International Baccalaureate Program

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM RAMSAY HIGH SCHOOL

EXTENDEDEXTENDED ESSAYESSAY HANDBOOKHANDBOOK 2014-152014-15

IB Coordinator: Mrs. Sonja N. Hill EE Coordinator: Mrs. Deborah Holloway Principal: Dr. Mark Sullivan Assistant Principals: Ms. Cassandra Fells and Mr. Micah Kemp

1 Ramsay High School IB

The Extended Essay This essay is a requirement for the IB Diploma. It is a 4,000-word essay on a topic of your choosing. The topic MUST fall within the criteria for one of the EE subjects on page 4 of this handout. The EE “counts” along with your score in Theory of Knowledge. You can earn up to 3 bonus points with your score on the EE and on ToK.

According to the IBO, the aims of the Extended Essay are to provide students with the opportunity to:  pursue independent research on a focused topic  develop research and communication skills  develop the skills of creative and critical thinking  engage in a systematic process of research appropriate to the subject  experience the excitement of intellectual discovery

Students You are expected to spend approximately 40 hours on the EE over the course of six months (September- February). It is your responsibility to meet with your mentor and complete assignments on the EE timeline. Mentor’s role Students will be assigned a faculty mentor early in the process. The mentor should spend between 3-5 hours (including reading time) with the student. The mentor agrees to meet with the student at scheduled times, read the full draft of the essay ONLY and sign and date the form each time you meet. It is the candidate’s responsibility to correct mistakes and verify the accuracy of the contents of the extended essay.

The extended essay mentor has five principal responsibilities:  To encourage and support the candidate throughout the research and writing of the extended essay  To provide the candidate with advice and guidance in the skills of undertaking research  To ensure that the extended essay is the candidate’s own work  To complete the advisor’s report  To direct to appropriate resources (such as people, a library, a laboratory)

Choosing a Subject and Topic The subject selection for the extended essay must come from the list of available subjects in the IB Extended Essay Guide. Once the subject is chosen and approved, a topic within that subject must be selected. Students are advised to choose a subject in which they have sufficient background knowledge and skills. Subjects that are not part of the student’s diploma program course of study are permitted, but caution is advised unless the student has a high level of personal interest in that particular subject.

Choosing a topic from a particular subject requires careful consideration. Students are advised to review relevant subject guidelines which will be provided by the IB Coordinator. Topics should be limited in scope so that students have the opportunity to research the issue in depth. Collecting data and information should allow students to provide analysis and evaluation in their research.

2 Students are advised that broad topics are not likely to result in successful essays. Likewise, essays that do not reflect personal research but rely on narrative or descriptive approaches will not be appropriate. Essays written on well-documented subjects are also unlikely to result in successful extended essays.

Subjects from which to choose – see corresponding page number in the IB Extended Essay Guide p. 29….Group 1 – Literature and Language in English (3 categories from which to choose) p. 36….Group 2 – Writing an essay in your IB second language on Language, Culture and Society, or Literature p. 43….Biology p. 117….Music p. 48….Business and Management p. 123….Peace and Conflict Studies p. 53….Chemistry p. 126….Philosophy p. 57….Classical Greek and Latin p. 133….Physics p. 60….Computer Science p. 140….Politics p. 64….Dance p. 145….Psychology p. 69….Design Technology p. 150….Social and Cultural Anthropology p. 74….Economics p. 154….Sports, Exercise and Health Science p. 79….Environmental Systems and Societies p. 160….Theater p. 84….Film p. 165….Visual Arts p. 89….Geography p. 170….World Religions p. 94….History p. 175….World Studies (6 topics from which p. 102….Information Technology in a Global Society to choose) p. 106….Literature and Performance p. 113….Mathematics

What are my next steps?  Print out the Ramsay EE Handbook.  Download the IB Extended Essay Guide to your electronic device (laptop, tablet, etc.)  Choose a subject area of interest, and read the assessment criteria from the IB Extended Essay Guide.  Choose a topic within the subject.  Narrow the topic by focusing on a defined specific area and meet your assigned EE Mentor.  Write the research question and develop a fleshed-out thesis.  Carry out in-depth research, making notes as you go and taking care to include exact references.  Outline the topic, including quotes from your research. This will serve as your plan for the structure of your EE.  Adjust your research question / thesis as needed.  Attend all scheduled workshops.  Write! Write! Write!  Discuss progress with EE Mentor, and receive feedback on drafts.  Adhere to deadlines…Mentors are NOT expected to read drafts submitted at the last minute!  Revise! Revise! Revise!  Submit the final product in person and to managebac.com.  Read the assessment criteria (rubric) for your specific subject (in the IB Extended Essay Guide).

3 4 Writing the Extended Essay After careful outlining and drafting, it is likely that the majority of extended essays will follow a structure similar to that described below.

Introduction

The introduction should include:  An indication of why the topic chosen is interesting, important or worthy of study  Some background information and an attempt to place the topic in an appropriate context  An indication of whether the topic has been narrowed to a focus of more manageable proportions  A clearly and precisely stated research question  A clear concluding statement of the thesis and argument, i.e. the response to the research  A question or questions that will subsequently be developed in the body of the essay

Body / Development

The essential feature of the major section, or body, of the essay is the systematic development of a convincing answer to the research question. The structure and the approach to this section will be shaped by the conventions of the particular subject in which the extended essay is being undertaken. Some subjects may require sub-headings for major sections within the main body. For example, scientific investigations will usually have separate sections for method and results. In some other subjects; however, sub-headings should be avoided because they disrupt the flow and unity of an essay.

Conclusion

The requirements of the conclusion are that it:  Is clearly stated  Is relevant to the research question being investigated  Is substantiated by the evidence presented  Indicates issues, unresolved questions and new questions that have emerged from the research

What counts in the 4,000 words?

The introduction, the body of the essay, the conclusion, and any quotations BUT NOT: o The abstract (should be no more than 300 words) o The table of contents page o Maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations and tables o Equations, formulas and calculations o Citations/references (whether parenthetical or numbered) o Footnotes or endnotes o The bibliography or Appendices

5 Predicted Grade Your EE Supervisor and IB Coordinator will give you a predicted grade based on the scores you earn in each assessment criteria for your specific subject rubric. The grades are A, B, C, D, and E (elementary).

All Extended Essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IBO, and are marked on a scale from 0 to 36. This maximum score is made up of the total criterion levels available for each essay. The total score obtained on the scale 0 to 36 is used to determine in which of the following bands the extended essay is placed. This band, in conjunction with the band for Theory of Knowledge, determines the number of diploma points awarded for these two requirements.

A student who, for example, writes a good Extended Essay and whose performance in Theory of Knowledge is judged to be satisfactory will be awarded 1 point, while a student who writes a mediocre extended essay and whose performance in theory of knowledge is judged to be excellent will be awarded 2 points.

A student who fails to submit an Extended Essay will be awarded N for the extended essay, will score no points, and will NOT be awarded a diploma.

Performance in both the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge of an elementary standard is a failing condition for the award of the diploma.  From 2010 onwards, 28 points overall will be required to be eligible for the diploma if a student attains an ‘E’ grade in either the extended essay or theory of knowledge.  As previously, a grade ‘A’ in one of the requirements earns an extra point, even if the other is a grade ‘E’.  Attaining a grade ‘E’ in both the extended essay and theory of knowledge continues to represent an automatic failure. © IBO 2007

6 EXTENDED ESSAY ORGANIZATION FORMAT

Necessary Elements! (In this order please)

Please see the IB Extended Essay Guide for more details.

 Yellow Extended Essay Cover Sheet (will be provided at workshop) – be sure to sign and date.  Title Page – It should provide a clear indication of the essay’s focus. It should be precise and NOT phrased in the form of a question. . Subject Area . Candidate’s Name . Ramsay High School . March 2015 . Word Count:  Abstract . Not more than 300 words, typed on one page  Contents page  Introduction  Body (development/methods/results)  Conclusion  References and Bibliography (only the sources you cite, not all that you used)  Appendices if any, placed after the bibliography (this would include tables and illustrations)

Word Count

The only element that counts for word count is the actual essay. It must NOT exceed 4000 words.

Page Numbers

Put a page number in Roman numerals for Abstract and Table of Contents, and then numerals starting with the first page of the actual Essay to the end of Bibliography. For example: Abstract – i Table of Contents – ii Essay – Bibliography - 1…23

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! Follow MLA or APA by the book – don’t make up your own ways of citing sources, especially websites!! If something seems suspicious, it will be treated as malpractice.

The Title of the essay SHOULD NOT be your research question or thesis statement. Be clever, accurate and appropriate.

Please put the subject of your essay (History, Group 1: Category 1, Psychology) on the title page.

7 Ramsay High School IB

Parent/Student Extended Essay Contract & Subject/Topic

Due to the IB Coordinator (Mrs. Hill) on or before Friday, Sept. 26, 2014

Candidate’s Name: ______EE Subject Area: ______EE Topic: ______Tentative Research Question: ______Assigned Mentor’s Name: ______

I have read and understand the regulations and guidelines for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay. I will adhere to the regulations and guidelines and the deadlines prescribed in the contract. I will contact my EE Supervisor and IB Coordinator should there be any modifications in the above indicated information. I also understand that all students must complete the Extended Essay in order to be eligible for the IB Diploma, have recommendations written based on IB candidacy, and be registered for May 2015 exams.

The Extended Essay I plan to submit will be my own work. I will acknowledge each use of the words or ideas of another person, whether written or oral. I am aware that the word limit is 4,000 words and that examiners are not required to read beyond this limit. I am aware that my essay will be submitted to turnitin.com to check for originality and plagiarism.

Student Signature______Date______

I have read and understand the regulations and guidelines for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay. I will offer my parental support to see that my child adheres to the regulations and guidelines and the deadlines prescribed in the contract. I understand that students must complete the Extended Essay in order to be eligible for the IB Diploma, have recommendations written based on IB candidacy, and be registered for May 2015 exams.

Parent Signature______Date______

8 Responsibilities of the Student Responsibilities of EE Supervisor and/or Mentor

 Choose a topic that fits into one of the  Meet with student to provide advice and subjects on the approved extended guidance in the skills of research essay list  Encourage and support student  Meet with EE Supervisor and mentor throughout process of researching and consistently for at least 3-5 hours writing throughout the process  Discuss the topic of choice with student  Observe regulations relating to extended to help formulate a well-focused research essay question

 Meet deadlines  Ensure that the chosen research question satisfies appropriate standards  Acknowledge ALL sources of information of IB (including legal, ethical standards) and ideas in an approved academic manner  Becomes familiar with the regulations governing the extended essay and the  Think carefully about the research assessment criteria AND gives copies to question for their essay students

 Plan how, when, and where they will find  Reads and comments on the first draft material for their essay ONLY (this is a critical component of EE Process)  Plan a schedule for both researching and writing the essay (include extra time for  Monitors progress of EE to offer delays and unforeseen problems) guidance and ensure the essay is original/authentic to student  Develop a clear, structured, detailed outline before beginning to write  Provide an explanation in the report in cases where the number of hours spent  Check and proofread final version with student is a “zero”, describing how it carefully is possible to guarantee authenticity

 Confirm that ALL basic requirements are  Write a report and present it to the met (i.e. all students should get full school’s DP Coordinator if malpractice, marks for the abstract) such as plagiarism is suspected in the final draft.  Set up meetings with Supervisors prior to deadlines (do not assumed they are available whenever you stop by)

9 Ramsay High School IB

Extended Essay Student/Mentor Agreement Form

Due to the IB Coordinator (Mrs. Hill) on or before Friday, Sept. 26, 2014.

Student: ______

Subject: ______(see the following page)

Assigned Mentor: ______

The above named student is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and is beginning the extended essay component. The topic of their choice indicates that you would be an appropriate mentor for them in this process. Your responsibilities would include to:

1. Encourage and support the student throughout the research process; 2. Provide the candidate with advice and guidance in the skills necessary to research a topic in your area of expertise; 3. Ensure that the extended essay is the student’s own work; 4. Sign off on deadlines

The amount of time spent supervising a student should be between 3 and 5 hours over the course of 6 months (including reading the final draft); however, this may vary depending on individual circumstances. The student will have numerous requirements within the essay process and it may be necessary to provide guidance as needed in the following areas:

*defining a topic *formulating a precise research question *access to appropriate resources (people, library, laboratory, etc…)

By signing below, I agree to perform the responsibilities as outlined in the IB Extended Essay Guide. For Students It is required that students: o choose a topic that fits into one of the subjects on the approved extended essay list; o observe the regulations relating to the extended essay; o meet deadlines; o acknowledge all sources of information and ideas in an approved academic manner.

It is strongly recommended that students: o plan a schedule for both researching and writing the essay, including extra time for delays and unforeseen problems; o record sources as their research progresses (rather than trying to reconstruct a list at the end); o have a clear structure for the essay itself before beginning to write; o check and proofread the final version carefully; o make sure that all basic requirements are met (for example, all students should get full marks for the abstract).

Student’s Signature ______Date ______

Mentor’s Signature ______Date ______

10 Extended Essay Subjects (See IB Extended Essay Guide for details)

Group 1 (Language Arts), Group 2 (Language B), Biology, Business and management, Chemistry, Classical Greek and Latin, Computer science, Dance, Design technology, Economics, Environmental systems and societies, Film, Geography, History, Human Rights, Information technology in a global society, Mathematics, Music, Peace and conflict studies, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Social and Cultural anthropology, Theater, Visual arts, World religions, World studies (see Ms. Anderson for more information on this subject)

Mentor Meetings

Student Name: ______

Mentor: ______

Date Mentor Signature

______

______11 Final Checklist

Action Check 1 Is the essay within 4000 words? 2 Is there a Contents page? 3 Are all pages numbered? 4 Are all diagrams, charts and graphs indexed and labeled and sources referenced where applicable? 5 Are all necessary terms defined/explained? 6 Is every reference cited in APA style? 7 Are your references cited consistently and correctly? 8 Does the Bibliography include all and only the works of reference you have consulted? 9 Does the Bibliography specify author(s), title, and date of publication and publisher for every reference? 10 Are the Bibliography sources cited consistently and correctly? 11 Does the Appendix contain only relevant information? 12 Are all references to the Appendix clearly cross-referenced and labeled? 13 Is your research question stated on the title page? 14 Is your research question stated and in bold in the Introduction? 15 Is your research question restated and in bold in the Conclusion? 16 Does your Conclusion address unresolved questions? 17 Does your Conclusion address new questions that have emerged? 18 Are your Introduction and Conclusion titled? 19 Is your Abstract within 300 words? 20 Does your Abstract contain the research question (in bold), the scope of the investigation and the conclusion reached?

12 Ramsay High School IB Extended Essay Timeline – Class of 2015

13 Topic/Assignment Dates Introduction to the EE and meeting with the IB Sept. 11, 2014 Coordinator and the EE Supervisor EE Handbook (print and read before first Sept. 18 Workshop) Available on district’s website Workshop I – Research skills and APA/MLA Sat. Sept. 20 style 10 a.m. to 12 noon Meeting 1-Mrs. Holloway Select subject area and topic; Sept. 22-26 Faculty mentor assigned-meet with mentor to discuss topic and possible research questions; Return signed agreement form to Mrs. Sept. 26 Holloway Begin collecting sources for your topic (at least Sept. 26-Oct. 10 5 sources) Workshop II – Writing research questions, Sat. Oct. 4 thesis statements, outlines, and annotated 10 a.m. to 12 noon bibliographies Meeting 2-Mrs. Hill Submit annotated bibliography (5 sources), Oct. 9-10 research question, and thesis statement Meeting 3 (Adams-McNeil: Mrs. Hill) (Means-Wilson: Mrs. Holloway)

Collect at least 5 more sources; write Oct. 13-24 annotated bibliography and outline

Workshop III – EE Guidelines and writing Friday, Oct. 24 abstracts 10 a.m. to 12 noon Meeting 4-Mrs. Holloway and Mrs. Hill Write outline and working draft (2000 words Oct. 24-Nov. 14 or 7/8 pages) See mentor at least once to ask questions and schedule meeting time (15 minutes) to submit working draft on Nov. 14 Submit working draft and outline to mentor; Nov. 14 Signature from mentor must be turned in to Mentor will ONLY read outline and thesis Mrs. Holloway by the end of the day. statements at this time, but they will check to see that you have a working draft of at least 7 pages. Write solid draft (2500-3000 words) Nov. 14-30

Solid draft due Dec. 1-2 Meeting 4 (Adams-McNeil: Mrs. Hill) (Means-Wilson: Mrs. Holloway) Report sent home to parents outlining Dec. 5 student’s progress and what needs to be done in December 14 Complete first draft (3500-4000 words); Dec. 3, 2014-Jan. 8,2015 Meet with mentor once before Christmas break to ask questions Turn in full draft to mentor for reading; Jan. 9, 2015 *Adjustments may be made to the timeline to accommodate additional workshops.

*Bring EE handbook to each workshop.