At a glance
- Length
- Up to 4,000 words
- New guide
- Essays submitted from May 2027
- Marks
- 30, across five criteria
- Pathways
- Subject-focused or interdisciplinary
- Grades
- A to E; up to 3 core points with TOK
Assessment criteria from May 2027
| Criterion | What it rewards | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A: Framework for the essay | Research question, research methods and structure | 6 |
| B: Knowledge and understanding | Subject knowledge, terminology and concepts | 6 |
| C: Analysis and line of argument | Analysis of evidence and a clear, developing argument | 6 |
| D: Discussion and evaluation | Weighing evidence, limitations and implications | 8 |
| E: Reflection | Evaluative reflection and the student's growth as a researcher | 4 |
| Total | 30 |
Under the previous guide the essay was marked out of 34 with a separate presentation criterion; presentation is now part of criterion A.
How the EE works in practice
Each student has a supervisor at school who meets them for reflection sessions and a final interview (the viva voce). The student chooses a topic, writes a focused research question, researches over many months, and submits the essay with the Reflection and Progress Form. Schools set internal deadlines, usually with a draft in late DP1 or early DP2.
The subject-focused pathway is the traditional EE in one Diploma subject. The interdisciplinary pathway lets a student combine subject lenses on an issue, broadening the older World Studies option. Either way, the research question decides most of the outcome: too broad and the essay describes; too narrow and there is nothing to discuss.
Common problems
- A topic, not a question. "Climate change in the UAE" is a topic; a strong EE needs an arguable, answerable question.
- Description instead of analysis. With criterion D worth the most, essays that summarise sources without evaluating them lose heavily.
- Method not explained. Criterion A rewards a justified approach, whether that is an experiment, a data set, a close reading or archival work.
- Weak reflection. The reflection must show decisions and growth during the research, not a diary of tasks.
- Starting late. The EE competes with subject IAs in DP2; students who leave it late rarely reach their best.
How LiveTutor's EE support works
A tutor who teaches the subject of the essay works alongside, not instead of, the school supervisor. Lessons help the student turn an interest into a researchable question, find and judge sources, plan the structure, and understand what each criterion rewards. The tutor can ask the questions a good supervisor asks and give general feedback on the student's thinking.
The IB has strict academic integrity rules for the EE. The tutor does not write, edit or rewrite any part of the essay, and the student should tell their supervisor about outside support. The aim is a stronger researcher, not a ghost-written essay.
Integrity matters more than the grade
Any essay found not to be the student's own work can cost the whole Diploma. Use outside help for thinking, planning and skills, and keep every draft and note as evidence of the process.
Common questions
What is the word limit for the Extended Essay?
Up to 4,000 words. Examiners do not read beyond the limit, so anything over it does not count.
Does the new EE guide apply to my child?
If your child submits the EE for May 2027 or later, yes. That includes students now in DP2 who will finish in 2027.
How is the EE graded?
It is marked out of 30 against five criteria and converted to a grade from A to E. Combined with TOK, it earns up to 3 core points; an E is a failing condition.
Can a tutor help with the EE?
Yes, with choosing a question, research skills, planning and understanding the criteria, as long as the essay remains the student's own work and the supervisor knows about the support.
What does EE support cost with LiveTutor?
$15 a lesson, the same rate for every subject and level, on a weekly plan of 1 to 5 lessons billed monthly. Lessons are 60 minutes, one to one and online, and the first lesson is a free trial.
Sources
Dates and figures on this page come from these official and published sources. Always confirm deadlines on the official page before acting on them.