IB EXTENDED ESSAY & OTHER RESEARCH PAPERS GOALS for this unit in IB Support: How to choose a viable research question BUT you’re NOT expected to choose your EE research question during this unit. How to access, select & evaluate sources How to recognize an excellent EE research paper

THE EXTENDED ESSAY INDEPENDENT - prepares you for independent research expected in college analytical answer to a question YOU develop from one of the IB subject areas In-depth study of a meaningful topic Presented in 4000 words (about 16 pages) This does not include acknowledgements, table of contents charts and tables, annotated illustrations, bibliography or any appendices. in accordance with IB requirements supervised by an adviser - a teacher from our school

What the EE (& any research paper) is NOT: It is NOT a review of the literature It is NOT a book report or plot summary It is NOT everything you ever learned about your subject It is NOT your opinion or your beliefs

What the EE (& any research paper) is: investigation of a research question, the answer to which you don’t know based on EVIDENCE & ARGUMENTS from your research to support your answer to the question well constructed & ANALYTICAL your original work (citing sources used)

Your EE Advisor will NOT Tell you what to do or give you a RQ Give you resources Edit your work Remind you of the deadlines & appointments Chase you down Approve your essay for submission if you don’t keep your appointments and deadlines with him/her

Your EE Advisor will: Help you narrow down your RQ Ensure that the RQ and subject choice meets IB requirements Read your drafts Advise you on research & analysis Be available to answer your questions Approve your essay for submission & complete a report to be submitted with your EE

Don’t do… Don’t recycle topics/papers you have written for any classes. Ethical considerations in design of experiments – no experiments that cause pain or stress to living organisms. The RQ must be yours. One student per Research Question – this YOUR question.

Know the Criteria! A. Research Question (0-2) B. Introduction (0-2) C. Investigation (0-4) D. Knowledge of topic (0-4) E. Reason argument (0-4) F. Application of Analytical skills (0-4) G. Use of appropriate language (0-4) H. Conclusion (0-2) I. Formal presentation (0-4) J. Abstract (0-2) K Holistic Judgment (0-4) TOTAL possible points: 36

IB Points to Grades 29 – 36 Excellent A 23-28 Good B 16-22 Satisfactory C 8-15 Mediocre D 0-7 Elementary E

Diploma Points Matrix – 2015 (you need at least 24 points for the diploma) TOK/A TOK/B TOK/C TOK/D TOK/E EE/A 3 2 No diploma EE/B 1 No diploma EE/C EE/D EE/E

Where to start? You need a topic which is exciting and meaningful to you, so brainstorm: – individually – for 5 min: List 5 of your favorite classes. For each course, think of lessons, projects, discussions, & readings & list the ones that: intrigued you made you think you could do this for a living made you talk nonstop morally outraged you broke your heart, disturbed you made you feel exceptionally smart opened a whole new world to you left you unsatisfied--there was so much more to discover puzzled you--something just didn't make sense Now list 5 significant events from your life, amazing books, films, plays, or people, then consider the above questions once again. Fill the paper. When you've exhausted your memory, start crossing off ideas that are less interesting, less promising, impractical, unoriginal, or redundant. Circle your favorites.

What to do next? Discuss your brainstorming list with a partner Share with the class Read the Research Packet and highlight/underline (5 pts) Save the packet in your binder – you’ll use it again in the future