1. Extended Essay

2. Overview 4,000 words (not including abstract, illustrations, appendices, bibliography) Personal exploration of a chosen topic Required for IB Diploma TOK/EE combined grading scale

3. Required Elements Title page Abstract (write last, total of 300 words) Table of Contents Page Introduction, Body, Conclusion Bibliography Appendices

4. Your Objectives Pursue independent research on a focused topic Develop a research question and critical thinking skills Engage in systematic approach to research Experience intellectual discovery

5. Curiosity Killed the Cat

6. Expect to change your mind… so, don’t drag your feet!

7. Examples Bad Questions What causes cancer? Who was Adolf Hitler? Can the Karner Blue butterfly survive if Albany expands the landfill? Good Questions Is there a connection between international coffee prices and living standards in Uganda? What is the nature and function of religious imagery in Wuthering Heights?

8. Where to start? Topic Preliminary reading Create focused research question Genocide Rwanda Females in Rwanda during genocide The effect of genocide on the female population in Rwanda Gather sources Take notes and begin analysis Create outline Rough draft Proofing and editing Final copy

9. Resources Where to go –Albany High School library Search catalogcatalog Online databases –University at Albany main library Search catalog Online databases Think about –Academic journals –Government documents –Primary sources –Newspapers/magazines –Multimedia (i.e. documentaries, NPR, images) –Interviews

10. Plagiarism Don’t do it!

11. Hold-Ups Bad pacing Over-reliance on web-based resources Too late (no sources, too many) No contributions by student– just compilation of sources Disregard assessment criteria (review often) Procrastination and delay

12. Helpers Focus specifically on novel, country, time period, effect, law Exceed word limit by 20-30% then whittle away through drafting Present, analyze, interpret Use appropriate vocabulary

13. Role of Advisor Provide advice and guidance Support progress Reads and comments on first draft –Does not edit Completes supervisor’s report and hosts viva voce (short interview) Submits predicted grade

14. Role of Librarian Advises student on appropriate research and information gathering Suggests avenues of sources i.e. online databases Discusses authoritative information vs. non peer-reviewed Don’t forget the University librarians!

15. Assessment Research Question Data Information Analysis/Evaluation Discussion/Argument Conclusion Abstract Requirements of the Extended Essay

16. Shall We?