Sunday 17 January 2016
I recently had a student approach me to see if she could do an EE on, "The effect of food that you eat on your mood" . I think it was inspired by a film called, "Super size me". She was interested in doing a questionaire of how satisfied / how healthy people felt after eating fast food outside school and after a lunch in the school canteen. It's an interesting idea, but a bit more psychology than biology. It would be impossible to control all the variables to make a meaningful biological experiment and questionaires frankly scare me to death in an extended essay. Apart from the obvious benefits of getting out of school for an hour with your friends we couldn't think of a biological mechanism which would explain why a burger and fries should make you happier than school canteen food.
I guess that a neuroscientist might be able to use fMRI scans to map the brain activity while eating each type of food under strictly controlled conditions or they might measure dopamine levels instead. Sadly we don't have these facilities in my school yet. For me, to tell the difference between biology and psychology I would ask, "Is there a biological mechanism, based on physiology which underpins the hypothesis?" If the answer is yes then it's more biology than psychology.
Whether it's biology or physchology doesn't matter so much in an extended essay as the need for the student to have a testable hypothesis and an argument which can be developed following the collection of data from a well controlled biology experiment.
Whether it's biology or physchology doesn't matter so much in an extended essay as the need for the student to have a testable hypothesis and an argument which can be developed following the collection of data from a well controlled biology experiment. This is usually my line of argument when students ask about the suitability of a topic for an EE in biology. In the case above I asked, "what is it about eating just McDo which is going to make you feel bad (or good?)" and "can you think of a way to test that idea which will give you enough reliable data to draw a conclusion?". We narrowed the topic down together.
In the end the student seemed happy to explore the types of fats in the food we eat and their digestion by emulsification using bile and their breakdown by lipase enzymes . I hope in our next meeting she will still be keen on the topic and we can discuss potential research questions and how we might find answers about them using an experiment for which we have plenty of the right equipment.
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Introduction: The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is globally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. One of the most challenging and rewarding components of the IBDP is the Extended Essay (EE). This comprehensive guide is designed to help IBDP students navigate the intricate process of completing their Extended Essays successfully.
What is the extended essay.
The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project. It provides IBDP students with the opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest in-depth while honing their research and critical thinking skills.
Conducting research:.
Structure and content:.
Formatting and submission:.
Completing the Extended Essay is a substantial accomplishment. Take a moment to appreciate your hard work and dedication.
If you encounter difficulties at any stage of your Extended Essay journey, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Reach out to experienced mentors or teachers who can offer guidance and support.
For tailored guidance and support specifically for IBDP students, please contact us at:
We are here to help you succeed in your Extended Essay endeavor. Remember that this challenging project is an excellent opportunity to develop valuable research and writing skills that will benefit you in your future academic and professional pursuits. Best of luck with your Extended Essay journey!
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Table of Contents
The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a 4000-word essay that gives you the chance to explore interesting topics relating to one of your DP subjects. It’s like a mini-thesis.
1. pick a subject and topic:.
Perhaps you have enjoyed your literature classes the most: that could be your subject. What themes did you find intriguing? You might have enjoyed Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and may choose to compare the play with Endgame . It’s important to spend some time picking your subject and topic because your essay must insightfully answer a research question.
Start with a broad topic and brainstorm limiting factors, which are questions you can ask yourself to narrow your focus. The research question should eventually be fairly specific, such that a short 4000 word essay would be able to answer it with some depth.
For example, you can start with ‘ the portrayal of women in 19th century novels ’ (a broad topic). Asking yourself, ‘ Which novelist specifically am I interested in? would limit your scope, and you can come up with better scope: ‘Portrayal of women in the novels of Jane Austen’ (a more focused topic). The next limiting factor would give you a refined title. Now ask ‘ which novels? ’ Keep going with this process till you have narrowed yourself down to an appropriately specific research question. This same process can be applied to the study of any subject of your choice.
Below is a table to give you an example of the process:
Below you will find some common question starter you can use to generate your working title:
Find suitable sources as soon as you have your working title. Find at least 5- 7 reliable sources that relate to your title.
It is fine to change the above, but give yourself a deadline, after which you cannot allow yourself to change the subject and topic. Adjustment to the research question is permissible as you might reconsider it while conducting your research. However, having a deadline to refine your research question would also ensure that you’re on the right track. This also means you should start more ahead of time that you originally planned so that you have time and space to get comfortable and make some mistakes.
1. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources. For example, in Literature, novels, poems, and anthologies are considered primary sources while secondary sources comprise articles or literary reviews related to your topic.
2. Visit a library.
3. Structure your reading to avoid re-reading:
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You can also organize the reading using mind maps, interconnected block lists, progression charts, and branches.
4. Research is important because an EE that is based on mere opinions will not score highly.
A formal essay follows the model below:
1. The introduction must explicitly state your research question. Write the introduction first because it will help you write a logical and coherent essay. The introduction functions as an outline of your essay.
2. You may want to think about subsections in your essay before you start writing. This will give you a sense of how much space or how many words each section of your analysis will take. The last thing you want is an essay that requires heavy cutting, or to struggle to meet the word count close to your deadline.
3. Examiners want to see logical arguments supported by relevant evidence. You must provide evidence to support your points and discuss the relationship between them, so make reference to your primary and secondary sources.
4. Use reporting verbs such as argues, highlights, defines, reinforces, asserts, and so on rather than thinks, shows, hopes, imagines, and so on.
5. Use linking words to link ideas and provide a logical flow of ideas.
6. Read through your paragraphs, again and again, reordering paragraphs, until you have a logical order.
7. The conclusion of your essay must reiterate your key findings, summarize main points, and provide a resolution to your conclusion. DO NOT introduce new findings or information. DO NOT pass judgments or make any accusations. AVOID including personal statements.
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Extended Essays in Biology
Choosing a Topic
Biology is the science that deals with living organisms and life processes. A biology EE should incorporate biological theory and emphasize why it is relevant today.
The topic must relates specifically to biology. Many topics can be approached from different viewpoints, but for an EE in biology the treatment of the topic must be clearly biological. For example, an EE in an interdisciplinary area such as biochemistry will, if registered under the subject of biology, be judged solely on its biological content.
Disease, for example, could be considered through many different lenses. A biology paper about diseases would focus on their impact on particular organisms or life processes, and not on medical treatment, or the economic effects of the disease on society.
Detergents in the environment | The effect of detergent toxicity on soil bacteria |
Malnutrition in children | A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery after a period of supervised improved nutrition |
The effect of acidity on plant growth | A study of the effect of differing pH levels on the growth of |
Symbiosis | The competitive and evolutionary nature of the symbiotic relationship in |
Factors that affect the germination of seeds | The effect of banana peel on seed germination |
Uses of the gel electrophoresis technique | Gel electrophoresis: The construction of an apparatus and the separation of proteins in heat-treated cow’s milk |
All EEs in the sciences should begin with at least one hypothesis based on their research question. Then, a student will conduct either primary or secondary research to test their hypothesis by collecting some kind of data. By analyzing their findings a student should be able to find a scientific answer to their research question. |
Primary Research
Essays in biology may be based on data collected by the student through:
experimentation | survey | microscopic observations |
biological drawing | fieldwork | fieldwork |
Essays that involve lab work, or fieldwork, should include a clear and concise description of the experimental procedure. Students taking an experimental approach must also consult secondary sources.
Secondary Research
Students can base their essays on data or information obtained from literature (secondary studies). However, in this case they should use the data in an original way. Essays that simply restate facts or data taken directly from the sources are of little value.
Enzyme activity in soy beans | Antibacterial effects of a plant extract | ||
How does the level of enzyme activity differ between dried and fresh soy beans? | What evidence is there for the antibacterial properties mouthwash on bacteria grown at 20°C? | ||
The enzyme is extracted from dried and fresh soy beans. Activity is measured by monitoring the pH of the solution using a suitable approach such as a pH probe or indicator. | Cultures of the bacteria are grown on agar plates. Filter paper discs soaked in various concentrations of mouthwash are placed on inoculated plates and zones of inhibition are measured after a period of incubation. |
Biology Sources
Even students doing primary research will still need to reference secondary sources. And students relying entirely on secondary sources will need to find sources not only of written information but also experimental data which they can analyze.
databases offer topic pages and the Topic Finder search feature. This video will show you .
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databases have two features to help you find search words as well as topics and sub-topics. Use the "subject guide search" feature in databases to help you find good search terms. . Use the "topic finder" to help you find good topics and sub-topics
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The NSDL is an open access library of digital content relevant to all aspects of hard and applied sciences. |
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Writing the Essay
An essay in the sciences requires is more than just generating and presenting data. Analysis of the data is also essential. The main body of the essay should consist of an argument or evaluation based on the data or information presented . You can gather your own data through a variety of methods, or rely on secondary data. You should use graphs, tables, or diagrams to point out the significance of your findings.
You should ensure that the main body of the essay is well structured and has an obvious logical progression. You can use numbered and headed paragraphs to impose a clear structure. Your evaluation should show that you understand the the data they have collected and its significance to the world.
In your analysis, you should also describe and explain the limitations imposed on the research by factors such as
Students should also consider biological limitations such as:
Safety and Ethics in Choosing a Topic
In all cases where human subjects are used as the basis for an investigation, clear evidence of informed consent must be provided in accordance with the IB guidelines.
Some topics may be inadmissible because their means of investigation are unethical. For example, investigations that:
Some topics may be unsuitable because of safety issues. Adequate safety apparatus and qualified supervision is required for experiments involving dangerous substances such as:
Other topics may be unsuitable because the outcome is already well known and documented in standard textbooks.
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Chemistry:
Design Technology
Individuals & Society:
I have an exemplar but the file is too big to upload. If you are interested in this topic I can share the essay with you.
Information Technology in a Global Society
Social & Cultural Anthropology
World Religions
Language Acquisition:
Literature & Language
Math:
Visual Arts:
Interdisciplinary Essays:
Environmental Systems & Societies
World Studies
COMMENTS
The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students. Read about the extended essay in greater detail. You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for ...
Want help on the IB Extended Essay? Here's our complete guide, full of example ideas, essay topics, timeline, step by step plans to get a great score on your essay.
From the IB: papers from other students and how they scored. Renaissance Library Past Essays : Links to all subject area examples.
Well, it was quite daunting a time for me, BUT—I have to admit that I learned a lot from messing up my project. Looking back, the nine months I spent on my EE was indeed an endurance experience. Here are my takeaways from almost failing my Biology EE. Some of them might be relevant to other EE subjects, but they mainly revolve around the ...
High scoring IB Psychology Extended Essay examples. See what past students did and make your Psychology EE perfect by learning from examiner commented examples!
See example essay titles for the extended essay -- part of the International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme.
Psychology Extended Essay Guide: Definition, Rubric, And Topics. by Antony W. June 9, 2024. This is the complete guide on Psychology Extended Essay for the IB students. Whether you're currently determining what subjects to work on or you've already made up your mind that you want to focus on psychology, you'll find this guide quite helpful.
The IBO publishes two volumes of 50 Excellent Extended Essays, covering all Diploma Programme groups -- and all scored a top A grade. Click on the link below to access PDFs of the essays.
An introduction to IB's Extended Essay, from an IB examiner. This will explain how to choose a good topic, how to write a research question and what support you will get when researching your EE.
Excellent Extended Essays - Psychology Does the periodicity of Emily Dickinson's writings indicate positive affective illness? (2014) To what extent can socio-cultural factors explain the development Bulimia Nervosa in women? (2014) To what extent can the social learning theory explain the development of prejudice in children? (2016)
Biology Extended Essay is an assignment that requires you to explore biological issue relevant to you and your environment. Your focus should be on a particular biological emphasis within a broader context of scientific investigation. Given that the focus is on a biological system, you'll have to make an analytical argument as you write the ...
Here are 100 of the examples of the best EE titles out there! Find inspiration for your 4,000 word extended essay topic across a variety of subjects.
List of IB Psychology Extended Essay Topics Below, you will find two specific topics and corresponding research questions for each subcategory in psychology I've mentioned above, of course, designed to align with the IB Extended Essay criteria.
a. Experiment-based essay: The focus with experiment-based essays is the primary data produced as a result of the experiment (s) conducted by students. Secondary sources in the form of scientific publications should be used to support a line of argument or indicate where the student has adapted their approach so as to produce different results.
If the answer is yes then it's more biology than psychology. Whether it's biology or physchology doesn't matter so much in an extended essay as the need for the student to have a testable hypothesis and an argument which can be developed following the collection of data from a well controlled biology experiment.
The extended essay, whether subject-focused or interdisciplinary, is assessed against common criteria. In working on the extended essay, students are expected to achieve the following assessment objectives.
Excellent Extended Essays - Biology. Are commercial methods of oral rinse (mouthwash) more effective than the traditional methods of oral hygiene (tea, sesame oil, baking soda, myrrh) in preventing the growth of Micrococcus luteus? (2012) A study on the effect of Indole acetic acid, a growth hormone, on the growth of crop plants, rice (Oryza ...
What is the Extended Essay? The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project. It provides IBDP students with the opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest in-depth while honing their research and critical thinking skills.
The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a 4000-word essay relating to one of your IB subjects. Tackle your EE with 15 top tips from Prep Zone's IB expert.
Criterion A: Focus and Method -6 points possible. The topic of the biology EE must be outlined at the start of the essay and should clearly establish the context of the research question. This should include the area of the research and the purpose and focus of the essay. It is usually appropriate also to include the general background ...
Biology is the science that deals with living organisms and life processes. A biology EE should incorporate biological theory and emphasize why it is relevant today. The topic must relates specifically to biology. Many topics can be approached from different viewpoints, but for an EE in biology the treatment of the topic must be clearly biological.
Extended Essay Research Guide Class of 2025 - Sample Extended Esssays
This document provides 130 potential topics for biology extended essays. Some examples include: 1) Evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory of how ancient bacteria transformed into organelles. 2) Current theories of the biological mechanisms behind increasing rates of allergic diseases in developed nations. 3) Tracking human migration patterns through comparisons of blood group frequencies ...