The Extended Essay is a 4000 word research essay on a topic of the student’s choosing. Students begin this project in the spring of their junior year, do the bulk of their reading over the summer, and complete the essay in the fall of their senior year. Each student chooses an adviser to work with throughout the research process, and this person, a faculty member at LHS, signs off on the essay before it is sent to various IB graders in many countries to be graded. The EE is unique in that it enables students to become original researchers in the field that interests them. Most students find the process worthwhile and beneficial in preparing them for work they’ll do in college.

Please view the EE Guide 2009 and the EE Guide 2008 for more information regarding the specific requirements and guidelines for the Extended Essay.

Due Dates

What to do
Choose subject and topic(s) under that subject
By March 28, 2008
Do background reading and begin collecting sources
By March 28, 2008
Ask faculty member to be your advisor
By April 4, 2008
Read at least 2 past essays in your subject (located in Ms. Anderson’s office)
By April 11, 2008
1st meeting with advisor – topic narrowed and research question finalized
By April 18, 2008

Advisor/Student agreement form, signed by all parties, due to Ms. Anderson
By April 21, 2008
Continue background research and solidify a working thesis (answer to your research question)
By May 2, 2008
2nd meeting with advisor – get working thesis approved and discuss ways to organize essay
By May 2, 2008
3rd meeting with advisor
–make a plan with advisor for next steps
–when will outline be due?
–when will your subsequent meetings take place?
–get contact information for summer
By May 16, 2008
Solid rough draft with works cited due to advisor
By September 22, 2008
Vive Voce completed with advisor – As close to possible final essay due at this time
By October 24, 2008
Final essay with cover sheet due to advisor
By November 3, 2008