reader to understand quickly the contents of your essay.

3. Table of Contents (also not numbered) Must be provided. Pages must be numbered.

4. Introduction Explains how the RQ relates to existing knowledge and why the topic chosen is significant and worthy of investigation.

5. Body Your argument. Consider using sub-headings here to keep your reader focused and the organization of your argument clear.

6. Conclusion Needs to be relevant to the RQ and consistent to the data presented in the body of your essay.

7. Bibliography or Works Cited Page Absolutely necessary. Every source that is cited should appear on this page. Sources that were consulted but not cited should NOT be listed on this page.

8. Appendix Should only be used if necessary. Examiners are NOT required to read the appendix.

THE WORD COUNT CONSISTS OF ONLY THE INTRODUCTION, BODY, AND CONCLUSION.

The Assessment Criteria

Read carefully and refer to these criteria often while researching and writing your essay.

A: research question
(Objectives 1 and 2) This criterion assesses the extent to which the purpose of the essay is specified. In many subjects, the aim of the essay will normally be expressed as a question and, therefore, this criterion is called the research question. However, certain disciplines may permit or encourage different ways of formulating the research task. Achievement level 0 Descriptor

The research question is not stated in either the introduction or on the title page or does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in an extended essay in the subject in which it is registered. The research question is stated in either the introduction or on the title page but is not clearly expressed or is too broad in scope to be treated effectively within the word limit. The research question is clearly stated in either the introduction or on the title page and is sharply focused, making effective treatment possible within the word limit.

B: introduction
(Objectives 1 and 5) This criterion assesses the extent to which the introduction makes clear how the research question relates to existing knowledge on the topic and explains how the topic chosen is significant and worthy of investigation. Achievement level 0 Descriptor

Little or no attempt is made to set the research question into context. There is little or no attempt to explain the significance of the topic. Some attempt is made to set the research question into context. There is some attempt to explain the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation. The context of the research question is clearly demonstrated. The introduction clearly explains the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation.

H: conclusion

C: investigation
(Objectives 1 and 3) This criterion assesses the extent to which the investigation is planned and an appropriate range of sources has been consulted, or data has been gathered, that is relevant to the research question. Where the research question does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject in which the essay is registered, the maximum level that can be awarded for this criterion is 2. Achievement level 0 Descriptor

There is little or no evidence that sources have been consulted or data gathered, and little or no evidence of planning in the investigation. A range of inappropriate sources has been consulted, or inappropriate data has been gathered, and there is little evidence that the investigation has been planned. A limited range of appropriate sources has been consulted, or data has been gathered, and some relevant material has been selected. There is evidence of some planning in the investigation. A sufficient range of appropriate sources has been consulted, or data has been gathered, and relevant material has been selected. The investigation has been satisfactorily planned. An imaginative range of appropriate sources has been consulted, or data has been gathered, and relevant material has been carefully selected. The investigation has been well planned.

D: knowledge and understanding of the topic studied

(Objectives 3 and 7) Where the research question does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject in which the essay is registered, the maximum level that can be awarded for this criterion is 2. Academic context, as used in this guide, can be defined as the current state of the field of study under investigation. However, this is to be understood in relation to what can reasonably be expected of a pre-university student. For example, to obtain a level 4, it would be sufficient to relate the investigation to the principal lines of inquiry in the relevant field; detailed, comprehensive knowledge is not required. Achievement level 0 1 Descriptor

The essay demonstrates no real knowledge or understanding of the topic studied. The essay demonstrates some knowledge but little understanding of the topic studied. The essay shows little awareness of an academic context for the investigation. The essay demonstrates an adequate knowledge and some understanding of the topic studied. The essay shows some awareness of an academic context for the investigation. The essay demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the topic studied. Where appropriate, the essay successfully outlines an academic context for the investigation. The essay demonstrates a very good knowledge and understanding of the topic studied. Where appropriate, the essay clearly and precisely locates the investigation in an academic context.

E: reasoned argument
(Objectives 1 and 4) This criterion assesses the extent to which the essay uses the material collected to present ideas in a logical and coherent manner, and develops a reasoned argument in relation to the research question. Where the research question does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject in which the essay is registered, the maximum level that can be awarded for this criterion is 2. Achievement level 0 1 Descriptor

There is no attempt to develop a reasoned argument in relation to the research question. There is a limited or superficial attempt to present ideas in a logical and coherent manner, and to develop a reasoned argument in relation to the research question. There is some attempt to present ideas in a logical and coherent manner, and to develop a reasoned argument in relation to the research question, but this is only partially successful. Ideas are presented in a logical and coherent manner, and a reasoned argument is developed in relation to the research question, but with some weaknesses. Ideas are presented clearly and in a logical and coherent manner. The essay succeeds in developing a reasoned and convincing argument in relation to the research question.

F: application of analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject

(Objective 7) Achievement level 0 1 2 Descriptor

The essay shows no application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills. The essay shows little application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills. The essay shows some application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills, which may be only partially effective. The essay shows sound application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills. The essay shows effective and sophisticated application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills.

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G: use of language appropriate to the subject

(Objective 6) Achievement level 0 Descriptor

The language used is inaccurate and unclear. There is no effective use of terminology appropriate to the subject. The language used sometimes communicates clearly but does not do so consistently. The use of terminology appropriate to the subject is only partly accurate. The language used for the most part communicates clearly. The use of terminology appropriate to the subject is usually accurate. The language used communicates clearly. The use of terminology appropriate to the subject is accurate, although there may be occasional lapses. The language used communicates clearly and precisely. Terminology appropriate to the subject is used accurately, with skill and understanding.

H: conclusion
(Objectives 1, 4 and 5) This criterion assesses the extent to which the essay incorporates a conclusion that is relevant to the research question and is consistent with the evidence presented in the essay. Achievement level 0 1 Descriptor

Little or no attempt is made to provide a conclusion that is relevant to the research question. A conclusion is attempted that is relevant to the research question but may not be entirely consistent with the evidence presented in the essay. An effective conclusion is clearly stated; it is relevant to the research question and consistent with the evidence presented in the essay. It should include unresolved questions where appropriate to the subject concerned.

I: formal presentation
(Objective 5) This criterion assesses the extent to which the layout, organization, appearance and formal elements of the essay consistently follow a standard format. The formal elements are: title page, table of contents, page numbers, illustrative material, quotations, documentation (including references, citations and bibliography) and appendices (if used). Achievement level 0 1 2 3 4 Descriptor

The formal presentation is unacceptable, or the essay exceeds 4,000 words. The formal presentation is poor. The formal presentation is satisfactory. The formal presentation is good. The formal presentation is excellent.

J: abstract
(Objective 5) The requirements for the abstract are for it to state clearly the research question that was investigated, how the investigation was undertaken and the conclusion(s) of the essay. Achievement level 0 1 2 Descriptor

The abstract exceeds 300 words or one or more of the required elements of an abstract (listed above) is missing. The abstract contains the elements listed above but they are not all clearly stated. The abstract clearly states all the elements listed above.

K: holistic judgment
(Objective 1) The purpose of this criterion is to assess the qualities that distinguish an essay from the average, such as intellectual initiative, depth of understanding and insight. While these qualities will be clearly present in the best work, less successful essays may also show some evidence of them and should be rewarded under this criterion. Achievement level 0 1 2 3 4 Descriptor

The essay shows no evidence of such qualities. The essay shows little evidence of such qualities. The essay shows some evidence of such qualities. The essay shows clear evidence of such qualities. The essay shows considerable evidence of such qualities.

MLA Formatting
Please note that other systems of formatting are permissible but only with the approval and instruction of your supervisor.

P
In text citations are absolutely necessary. Look below for the incorporation and formatting. In his 1973 study, Conrad Mills found that 73% of consumers reacted negatively to the use of preservatives in packaged foods (Mills 189). or The Wannsee Conference was held in a suburb of Berlin in 1942. At this meeting top ranking Nazi officials discussed and recorded options for the Jewish question (Brandley 135). or Jacks desire for normalcy is especially evident in his experience with the Boy Scouts. When training for his badges, he says, Each one was like a bit of a prize to me and each prize paved a path to the life I wanted for myself, the life every good boy deserved, the life I deserved (Wolff 113).

MLA Formatting (Continued)

The following requirements are necessary to have a uniform MLA format: One inch margins all around (top, bottom, left, and right) Double spacing No spaces between paragraphs (Just indent the start of the paragraph) Times New Roman (or similar) Font Last name and page number on every page

Title Page

What were the lasting effects of the Wannsee Conference on Nazi policy in Eastern Hungary during the years 1942-1944?

Albert Stephenson Candidate Number 004438-099 GEMS World Academy-Dubai History 25 October 2013

MLA Formatting (Continued)

Sample Works Cited Page

Space for Notes