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IB Chinese A (Lit) EE examples

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The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas

International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

What's Next?

Trying to figure out what extracurriculars you should do? Learn more about participating in the Science Olympiad , starting a club , doing volunteer work , and joining Student Government .

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Not sure where you want to go to college? Read our guide to finding your target school . Also, determine your target SAT score or target ACT score .

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CIS Secondary Library: Extended Essay

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Start Here!

EE M25 Cohort Guidelines

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The Extended Essay , a compulsory component of the IBDP curriculum, is designed to give you an opportunity to engage in the methods of critical research. It is defined as “an in-depth study of a focused topic” intended to give you experience of the kind of individual, independent, and sustained research work that is encountered in college and university education. 

Getting started, it is wise to consult the five steps to writing a research question   and to consider the advice provided with the sample research questions . , for each subject, there are  very particular standards  you must follow. get to know these resources (linked below) as you consider your subject options. after you have chosen a subject, use this very practical advice throughout the rest of the process..

As you work, you should frequently seek the wisdom of your supervisor, communicate with the Extended Essay coordinator, and--as always-- ask questions . Because you are producing a significant body of research, you are expected to follow MLA or APA standards. Visit Research 101   to find many additional tips and insights.

Click here for ee library and research resources , the use of footnotes.

MLA format requires in-text parenthetical references.

Can I use footnotes?

Not advised for any year level. IB discourages the use of footnotes. Footnotes and endnotes, if used,    do count against your total word count .

"Footnotes and endnotes may be used for referencing purposes and if this is the case will not be included in the word count of the essay. If information is contained in a footnote or endnote and is not a reference, this  must  be included in the word count. In order to avoid confusion and unwittingly exceed the word limit, students are advised to avoid using footnotes or endnotes other than for referencing purposes unless it is appropriate.

An essay that attempts to evade the word limit by including important material in footnotes or endnotes will be compromised across the assessment criteria. Please note that footnotes and endnotes are added to the word count as they are encountered. (" Footnotes and endnotes ").

• IB Stance on Citing

"As creators/authors, we are expected to acknowledge any materials or ideas that are not ours and that have been used in any way, such as quotation, paraphrase, or summary. The term 'materials' means written, oral or electronic products, and may include the following: 

• Text, Visual, Audio, Graphic, Artistic, Lectures, Interviews, Conversations, Letters, Broadcasts, Maps.

Basic and common knowledge within a field or subject does not need to be acknowledged. However, if we are in doubt whether the source material is common knowledge or not, we should cite!"

from Effective Citing and Referencing,  by the IB Programme of International Education, 2014

EE Support Materials

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Extended Essay (First Exams 2018): Examples of Extended Essays

• EE Intro to Inquiry
• Examples of Extended Essays
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• How-to: Research Help

Samples from the IBO

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. 

50 Excellent Extended Essays

All 50 essays are also available in electronic form in the QD Library on the iPads.  Look for the display at the circulation desk. The essays are found in the iBooks app. The iPads are available for check out at the circulation for periods of 30 minutes at one time.

Recently, the IBO has produced another list of exemplars with marks. Click on the link below to access this:

• Assessed Student Work  
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• Last Updated: Nov 26, 2021 12:34 PM
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IB Extended Essay: EE Home

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Class of 2025 Timeline

• EE Timeline - Class of 2025

Class of 2024 Timeline

• EE Timeline class of 2024 Printable timeline
• Printable EE Timeline - 2023

Reading to Generate Questions

• The School of Life The School of Life is a global organization dedicated to developing emotional intelligence.
• PBS: Idea Chanel YouTube A PBS show that examines the connections between pop culture, technology and art.
• Open Culture Free cultural and educational media content on the web.
• TED: Ideas worth spreading TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas. Watch or read TED talks here.
• Science Daily A source of the latest science research news.
• Arts & Letters Daily Read about philosophy, aesthetics, literature, language, ideas, criticism, culture, history, music, art, trends, breakthroughs, disputes, gossip.
• Youtube: Crash Course Author John Green creates "crash course" videos on topics: physics, philosophy, games, economics, U.S. government and politics, astronomy, anatomy & physiology, world history, biology, literature, ecology, chemistry, psychology, and U.S. history.
• Brain Pickings A subjective lens on what matters in the world and why.
• Edge: Annual Questions "To seek out the most complex and sophisticated minds, put them in a room together, and have them ask each other the questions they are asking themselves."
• The Conversation An independent source of news and views from the academic and research community, delivered direct to the public.
• The Big Think "We aim to help you move above and beyond random information, toward real knowledge, offering big ideas from fields outside your own that you can apply toward the questions and challenges in your own life."
• Medium Medium taps into the brains of the world’s most insightful writers, thinkers, and storytellers to bring you the smartest takes on topics that matter. So whatever your interest, you can always find fresh thinking and unique perspectives.

Thank you to UWC Libraries for generating this list. 

What IS the Extended Essay?

• IB: Extended Essay Guide
• Independent research on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with SIS supervisor
• Formal piece of academic writing, 4,000 words long, accompanied by a reflection of no more than 500 words
• Approximately 40 hours of work by the student
• 3-5 hours of supervision + 3 mandatory reflection sessions
• Ends with a Viva Voce: final reflection session with supervising teacher

IB EE Guide

• EE Guide 2018 PDF

Subject Specific Standards

• Language & literature (language A)
• Language acquisition (language B)
• Mathematics
• Visual Arts
• World Studies
• Business Management

Additional EE resources

• IB: Subject specific guides Information from the IBO about EE specific subject areas.
• Other EE options: World studies Blog post about the world studies option for the EE. Written for students!
• Next: Lessons >>
• Last Updated: Apr 9, 2024 9:39 AM
• URL: https://sis-cn.libguides.com/ExtendedEssay

Extended Essay LibGuide

Put it all together, role of the supervisor, formal reflection sessions (viva voce).

In order to make the most of the time you have with your supervisor, it is important that you understand the role of this person in the process. 

Your supervisor will support you by assisting with:

• Selecting and narrowing your research question
• Advising you on the suitability of your research methods and sources
• Meeting with you for official reflection sessions (documented on the RPPF) and for check-in sessions
• Providing you with subject guidance, including exemplars and IB subject resources (and support in understanding these)
• Offering encouragement and assistance with monitoring your progress
• Commenting fully on one draft of your EE

What can you do to make the most of your supervisor time?

• Schedule meetings in advance.
• Have specific questions and agenda items prepared.
• Share progress before meetings to give your supervisor time to review your work. (i.e. Essay draft or NoodleTools outline)
• Stick to your timeline. Set deadlines to give your supervisor enough time to adequately review work before meetings.
• Show up for meetings. DO NOT make your supervisor chase you for work. 
• If you are behind or struggling, see your supervisor or the EE coordinator right away.

Check-in Sessions

• Usually shorter than formal sessions
• Progress checks
• Guidance with resources for research
• Guidance on methods of research
• Subject-area specific questions
• Not officially document in the RPPF, but should be reflected upon in the Researcher's Reflective Space.

IB Guidance

First formal reflection session Interim reflection session Final reflection session ( viva voce ) Each of these sessions will be documented on the RPPF in Managebac.

HIS Handbook for the Extended Essay

IB Extended Essay Guide

IB Subject Specific Guidance

What is the extended essay.

The extended essay is a required component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). 

It is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

What is the significance of the extended essay?

The extended essay provides:

• practical preparation for undergraduate research
• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of special interest to them, which is also related to one of the student's six DP subjects. 

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• formulating an appropriate research question
• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• communicating ideas
• developing an argument. 

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyse, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

How is study of the extended essay structured?

Students are supported throughout the process of researching and writing the extended essay, with advice and guidance from a supervisor who is usually a teacher at the school.

The IB recommends that students follow the completion of the written essay with a short, concluding interview with their supervisor. This is known as  viva voce.

The extended essay and interview can be a valuable stimulus for discussion in countries where interviews are required prior to acceptance for employment or for a place at university.

How is the extended essay assessed?

All extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB. The total marks available are 34.  However, when your supervisor marks your essay in order to arrive at a predicted grade, the grading will be based on the qualitative grade descriptors for the EE, not a translation of a number score into a letter grade.

Students are evaluated on five criterion:

• Criterion A – focus and method.
• Criterion B – knowledge and understanding.
• Criterion C – critical thinking.
• Criterion D – presentation.
• Criterion E – engagement.

Assessment Grade Descriptors for the Extended Essay, 2018

A list of the qualitative grade descriptors for the Extended Essay, grades A through E. IB senior examiners will use these descriptors to set the boundaries (i.e., grade) the extended essay beginning in May 2018.

Find out how points awarded for the extended essay contribute to a student’s  overall diploma score .

Source:    International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme website

Finding Inspiration

• IB Assessment Criteria
• IB Ethical Guidelines

Grade Point Boundaries and Points Matrix

Explore your interests.

Take some time to explore your interests and passions to help lead you to a subject.

Personal Inventory

Required Elements of the Extended Essay

List and description of the six required elements of the final extended essay work that is to be submitted for extended essays for November 2018 and forward (IB Guide 2018).

Presentation Requirements of the Extended Essay

Information on formatting the extended essay, covering: word counts (what is included and what is NOT included), illustrations, tables, footnotes and endnotes, appendices and specimen materials. Covers essays submitted in November 2018 and forward (IB Guide 2018).

Assessment objectives and criteria for the extended essay - first exams 2018

Assessment objectives and criteria for students submitting extended essays, beginning with the Class of 2018.

Assessment of the EE - Advice for Students

Use this list to help you think about the five assessment criteria for the EE and whether you have addressed the expectations within your essay.

Assessment Grade Descriptors for the Extended Essay

Business management

Design technology

Environmental Systems & Societies

Global politics

Language acquisition

• Mathematics

Studies in language and literature

Visual arts

• World Studies

Guidance on IB requirements for citing and referencing in the Diploma Program, including what, when, and how to cite.

Explicit guidance from the IB on any research or fieldwork undertaken as a part of an Extended Essay.

These guidelines from IB set out the parameters for the acceptable inclusion of animals in an IB World School.

STEP 1: Choose a Subject

Choose a subject and topic that interests you. - something you're personally invested in - so you'll stay motivated throughout the EE process.  You should be able to explain and identify to others what you're interested in and why.

DP Subjects at SCIS available for Extended Essays are:

• Business Management
• Design Technology
• Environmental Systems
• Global Politics
• Language Acquisition
• Studies in Language and Literature
• Visual Arts

Step 2: Educate Yourself

Your reading list.

To help you decide on a subject and better understand the Extended Essay, read the following in the above dropdown menus:

• IB Extended Essay Subject Guides (first exams 2018)
• Grade Boundaries and Points Matrix

Reflection in the Extended Essay

Sample researchers reflection space entries, how to write ee reflections, criteria e: engagement, explore meaning, background reading.

Reflection in the Extended Essay:

Reflection in the extended essay focuses on your progress during the planning, research and writing process. It is intended to help you with the development of your extended essay as well as allowing you the opportunity to consider the effectiveness of your choices, to re-examine your ideas and to decide whether changes are needed.

The emphasis in the extended essay is on process reflection, characterized by reflecting on:

• conceptual understandings
• decision-making
• engagement with data
• the research process
• time management
• methodology
• successes and challenges
• the appropriateness of sources

You are encouraged to informally reflect throughout the experience of researching and writing the extended essay, but are required to reflect formally during the reflection sessions with your supervisor and when completing the Reflections on planning and progress form.

How to Write IB Extended Essay Reflections

Criterion E: Engagement (from IB EE Guide) This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the student’s  Reflections on planning and progress form .

• Engagement with the process:  the student has engaged in discussions with their supervisor in the planning and progress of their research; the student is able to reflect on and refine the research process, and react to insights gained through the exploration of their research question; the student is able to evaluate decisions made throughout the research process and suggest improvements for their own working practices.
• Engagement with their research focus:  an insight into the student’s thinking, intellectual initiative and creative approach through reflections on the thought and research process; the extent to which the student voice is present rather than that of the supervisor and academics; is the student’s engagement reflected?

Thinking about definitions and synonyms can help with identifying keywords.  See:

• Thesaurus.com
• Dictionary.com
• OneLook.com

Carrot 2 is an Open Source Search Results Clustering Engine. Click here to navigate to the webpage. It can automatically organize small collections of search results, into thematic categories. It allows you options to not only see results in a list format, but also visually, like the images below. 

Spend time thinking about what you know about your topic.  Write it down and then copy what you have written into  https://worditout.com/word-cloud/create   This will give you a cloud similar to the one below which will emphasize the keywords of your current knowledge.  This will give you an idea of the key areas you already have some knowledge of and may highlight a potential topic you would like to focus your research on.

After you decide on a topic of interest you should undertake some preliminary general reading around the issue.  Questions you must consider at this stage are:

• What has already been written about the topic?
• Was it easy to find sources of information?
• Is there a range of different sources available?
• Is there a range of views or perspectives on the topic?
• What interesting questions have started to emerge from this reading?

STEP 3: Researchers Reflection Space

The Researcher's Reflection Space (RRS) is a personal learning environment that can be either a physical or virtual support tool - like a research or process journal  You use it to record reflections on what you are reading, writing and thinking. The use of the RRS will help you prepare for your reflection sessions with your supervisor and inform the discussions that take place.

In preparing for your reflection sessions, your RSS should include:

• Reading: Keep an on-going log of your reading as you complete it. Respond to research items (through an annotated bibliography) and source analysis (OPVL/Cornell notes).
• Reflections: Keep brief notes on your developing (often changing) thoughts on your research question as a result of your reading and research.
• Challenges: Write about any challenges you face and how you overcome these. This is not about writing complaints, but should instead be used as a place to document your process and how you keep yourself on track. 
• Visuals: Include annotated diagrams, charts, illustrations, or images that help build your argument. Include any visuals you create (i.e. MindMaps or diagrams) to explore your topic and research.
• Questions: Record any questions that emerge as your complete your research. How do these help guide your research and the development of your question? How do they distract from the central argument?

STEP 4: Choose a Topic

After choosing the subject for your extended essay, the next step in the research process is to define what your research is going to focus on - the topic.

At this stage you need to explore:

• what are my possible topics?
• what do I know about those topics?
• which words would be good search terms and keywords?​

Search for books and digital resources

          Click HERE:  Destiny Online Catalog

   Search the library physical and ebook collections

Steps for Creating a Research Question

Ib command terms glossaries, others things to support.

• Keyword Search Planning

Research Proposal

Annotated Bibliography

1. Choose a topic. 2. Narrow the topic by considering:

• Time period
• Perspective, point of view, or issue

3. Draft a more specific & updated question. 4. Consider your question from different approaches and draft a question for each.

5. Choose a question. 6. Limit your question even more by considering:

• Perspective

Research Question Generator

Use keywords from your background research to help generate possible research questions.

Biology Command Terms

Business Management Command Terms

Chemistry Command Terms

Economics Command Terms

ESS Command Terms

Film Command Terms

Global Politics Command Terms

Language A (Lang-Lit) Command Terms

Language A Command Terms

Mathematics Command Terms

Music Command Terms

Physics Command Terms

Psychology Command Terms

Theatre Command Terms

Visual Arts Command Terms

Use the EE question starters to help you.

Consider the command terms from the subject of your essay (see links below).

Consider your research outcomes.

• What are some possible outcomes of your research?
• What sort of argument might you make and how might your research support this? 
• What will you do if the research is not available or sufficient to support a sustained argument i your essay?

EE Question Starters

A research plan helps you come up with, organize, and keep track of search terms to make sure you can locate the best sources of information. One challenge of research can be coming up with the very best combination of terms, and you may need to change these combinations depending on what resource you use.

You can use the search plan template (courtesy of Barton College Library) to help create your plan.

You can use the research plan template found in your HIS Handbook for the Extended Essay to help create your plan.

Directions:

• Pose your topic in the form of a statement OR a question.
• Choose 2-4 most important terms (keywords) drawn directly from your research statement/question and write each in the Keywords column in separate boxes.
• In the synonyms column, write at least ONE synonym, or related term (broader or narrower) for each keyword.

Tip:  You can use the subject headings from helpful books or articles to help find potential search terms. Also, look at subject clusters in resource databases (i.e. NewsBank or Questia) or news sites (i.e. NT Times or Financial Times) for other ideas. 

A research proposal shows that you have a topic worthy of investigation, that you have an understanding of that topic, and that there is enough research available to you. In order to be officially approved for your topic and supervisor, you will need to complete a research proposal that contains the following information:

I. Subject:

II. Research Question:

III. Introduction (1 - 2 paragraphs / 500 words)

• Why are you interested?
• Why is this worth studying?
• What do you hope to discover through further research?
• What research methods do you plan to use?
• Predictions

IV. Lab Plans (if applicable)

Annotated Bibliography - 10 sources

What is an Annotated Bibliography?

• A BIBLIOGRAPHY is a list of sources used for research on a paper.
• An ANNOTATION is a brief summary of something.
• So, An ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY is a bibliography that includes a brief summary from the findings of your research.

A Sample Bibliography:

Lyman, Howard B.   Test Scores and What They Mean .  Boston:  Allyn and Bacon, 1998.

This book gives a detailed view on both sides of the argument for standardized testing, but 
also how to prepare for them.  A large part of the book is used to discuss ethical issues in testing.  Is it right or wrong?  The author leaves that decision up to the reader.  Some sections 
include validity, reliability, and usability of the standardized test.  Also included are sample test questions for the readers to look at to help them decide whether a sophomore in high school
should know the information.

Why do an Annotated Bibliography?

• They help you organize your thoughts
• Builds a perspective of what other people are doing in the field of your topic.
• A good skill to build for college, where you will more than likely complete several before graduating with a Bachelor’s, more with an advanced degree.
• Keeps you from going back to your source, if done well.
• All good bibs do the following: Summarize – Assess – Reflect

How do I create an Annotated Bibliography?

Annotations should have the correct MLA citation and be four sentences or more long.

Describe this work.

Think of a way to summarize the whole work.

You should look for a direct quote from the source so that you can either directly quote it or paraphrase it in your own paper.

How is the information vital to your research.

MLA Citation                               

The first thing you should do with an annotated bib is write down all of the information about the source as you would a normal MLA citation.

Once you have that information and format that entry, then you can begin your annotation.

Part 1: How is the information important

What type of work is this? Is it an overview of a topic? Is it a study?

What part of the book/article be useful? Or only a chapter or a section or the whole source?

What information is found about the author?

Part 2: Summarize the work with these questions

How are the chapters and sections divided? How are they arranged?

What all can be found in the work?

Why is this information important, interesting, or relevant?

You can also use this sentence to set up your quote.

Part 3: The quote (optional)

This is the easy part, find a quote that is important to your research, copy it down with all the information directly. Should look like this:

Sampson says on page 3, “Living life as a scrap yard technician was hard, but the time I spent with my son was even more challenging.”

Part 4: Validity

This sentence simply wraps up the article by stating how you would use the source, at all, in your research?

Is it a primary source? Does it contradict or agree with your own thesis proposal?

Will you use it as a building block for your own research argument?

Is the article at all biased or set up in a manner that makes you question its worth?

Step 5: Drafting a Research Question

By now, you have:

• set up a researcher's reflection space to track notes, action plans, reflections, etc.
• chosen a subject and topic
• done some preliminary research to make sure your topic is feasible
• narrowed the topic

You are now ready to start drafting and narrowing your research question. This is arguably the  MOST IMPORTANT STEP  in your process.

STEPS TO NARROW YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION  - Video

FORMING A RESEARCH QUESTION - Video

STEP 6: Plan for Research and Writing 

Once you have a research question, you need to take time to plan some next steps. You need to make a timeline for yourself. Consider all of the deadlines in the SCIS Timeline and set some personal deadlines for yourself. You also need to make some plans about how you will track and organize your research. Below are some questions and links to help you make some plans. You will be more successful and save time in the long-run if you decide these things early in the process. 

• HIS Timeline
• What methods will you use to gather research? (Primary sources, secondary sources, interviews, observations?)
• What system will you use to take notes for research?
• How will you gather, organize, and properly cite your sources?

INSIDE THE MIND OF A MASTER PROCRASTINATOR - Video

CRASH COURSE: PAPERS AND ESSAYS - Video

Taking Notes

Locating sources, data resources, evaluating sources, mla, apa and cms.

Taking good notes throughout your research process will help you avoid plagiarism, save you time when writing your paper, and assist you in creating internal citations and your Works Cited page. Here are some note taking tips from the  Modern Language Association :

• Keep a complete and thorough list of all of your sources.
• Link your sources to the notes you take.
• Make sure you notes clearly define what you take from the source (ideas, quotes, paraphrases, etc.) and what is yours. 

HOW TO STUDY EFFICIENTLY: THE CORNELL METHOD  - Video

WHY CORNELL NOTES - Video

ONE NOTE: REVIEW - Video

HOW TO READ, TAKE NOTES AND UNDERSTAND JOURNAL ARTICLES - Video

FREE Digital Resources - Padlet 

Destiny Homepage - On Campus

Destiny Homepage - Off Campus

HOW TO GOOGLE LIKE A PRO - Video

Pew Research Center A nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world.

Wolfram|Alpha: Computational Intelligence Designed to provide a simple starting point for exploration of general topics such as countries, chemicals, dates or people.

BuzzFeedNews/everything An index of all our open-source data, analysis, libraries, tools, and guides. - BuzzFeedNews/everything

ProPublica - Investigative Journalism and News in the Public Interest ProPublica has been a recipient of the Pulitzer Prizes for public service, explanatory reporting, national reporting, investigative reporting and, most recently, feature writing. See the full list of our awards.

Quandl The source for financial, economic, and alternative datasets, serving investment professionals.

Statistics Sweden Save retrieval You can make a search in the Statistical Database that you can save as a favourite or share via e-mail. You can save your search as it looks on the screen, in different file formats or as a graph.

Welcome to UNSD News 9 July 2019 - The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2019 reviews progress in the fourth year of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report uses the latest available data to track global progress of the 17 goals with infographics, and presents an in-depth analysis of selected indicators for each goal.

Central Intelligence Agency People from nearly every country share information with CIA, and new individuals contact us daily. If you have information you think might interest CIA due to our foreign intelligence collection mission, there are many ways to reach us. If you know of an imminent threat to a location inside the U.S., immediately contact your local law enforcement orFBI Field Office .

FiveThirtyEight Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight uses statistical analysis - hard numbers - to tell compelling stories about elections, politics, sports, science, economics and lifestyle.

Socrata outpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers delray beach

BigQuery public datasets | BigQuery | Google Cloud The Cloud Public Datasets Program catalog is in GCP Marketplace. You can find more details about each individual dataset by viewing the Marketplace pages in the Datasets section. Go to Datasets in the GCP Marketplace A public dataset is any dataset that is stored in BigQuery and made available to the general public through the Google Cloud Public Dataset Program.

Data.gov The U.S. Coast Guard maintains an archive of historical vessel position movements, collected through the Nationwide Automatic Identification System (NAIS). Originally designed to improve maritime safety and security, these historical vessel position records have proven to be a valuable resource for a variety of engineers and researchers studying the aquatic world.

Source evaluation is more than just deciding if a resources is good/bad or reliable/unreliable. When you evaluate a source, you consider how it fits within your current research and how it works to answer your research question. Not only will you consider the reliability of the source, but you will also need to consider how it relates to the research you have already gathered. Below are some sources that will help you.

Video Guides

Navigating Digital Information  - Video Channel

Video series by Crash Course: * Examine information using the same skills and questions as fact-checkers * Read laterally to learn more about the authority and perspective of sources * Evaluate different types of evidence, from videos to infographics * Understand how search engines and social media feeds work * Break bad internet habits like impatience and passivity, and build better ones

Using Online Encyclopedias

As a tool for research, free online encyclopedias can be valuable resources, but there are several reasons why you should be cautious in using them:

they tend to be general encyclopedias

very often the author is unknown

there is no guarantee that the content meets standards of academic rigour—it may not, for example, have been through a process of peer review

the content can be unstable, in that it can change at any time.

A bibliography that only cites these for reference or an argument that is overly reliant on them will not demonstrate the necessary “range of sources” required by the assessment criteria for the extended essay. They may also not be relevant or appropriate for the research question being explored. Many online encyclopedias are not scholarly sources; however, if used appropriately and critically they can offer a useful starting point for undertaking research. 

If using free online encyclopedias, you should do the following.

Follow the references provided by the encyclopedia; this will help to verify the information given.

Consider whether the article is part of a larger project, where a number of people are contributing to the discussion. If it is, then it implies that the writers have more than a casual interest in the topic being written about.

Look to see if there is a rating for the information provided. If there is then this means that the information has undergone some sort of peer review and been given a rating. While not the same as an academic peer review, it can aid the judgment of the “quality” of the information.

The key point to remember, if you do use information that is found on the internet, you are responsible for ensuring that it is both reliable and accurate.   You could produce an annotated bibliography as part of your Researcher’s   reflection   space. An annotated bibliography provides a concise summary of each source and some assessment of its value and relevance. 

Adapted from "The research and writing process; Academic honesty, Using online encyclopedias and other similar information websites", from  Extended Essay Guide , International Baccalaureate Organization, 2016.

Use this template from  IB for All  to help you. Remember, the template is just a guide. You should adapt it to fit your purposes and your own writing style. The origin of this source is a _____ (magazine, newspaper, speech, etc.) that was written by ______ (name) in ______ (time) in _____ (location). It's purpose was to ____ so ____. A value of it is that it _____. However, a limitation is that it _____.

Lyman, Howard B.   Test Scores and What They Mean .  Boston:  Allyn and Bacon, 1998.

This book gives a detailed view on both sides of the argument for standardized testing, but 
also how to prepare for them.  A large part of the book is used to discuss ethical issues in testing.  Is it right or wrong?  The author leaves that decision up to the reader.  Some sections
include validity, reliability, and usability of the standardized test.  Also included are sample test questions for the readers to look at to help them decide whether a sophomore in high school
should know the information. (Note: this bibliography does not contain a direct quote, as needed in yours)

• A good skill to build for college, where you will more than likely complete several before graduating with a Bachelor’s, more with an advanced degree.
• All good bibs do the following: Summarize – Assess – Reflect

MLA Citation                               

Sampson says on page 3, “Living life as a scrap yard technician was hard, but the time I spent with my son was even more challenging.”

MLA Quick Style Guide

Apa quick style guide, cms quick study guide, mla style center, mla in-text citations.

MLA Formatting Checklist

MLA Website

Mla newspaper, mla journal article, mla social media.

Two sample MLA formatted papers are available on this site. (Always follow teacher or IB guidance when deciding on final format for a submission.)

When to Cite

• When pulling an exact quote out of the source material 
• When paraphrasing another author’s material 
• When including statistics, charts, graphs, etc. from other sources 

Basic Format 

Citations in MLA require two main pieces of information: the author’s name and the page number. These are included in parentheses at the end of the sentence containing the borrowed information, before the final period. 

Example:  Dingoes are a type of wild dog found in Australia (Letourneau 37). 

Or, when the author’s name is mentioned in the paper, only cite the page number at the end. 

Example:  According to Redding, it is better to eat smaller meals throughout the day than three large meals (123). 

Missing Author 

If the article/work being cited doesn’t have an author, either use the full name of the title or shorten the title and the page number(s) in parenthesis. 

Example:  There have been arguments for big foot being real, but there is very little evidence to support this claim (“Big Foot Lives?”17-19).

Missing Page Number 

If the page number is unknown, then use only the author’s name (or article title) in parenthesis. 

Example:  Stress affects everyone differently, and there are different physical and emotional reactions to stress (American Heart Association). 

Two or Three Authors 

If there are two or three authors, name all of the authors in the sentence or mention the names in parenthesis with the page number. 

Example:  Redding and Stevens talk about how semi-colons are often abused in student papers (3). 

Semi-colons are often abused in student papers (Redding and Stevens 3). 

Many Authors

If there are more than three authors, mention all authors in a single sentence or use the first author’s last name, followed by the phrase et al. (Latin term for “and others”). 

Example:  Letourneau, Redding, Stevens, and Zondlo found that the squash is the most coveted vegetable of farmers around the world (43). 

Letourneau et al. found that the squash is… (43). 

The squash is the… (Letourneau et al. 43). 

Corporate Author

If the article is written by a corporation, then cite it as the author. 

Example:  According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are 1,317 endangered species in the United States (1). 

• Margins: My margins are one inch in the top, bottom, left, and right sides of each page.
• Page numbers: Page numbers are 1/2 inch from the top on the right side of each page.
• Font: I have used a readable, standard font, such as 12 point Times New Roman.
• Spacing: I have double spaced all of my text in my essay and Works Cited page. 
• Alignment: My text is aligned flush left (straight on the left, ragged on the right).
• Indenting for paragraphs: I have indented every paragraph 1/2 inch using the tab key.
• Quotation marks: I have placed quotation marks around all directly quoted material that is less than for lines long AND any article or chapter titles when these are mentioned in the text and my Works Cited list.
• Italics: I have placed longer works, such as books and journals, in italics in both my text and my Works Cited list. 
• In-text citations: I have documented all summarized, paraphrased, and quoted material with a correct in-text citation.
• In-text citations: I have placed a period after my in-text citations (block quotes excluded).
• Blocked quotations: For quotations that are longer than four lines, I have indented all lines of the quote 1/2 inch from left margin, placed a period at the end of the text, and included an internal citation after the period. 
• Works Cited: I have included a full Works Cited entry for every source cited in my text.
• Works Cited: My Works Cited is on its own page, with the title Works Cited centered at the top.
• Works Cited: I have placed all my entries in alphabetical order and used a hanging indent for all lines after the first entry. 
• Works Cited: All entries are double spaced.

STEP 7: Gathering Evidence and Citing Source

AVOIDING PLAGAIRISM: WHEN SHOULD I CITE A SOURCE? - Video

AVOIDING PLAGAIRISM: WHAT DO I NEED TO CITE? - Video

IB Effective Citing and Referencing Guide

The purpose of this publication is to guide members of the International Baccalaureate (IB) community in understanding the IB’s expectations with regards to referencing the ideas, words, or work of other people when producing an original document or piece of work.

STEP 8: Writing the Essay

Writing the Essay

Includes guidance for creating an outline, information about the various essay sections, and support for crediting your sources.

Writing Tools

Hemingway Editor App

Grammarly Web App

Helps reduce word count and make your writing more precise

Presentation and Formatting

EE Revising & Editing Guide

Don't lose points in Criterion D! Use this guide to make final revisions to your EE and to insure you have the correct format to get maximum points.

Supervisor Meetings

In order to make the most of the time you have with your supervisor, it is important that you understand the role of this person in the process. 

Schedule meetings in advance!

• Show up for meetings. DO NOT make your supervisor chase you for work. 

Formal Reflection Sessions (IB Guidance)

• Not officially document in the RPPF, but should be reflected upon in the Researcher's Reflective Space.

Additional Resources

International Baccalaureate Extended Essay: Chinese Databases and Citations

• What is the Extended Essay?
• Identifying a Topic
• Extended Essay Guides
• The Research Question
• HS YIS Online Databases and Resources
• HS Free Online Resources
• More Open Access Databases
• Research like a Scholar
• Citing Revisited
• Citation Tools
• Annotated Bibliography
• MLA Posters
• APA Posters
• Chinese Databases and Citations
• Research Tips for Online Searching
• Note-taking and Paraphrasing
• Writing an Academic Paper
• EE Examples in Library Catalog
• Assessed Student Work from IBO This link opens in a new window

Chinese Databases

The Duxiu database provides access to more than 3 million Chinese bibliographic entries and 2 million full-text scholarly resources in all subjects and formats, such as books, journal articles, conference papers, and video clips. Duxiu covers Chinese publications from the early the 1930s to the present. Access off-campus requires users to first make an account while on-campus. National Digital Library of China  

For full access to these databases visit the National Digital Library to get a library ID card with your passport or Chinese government ID. 地址：北京市 海淀区 中关村南大街33号 国家图书馆 邮编：100081 总机：(+86 10) 88544114

National Social Sciences Database  

国家哲学社会科学学术期刊数据库

CADAL (China Academic Digital Associative Library)

A government-sponsored cooperative project of Chinese academic libraries to create electronic resources for the use of their patrons. The major resource created by CADAL is a collection of scanned books. Users need to set up their account (Free).

"China Integrated Knowledge Resources System," includes journals, doctoral dissertations, masters' theses, proceedings, newspapers, yearbooks, statistical yearbooks, e-books, patents and standards.

Hong Kong Journals Online

Hong Kong Journals Online (HKJO) is a full-text image database providing access to selected academic and professional journals, both in English and Chinese, published in Hong Kong.

Zhuanji Wenxue Digital Archive 傳記文學(台北)

Featuring oral histories of the lift of modern and contemporary Chinese, from the starting issue in 1962 to current.

Citing Chinese-Language Sources in English Papers

General Formatting Rules:  Use the same general citation form and rules that already exist in the corresponding citation style guide. For guidance on how to format an MLA citation, refer to the other pages of this Libguide.

MLA recommends you include:

The title in the original script

A transliteration of the Chinese characters in works geared to non-specialists (optional)

An English translation of the title in square brackets and

A transliteration of the name of a person or publisher

These three elements should be included in this order: original characters, then transliteration (if included), then translation.

Title: 中國佛教的社會主義改造

Citation: Xue Yu. 中國佛教的社會主義改造  Zhongguo fojiao de shehuizhuyi gaizao  [The socialist transformation of Chinese Buddhism]. Hong Kong: Xianggang Zhongwen daxue chubanshe, 2015.

Other Examples:

From a book:

Author.  Title of Book . Other Contributors, edition ed., vol. #, Publisher, Year.

Hao Chunwen.  唐后期五代宋初敦煌僧尼的社会生活  Tang houqi wudai Songchu Dunhuang sengni de shehui shenghuo  [The social existence of monks and nuns in Dunhuang during the late Tang, Five Dynasties and early Song]. Beijing: Zhongguo shehui kexue chubanshe, 1998.

Intext citation: (Hao pg#)

From a website:

Author. "Title of Article/Page." Other Contributors.  Name of Website , Publisher, Date of Publication, URL. Date of Access.

“Quanmian zhengque lijie shehuizhuyi xinnongcun jianshe 全面正确理解社会主义新农村建设” ["Fully and correctly understand the building of a new socialist countryside"].  State Council  国务院. 15 March, 2006, http://www.gov.cn/node_11140/2006-03/15/content_227640.htm. Accessed 11 March 2021.

Intext citation: ("Quanmian"). In this example, the transliteration is before the original script. The assumption is that a non-specialist is reading this paper and so would need the in-text citation to be in pinyin.

Examples are from Yale University Library and Duke University Libraries

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IB Chinese Program

The Chinese Academy (TCA) is the only school in Calgary that works with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) to provide International Baccalaureate (IB) Chinese Program for: John G. Diefenbaker, Sir Winston Churchill, Western Canada, Henry Wise Wood, and Lester B. Pearson High School. . In addition, The Chinese Academy permits any students to register for our IB Chinese courses if they are approved by an IB school within the Calgary Catholic School District or a private/charter IB school. Also, under special circumstance, we will consider any students who are attending IB Schools outside of Calgary, as long as we are offering on-line classes.

The three IB courses offered at The Chinese Academy are:

• Chinese B – Mandarin SL (Standard)
• Chinese B – Cantonese SL (Standard)
• Chinese ab initio – Mandarin (Beginner)

Students can receive up to 25 language credits for their Alberta High School Diploma. For students who would like more credits for their High School Diplomas, TCA offers Chinese 10, 20, 30 (Mandarin) and Chinese 15, 25, 35 (Cantonese) on Saturdays. Students who take and pass the IB Chinese classes also receive credits for their Alberta High School Diploma.

IB Chinese Program Logistics :

• Students who would like to take the above courses must get confirmation from their English school’s IB coordinator to take IB Chinese at TCA. Students who would like to withdraw from IB Chinese courses must also get permission from their IB coordinator.
• The IB high schools will send their approved lists of new IB students to TCA.
• TCA is a Saturday school and according to Alberta Education, we provide a minimum of 80 hours of instruction per 5-credit course. With the new IB Chinese curriculum which is more intense than the previous one, TCA requires students to take Grade 10 Honours Chinese in their grade 10 year, so the students may be better prepared for the IB Chinese examinations.
• After registration is completed, TCA will schedule a placement assessment with the student via email. TCA is in charge of student placement in our school. Students will not be moved for personal or scheduling preference.
• Oral exam for Language B and for Mandarin ab initio must be completed by the end of February. After oral exams are completed, the results and comments will be sent to the students’ home schools.
• Students will take their IB Chinese written exam portion: Paper 1 and Paper 2 (for Language B and for Mandarin ab initio) in May at their home schools.
• The extended essay (EE) is one component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. It is required for full IB student candidates. The EE is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper in Grade 12. Our teacher supervisor will assist you through this process.

We thank the CBE, the principals, and staff of the five IB schools for their partnership and support.

IB Chinese Frequently Asked Questions

TCA IB Chinese Scholarship

The Chinese Academy (TCA) offers the TCA IB Chinese Scholarship for motivated and talented grade 12 graduates in the IB Chinese program.

Requirements for applying for TCA IB Chinese Scholarship:

• Complete the TCA IB Chinese Scholarship Application Form
• Provide proof of IB exam mark
• Provide registration receipts for Chinese classes at TCA for grades 10, 11, and 12
• TCA teacher recommendation (signature on application form)
• Write a personal statement (details below)
• Provide proof of Community involvement (example: volunteering)

If a student has received any Chinese 10, 20, or 30 level credits through a course challenge or course completion at another school, they do not qualify for the TCA IB Chinese Scholarship.

The required materials must all be attached to the same email with the subject line “TCA IB Chinese Scholarship Application” and submitted before the deadline. Incomplete application will not be reviewed. (email: [email protected])

All applications must be sent via email; physical applications will not be considered.

Application deadline: September 30th of the year of graduation from the IB Chinese program

The quantity of and the amount for TCA IB Chinese Scholarships varies from year to year depending on community donations and not every applicant will be able to receive the scholarship.

The school will notify the award-winning students by email. It takes up to 3 months from the deadline on September 30th to process the scholarship applications. When receiving the cheque, the student or the person receiving the cheque on behalf of the student will need to provide personal identification.

TCA IB Scholarship Application Form

TCA IB Chinese Scholarship Personal Statement Guidelines

All applicants of the TCA IB Chinese scholarship are required to submit a statement in Simplified or Traditional Chinese.

Topic: Why am I qualified for the IB Chinese Scholarship?

The following are the guidelines of the Personal Statement:

• The Personal Statement must be typed or handwritten in Simplified or Traditional Chinese
• Maximum length of 500 characters for Language B applicants and 180 characters for ab initio applicants.

100 IB Extended Essay Topic Ideas!

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Read on to find inspiration for topics across a wide range of subjects.

Extended Essay: The Love/Hate aspect of the IB

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Annoyingly, coming up with that idea and research question can be the toughest part of the entire process. Writing 4,000 words about something you are interested in is a big ask and it often feels impossible to narrow down your thoughts. To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to create your own research question !

Get Support from A Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today !

How to Begin Your IB Extended Essay

To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to  create your own research question !

Get Support from a Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna, we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today!

10 Steps to Writing an Extended Essay

Before we look at specific topics for your essay, let’s recap the 10-steps you’ll need to follow to complete your extended essay.

1. Define the Topic and Draft the Research Question

2. Create a Timeline

3. Identify and gather Sources

4. Set Deadlines

5. Plan the structure according to the total word count

6. Evaluate

7. independent Research

8. Write the extended essay draft

10. Present

By following the steps above, you should be able to produce a logical and coherent rationale to follow when writing the extended essay for your IB diploma programme.

By starting with a solid research question, you’ll be able to put an extended essay of global significance together, from the research and writing process all the way through to your final submission with a favourable extended essay grade.

Below, we’re sharing 10 topics across 10 subjects to inspire your next IB extended essay.

1. How the change of habitat affects an X organism?

2. How does climate affect the growth of X plant?

3. Can photosynthesis take place without sunlight?

4. What is the effect of age and gender on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?

5. How is climate change impacting the appearance of coral reefs?

6. An evaluation of how  antioxidants  work in our bodies?

7. Does hand sanitizer, hand soap or antibacterial wipes have the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of E. Coli?

8. To what extent do live cultures in yogurts/milk/other dairy products reduce the concentration of lactose present over the course of a 2 hour incubation period at x°C?

9. What is the relationship between  population density  between X and population size of X?

10. What is the relationship between indoleacetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop)?

11. How does human influence impact an aquatic ecosystem?

12. How can one organize a pollution check along a X canal in X?

13. What is the effect of the increased ecological footprint in the  Amazon ?

14. What are the forest and woodland restoration in Siberia, Russia and which one is most effective?

15. How does human interference cause ecological imbalances in an X city/country/continent?

16. What is the impact of urban development on the  bee population  in X city?

17. What are the differences in the conversation efforts in Yosemite National Park (California, USA) and the Lake District National Park (UK)?

18. To what extent have healthcare policies in X country influenced their human population curve?

19. How have changes in environmental systems influenced the value system of X country?

20. How has X landfill site affected the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem?

21. What is the profitability of  airline companies ?

22. How does unemployment affect the market?

23. Why did X recession occur?

24. How did the financial Policy affect the economy in X?

25. How effective are government policies in reducing overconsumption of alcohol (specifically hard liquor)?

26. To what extent are public buses and subways substitute goods in a country?

27. How did the tax reform in country x affect its growth and development? (many countries to choose from)

28. To what extent was weak government policy responsible for the Latin American financial crisis of 1997?

29. How effective is the  Big Mac Index  in measuring purchasing power parity?

30. To what extent would the UK suffer from leaving the European Customs Union if Brexit happens?

31. Is there an association between viewing violence on television and the display of violent acts?

32. What motivational climate should a coach employ in order to achieve optimal performance in athletes?

33. How does  X hormone affect human behavior ?

34. Compare theories explaining altruism in human behaviour

35. Discuss short-term and long-term consequences of exposure to violence

36. Why do relationships change or end?

37. Discuss how  social variables (poverty, parenting, educational environment) may the affect cognitive environment.

38. To what extent do mirror neurons play a role in empathy? (2014)

39. To what extent does Mindfulness help people cope with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

40. To what extent is drug therapy effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

41. Does the British Parliamentary reforms act of 1832 deserve its title as the great reform act?

42. To what extent are there similarities in Hitler and Mussolini’s Rise to Power?

43. To what extent did Mao’s tackle the problems which he faced?

44. Was Tsar Alexander II of Russia reforms a success or failure?

45. To what extent was the bombing of Dresden in 1945 justifiable?

46. To what extent can  Sweden be considered neutral during WWII ?

47. The impact of structural economic weakness on the collapse of the Soviet Union.

48. How were women treated differently in 1920s and 1950s Great Britain?

49. Why did Israel win the  Six Day War  of 1967?

50. What role did economics play in the unification of Germany from 1834 to 1871?

English Literature

51. What are the Compare and Contrast Jane Austen Books?

52. How does Joseph Conrad’s portray Racism in A Heart of Darkness?

53. How does Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman critique today’s capitalist society? The American Dream?

54. To what extent does Chris McCandless in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild escape familial influence?

55. What are the similarities and differences between J.K. Rowling’s characterization of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?

56. How does Yaa Gyasi use structure in her novel Homegoing to portray the evolution of time?

57. What is the impact of the social context on Holden Caufield and Huckleberry Finn?

58. How does Sylvia Path’s use of Inanimate objects in Bell Jar?

59. How is the empowerment of Feminine portrayed in the Lord of the Rings?

60. Compare the political rhetoric as used in the inaugural addresses of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

61. The design, construction and calibration of an apparatus for measuring lipid concentration in milk.

62. What is the effect of a change in the optimal lift on the horizontal gliding distance of an aircraft?

63. How does the sugar concentration affect the refractive index of water?

64. How does temperature affect the viscosity of X juice/soda?

65. Is the relationship between temperature and conductivity and insulators and conductors?

66. What is the Oberth Effect?

67. What is the temperature dependence of work performed on an AA battery?

68. How can the rotational frequency of a fan driven by a flame measure distance?

69. Do wine bottles of different shapes behave as Helmholtz resonators?

70. How does the diameter of a wheel affect stability in different weather conditions?

71. What factors influence the location of industries in country/city X?

72. An investigation into the significance of preserving the quality of water in a continent/country/city?

73. An investigation into the degree to which City X can be considered a Sustainable City/Community.

74. To what extent is Biodiversity being managed successfully in city X?

75. To what extent does the education and employment of women affect Country x’s fertility rate?

76. To what extent do gender, educational attainment, and working parameters influence obesity risk?

77. To what extent has urban development affected human thermal comfort levels in Country/city x (a country/city that has developed in a rapid rate over the past decades)?

78. To what extent is the Company x corporate waste management program effective, demonstrating environmental sustainability?

79. To what extent is biodiversity being managed successfully at National Park X?

80. What types of urban design encourage high rates of vandalism in X neighbourhoods?

81. The kinetics of Enzymatic Reactions.

82. How do Iron Intake Diets differ in X country?

83. What are the different factors that affect the iodine values in cooking oils?

84. What is the effect of standing time and temperate on the acid content in X juice or soda?

85. Can caffeine in tea or coffee be reduced?

86. What is the effect of temperature on the souring of milk?

87. What are the sources of error in calorimetry?

88. Does brushing your teeth affect the pH in your mouth after eating?

89. How does changing the concentration of the reagents affect the formation and spacing between Liesehang rings in the reaction between X chloride and X when conducted in a test tube?

90. What effect does the coating of aspirin tablets have on the hydrolysis of aspirin?

Social and Cultural Anthropology

91. How clothing relates to the cultural anthropology of X culture.

92. The extent to which social media networks affect different societies.

93. The relationship between ritual, myths and faith in an X society.

94. The history of rituals in X culture.

95. How different marriage rituals inform the cultural anthropology of X culture.

96. Climate change and its impact on the evolution of different creatures on the planet.

97. Understanding the social and cultural anthropology of the supernatural in X culture.

98. An analysis of body modification in relation to social and cultural anthropology.

100. Chaste systems and social ranks in societies.

There are so many class subjects that can form the basis of your extended essay, including these popular six subjects:

– Information technology

– Computer science

– Health science

– World studies

– Visual arts

– Business management

Extended essays are a great way to improve your writing skills in academic writing. Essays of a high standard that demonstrate critical thinking and in depth analysis can be submitted to academic journals. These have the potential to reach the global society.

Start Writing Your Extended Essay Topic

We hope this gave you some great inspiration for the variation of topics available for your Extended Essay . The research question you select is what will carry you through the entire process, so be sure to choose wisely!

Remember, if you are looking for more help with your Extended Essay, make sure to check out our guide which will tell you exactly how to plan, structure, research and write your Extended Essay!

Grab Free Extended Essay Resources!

No matter the subject groups in your diploma program, we’re here to help all of our IB students. Whether you’re writing about social and cultural anthropology, business management, design technology, or scientific methods for your IB diploma, Lanterna has you covered.

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The Future of the U.S.-China Educational Exchanges — 2024 China Essay Contest Runner Up

From Columbia University

As China and the United States grapple with issues of intellectual property theft, cybersecurity concerns, and competition for technological supremacy, their once symbiotic relationship in education is now in jeopardy. By “symbiotic” I mean the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge, talent, and resources that has characterized the U.S.-China educational cooperation for decades. American universities have benefited from the influx of talented Chinese students and researchers, while China has gained access to cutting-edge research and educational practices. This reciprocal relationship has fostered innovation, cultural understanding, and economic growth for both nations. However, in recent years, the U.S. has imposed restrictions on Chinese students and scholars to facilitate the transfer of technologies critical to national security and economic competitiveness to China, while China has tightened its control over academic freedom and foreign influences on its campuses. These actions tend not to only hinder the flow of knowledge and talent between the two nations but also undermine decades of progress toward a more collaborative relationship with far-reaching implications for both countries and the global community. 

On the Chinese side, the government has sought to assert greater control over the academic sphere, including through tighter ideological oversight of universities, restrictions on foreign textbooks and online resources, and pressure on Chinese scholars to align their research with national priorities. This has raised concerns about academic freedom and the openness of China’s education system to international engagement.

While legitimate security concerns exist on both sides, current restrictions risk eroding the trust essential to US-China educational exchanges. This hinders the flow of knowledge and talent, fostering suspicion that could damage the broader relationship and jeopardize global stability. In this tense environment, educational exchanges are more crucial than ever for maintaining dialogue and collaboration. The US and China must prioritize finding a sustainable framework that balances security with the vital principles of openness, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. Though difficult, the stakes are too high to let this bridge between two major global powers collapse.

The Power of Educational Exchange: Beyond Dollars and Diplomas

  The magnetic pull of American universities and the rapid rise of Chinese talent have fueled an unprecedented era of educational exchange between the two nations. In just four decades, what began as a trickle of 52 Chinese scholars sent to the U.S. in 1978 had surged to over 289,526 by 2023, with more than half pursuing STEM degrees. However, this remarkable growth has had its challenges. In recent years, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. has begun to level off and even decline, dropping by 8.6% in the 2020-2021 academic year. This trend has been driven in part by the tightening of U.S. visa policies, as well as by growing concerns among Chinese students and parents about safety, discrimination, and the overall climate for international students in the U.S. On the other hand, while the number of American students in China had grown to around 15,000 per year at its peak, that figure has also declined sharply in recent years, falling by more than 50% between 2019 and 2021. This drop can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and growing concerns about academic freedom and safety for American students in China.

The benefits of this U.S.-China educational exchange have been substantial for both sides. Chinese students and researchers have made immense contributions to U.S. innovation, particularly in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, where around 27% of top researchers are China-born. Their intellectual dynamism and global perspectives have enriched American campuses and labs while returning students have been a key conduit for knowledge transfer fueling China’s rapid development.

For the U.S., Chinese students and researchers have been an indispensable source of talent and innovation. They have pioneered groundbreaking research, launched thriving startups, and helped maintain America’s edge in critical fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. According to NAFSA’s report, Chinese students contributed a whopping $15.9 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018 alone through tuition, housing, and other spending.

But the value of these exchanges goes beyond dollars and diplomas. They have fostered a reservoir of goodwill and understanding between the American and Chinese people. For many Chinese, studying in the U.S. is a formative experience that shapes their worldview and leaves them with a lifelong appreciation for American culture and values. For Americans who study or work in China, the experience can be equally eye-opening, challenging stereotypes and revealing the nuances of a rapidly evolving society.

These grassroots connections have long been a stabilizing force in the often-rocky U.S.-China relationship. During the dark days following The Tiananmen Square Crackdown in 1989, it was the network of the U.S.-educated Chinese officials and scholars that helped keep lines of communication open and prevent a complete rupture in relations . More recently, as tensions have spiked over trade, Taiwan, and technology, the voices of moderation on both sides have often been those with deep personal ties to the other country.

The Economic and Social Risks of Decoupling

The erosion of the U.S.-China educational exchanges carries grave economic consequences that demand urgent attention. As artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies reshape the global labor market, the United States risks a critical shortage of skilled workers in the very fields that will drive the economy of the future.

Consider the projections: A 2022 report by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology estimates that the U.S. could face a shortfall of 30,000 AI experts by 2025 if restrictions on Chinese researchers continue. Losing access to this vital talent pool could undermine America’s innovation edge and competitiveness in the industries of the future.

But the risks go beyond economics. As the U.S. and China decouple, the social fabric that has bound the two societies together is fraying. Educational exchanges have long fostered a web of personal relationships and cultural understanding that humanize the other side and temper the impulse toward conflict. Without these stabilizing ties, misperceptions and hostilities are likely to multiply.

 Moreover, as the global challenges of the 21st century – from climate change to public health crises to the ethical implications of AI – grow increasingly complex, solving them will require unprecedented cooperation between the U.S. and China. That cooperation depends on a foundation of mutual understanding and trust, one that is built through people-to-people ties and sustained collaboration. 

If educational decoupling continues, the U.S. and China risk not only economic loss but a dangerous empathy gap, one that could have catastrophic consequences in the event of a crisis. The costs of conflict between the world’s two largest economies would be incalculable, not just for them but for the entire global community.

Exchanges Under Threat: Finding Solutions

Educational exchanges between the U.S. and China, which have historically strengthened their relationship, are currently facing significant challenges. The U.S. has tightened visa restrictions, launched investigations into researchers’ links to China, and proposed cuts to exchange programs due to concerns about espionage and technology transfer. This has resulted in a chilling climate for Chinese students and scholars are reporting heightened feelings of suspicion and alienation. The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) has raised concerns about multiple incidents of Chinese American scientists, academics, and scholars being harassed or interrogated at ports of entry, which they believe are based on their background or ethnicity. These incidents involve U.S. citizens of Chinese descent or their family members being interrogated for hours, leading to increased fear and concerns about being targeted and surveilled within the community. AASF Executive Director Gisela Perez Kusakawa stated that these incidents cement the perspective for Chinese American scientists, researchers, and scholars that they can be subjected to heightened scrutiny, investigation, and surveillance, despite their contributions to the country.

In China, increased censorship, political interference, and surveillance complicate research for American scholars. The consequences of this narrowing space for academic dialogue are far-reaching, impacting both individual scholars and also extends to topics deemed politically sensitive by the Chinese government. A case in point is the 2022 denial of a visa to an American Human Rights professor, Ryan Thoreson, known for advocating for LGBTQ rights and developing capacities in human rights research and training. While the reason remains unclear, both the university and the professor were left without a specific explanation. However, the professor’s past work on promoting equal rights and social justice raises questions about whether these broader themes may have also played a role in the decision. This climate of restriction has fueled self-censorship among foreign academics, who fear that their research or teaching activities may jeopardize their visas or access if they address sensitive topics.

These academic barriers reflect the deep political sensitivities between the two nations, exacerbated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s ‘’China Initiative’ (established in 2018 to combat economic espionage), and China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, stifling the free exchange of

ideas. Such restrictions not only impact individual careers but also threaten broader academic collaborations essential for fields ranging from technology to the social sciences. This cycle of suspicion and the resulting restrictions not only harm individual careers but also threaten larger academic collaborations that rely on trust and the free flow of ideas. When scholars cannot collaborate without fear of geopolitical consequences, critical research partnerships across various fields, from technology and science to humanities and social sciences, are put at risk..

To balance these security concerns with the benefits of collaboration—such as advancements in biotechnology and cancer research—both nations could implement measures like robust data encryption and establish collaborative oversight bodies composed of neutral experts. These bodies could be composed of:

• Senior researchers from top universities in the U.S. (e.g., MIT, Stanford), China (e.g., Tsinghua, Peking University), and countries like the UK (Oxford, Cambridge), Germany (Max Planck Institutes), or Japan (University of Tokyo);
• Representatives from international scientific organizations like the International Council for Science or the World Academy of Sciences;
• Former diplomats with experience in science and technology cooperation, such as those who have served on bilateral Science and Technology Committee;
• Legal experts specializing in international intellectual property law and research ethics.

These steps would protect sensitive information while building trust necessary for fruitful partnerships. A recent Nature Index analysis highlights the dramatic decline in non-collaborative research between the two countries, underscoring the risks of prioritizing security over knowledge sharing. Implementing secure data-sharing protocols and establishing joint research oversight committees have proven effective, as seen in the recent agreement between Stanford University and Peking University, which includes provisions for joint ethical review of research projects.

Moreover, promoting open forums for debate on diverse topics enables critical thinking and idea exchange, crucial for academic progress and innovation. The University of Chicago’s commitment to protecting controversial speech serves as a model for fostering a culture of intellectual openness essential for groundbreaking research, as seen in multicultural teams developing life-saving vaccines. Ensuring no restrictions based on nationality or ethnicity, as advocated by the National Science Foundation, is critical for maintaining a thriving academic environment.

In the end, prioritizing open discussion and debate on college campuses, as exemplified by the China Focus Essay Competition hosted by the Fudan-UC Center on Contemporary China, the 1990 Institute, The Carter Center, and the 21st Century China Center, is vital for fostering critical thinking and challenging perspectives.

Rescuing Educational Exchange: A Path Forward for the U.S. and China

President Biden and President Xi Jinping recognize the importance of interpersonal ties, turning rhetoric into reality will demand bold action. President Biden has promised to increase funding for the Fulbright program and other educational exchanges, signaling a commitment to fostering mutual understanding. Similarly, President Xi has emphasized the need for direct exchanges and cooperation in education during his speeches. To turn these words into action, both leaders could take specific steps such as easing visa restrictions for students and scholars, creating new joint research projects, and establishing high-level dialogues on education cooperation. These actions would demonstrate a genuine commitment to rebuilding trust and promoting mutual understanding through educational exchange.

To achieve this, both sides must act quickly to rescue and reinvest in educational exchange. The U.S. could shift its approach towards targeted restrictions in sensitive research areas rather than broad bans, ensuring knowledge sharing in non-critical fields. Transparency in explaining these restrictions to universities and scholars could foster greater trust. Additionally, programs fostering a welcoming environment for Chinese researchers and students would reduce anxieties and promote healthy collaboration. Ultimately, by leading the way in setting global standards for ethical and secure research collaborations, the U.S. could create a system where clear rules and fair practices prevail. These shifts are essential to finding a balance between protecting critical national interests and remaining open to the benefits of educational exchange.

For China, rescuing educational exchange will require a realistic appraisal of how its own actions have eroded the confidence of American partners. Greater transparency around issues like research funding, intellectual property, and academic freedom could help rebuild trust. So too could a more open posture towards American scholars and students seeking to study and conduct research in China.

Critically, it also means redoubling investments in homegrown innovation and STEM education to sustain America’s competitive edge. By cultivating its own domestic talent pipeline, the U.S. can reduce its overreliance on Chinese students while still welcoming the best and brightest from around the world.

The Power of Institutions and Individuals

Beyond government actions, the real power to preserve educational ties lies with the institutions and individuals at the heart of these exchanges. American and Chinese universities can collaborate to develop joint educational programs and research initiatives focused on areas such as sustainable development, cultural exchange, and technological innovation, ensuring transparent, reciprocal, and a shared commitment to addressing global challenges. Scholars and students from both countries can actively promote the importance of open exchange, serving as influential advocates and informal ambassadors dedicated to fostering mutual understanding.

One particularly promising area for collaboration is artificial intelligence. As a transformative technology with immense implications for both countries, AI is a domain where U.S.-China cooperation could yield significant benefits. Joint research projects, subject to appropriate oversight and IP protections, could accelerate progress on shared challenges like climate change, public health, and disaster response. Moreover, by bringing together American and Chinese AI researchers, such collaborations could help establish norms and best practices to guide the responsible development of this powerful technology.

The vitality of the educational exchange between the U.S. and China must be preserved and renewed. Not as a panacea for all that divides these two nations, but as a crucial reminder of what unites them: a shared interest in global stability, prosperity, and innovation. In an age of existential challenges and transformative technologies, maintaining robust educational exchanges may be the most significant advantage we can secure. These exchanges are not merely transactions of knowledge; they are investments in a peaceful and prosperous future, enabling both countries to navigate the complexities of modern geopolitics not as rivals, but as partners in the pursuit of knowledge and the service of humanity.

References:

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Hit Chinese Video Game Seeks to Curb ‘Negative Discourse’

Black Myth: Wukong tried to forbid influential overseas streamers from discussing “feminist propaganda,” Covid-19 and China’s video game industry policies.

By Daisuke Wakabayashi and Claire Fu

Black Myth: Wukong is one of the most highly anticipated Chinese video games ever, a premium title with a blockbuster-worthy budget that underscores the country’s push to become a global cultural power.

But ahead of its debut on Tuesday, a company affiliated with the game’s China-based developer rankled some influential overseas players with a list of topics to avoid discussing while livestreaming the game.

The list of forbidden subjects laid out in a document under “Don’ts” — politics, “feminist propaganda,” Covid-19, China’s video game industry policies and other content that “instigates negative discourse” — offered a glimpse of the restrictions that content creators face in China as well as the topics deemed sensitive to Beijing.

“I have never seen anything that shameful in my 15 years doing this job. This is very clearly a document which explains that we must censor ourselves,” said Benoit Reinier, a prominent video game streamer on YouTube and a French journalist, in a YouTube video .

Game Science, the game’s developer, and Hero Games, which is handling its marketing, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

The game’s release is a landmark moment for China’s gaming industry. It is considered China’s first “AAA” title, a big-budget, global game with sophisticated gameplay and advanced graphics. Chinese news media has reported it is one of the most expensive games ever developed there, with a budget exceeding $50 million.

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