The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme includes two significant components: the Extended Essay (EE) and the Internal Assessment (IA). While both are essential for fulfilling IB requirements, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. In this blog we will look at the key differences between the two components and share tips on how to excel in both Extended Essay and Internal Assessment.
Key Differences Between IB Extended Essay (EE) and Internal Assessment (IA)
1. Purpose and Focus
Extended Essay (EE): The EE allows students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice within an IB subject. It emphasizes critical thinking, in-depth analysis, and the ability to formulate a coherent argument based on extensive research.
Internal Assessment (IA): The IA is designed to assess students' understanding of the material covered in specific subjects. It typically involves practical work or research that applies theoretical concepts learned in class.
2. Length and Structure
EE: Students must write a comprehensive essay of up to 4,000 words. This length is intended to facilitate a thorough exploration of the chosen topic.
IA: The IA is generally shorter, ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 words, depending on the subject. It focuses on a specific aspect of the curriculum and requires a more concise presentation of findings.
3. Assessment and Grading
EE: The EE is assessed externally by IB examiners, contributing up to 3 additional points to the overall diploma score. This makes it a significant component for maximizing the total IB score.
IA: The IA is graded by teachers and also reviewed by external moderators. Its score directly impacts the final grade for that subject, making it crucial for performance in individual courses.
4. Research Methodology
EE: Students are expected to engage in extensive literature reviews and synthesize information from various sources to support their arguments. This requires high-level analytical skills and independent research capabilities.
IA: The IA often involves practical experiments or investigations specific to the subject, such as lab work in sciences or case studies in social sciences. It emphasizes applying knowledge rather than extensive theoretical exploration.
5. Supervisor Involvement
EE: Students work with a supervisor who acts as a mentor throughout the research process, providing guidance but expecting students to take initiative in their work.
IA: Teachers play an active role in guiding students through the IA process, offering feedback and support as students complete their assessments.
How to Excel in Both EE and IA
For the Extended Essay:
Choose a Focused Topic: Select a research question that is specific yet broad enough for comprehensive exploration.
Conduct Thorough Research: Utilize diverse sources and critically analyze them to build your argument.
Adhere to IB Criteria: Follow formal presentation guidelines and ensure clarity in your writing.
For the Internal Assessment:
Understand Subject Requirements: Familiarize yourself with specific IA guidelines for your subject area.
Demonstrate Practical Skills: Engage actively in experiments or projects that showcase your understanding of the material.
Seek Feedback Regularly: Use your teacher's insights to refine your work before submission.
Conclusion
By recognizing these differences and focusing on targeted strategies for each component, students can effectively navigate the challenges posed by both the Extended Essay and Internal Assessment within the IB framework.
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