IB Social and cultural anthropology - Extended essay guidelines - Nature of the extended essay - Aims - Assessment objectives

Sep 22, 2026

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IB Social and cultural anthropology extended essay guidelines explain the purpose and structure of the extended essay in the Diploma Programme. The text defines it as a compulsory, externally assessed independent investigation based on a chosen, approved subject and typically bounded at 4,000 words, supported by a supervisor. It outlines assessment objectives, including planning and pursuing research, formulating a precise research question, gathering and interpreting sources, and constructing a reasoned argument with proper academic acknowledgement.

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Nature of the extended essay

Aims

Assessment objectives

Responsibilities of the supervisor

Responsibilities of the student

IB Social and cultural anthropology Extended essay guidelines Nature of the extended essay The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects—normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (a teacher in the school) . This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. It is recommended that completion of the written essay is followed by a short, concluding interview, or viva voce, with the supervisor. The extended essay is assessed against common criteria, interpreted in ways appropriate to each subject. The extended essay is: • compulsory for all Diploma Programme students • externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for theory of knowledge, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma • a piece of independent research/investigation on a topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor in the school • chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects, published in the Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme • presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing no more than 4,000 words • the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student • concluded with a short interview, or viva voce, with the supervising teacher (recommended) . In the Diploma Programme, the extended essay is the prime example of a piece of work where the student has the opportunity to show knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm about a topic of his or her choice. In those countries where it is the norm for interviews tobe required prior to acceptance for employment or for a place at university, the extended essay has often proved to be a valuable stimulus for discussion. Aims 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. Assessment objectives In working on the extended essay, students are expected to: 1. plan and pursue a research project with intellectual initiative and insight 2. formulate a precise research question 3. gather and interpret material from sources appropriate to the research question 4. structure a reasoned argument in response to the research question on the basis of the material gathered 5. present their extended essay in a format appropriate to the subject, acknowledging sources in one of the established academic ways 6. use the terminology and language appropriate to the subject with skill and understanding 7. apply analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject, with an understanding of the implications and the context of their research. Responsibilities of the supervisor It is required that 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 wellfocused 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 th

FAQs

What is the extended essay and what skills does it aim to develop?

The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from approved Diploma Programme subjects. It promotes high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery, creativity, and systematic thinking through independent investigation guided by a supervisor.

How is the extended essay assessed and what contribution does it make to the IB diploma?

The extended essay is externally assessed and, together with the theory of knowledge grade, can contribute up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma. Assessment uses common criteria interpreted appropriately for each subject.

What are the supervisor’s responsibilities during the extended essay process?

The supervisor provides research guidance, supports the student throughout planning and writing, helps formulate a well-focused research question, monitors progress to ensure the student’s own work, comments only on one completed draft without editing, and confirms authenticity in the final version. The supervisor also submits required reports and predicted grades and documents cases where supervision time is zero or malpractice is suspected.

Sep 22, 2026

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