Frequently asked questions about Extended Essays

1. What if my student wants to research a topic that is basically Biochemistry?

Apart from specific interdisciplinary subjects (see page 351 of the EE guide) and World Studies, Extended Essays must be registered in only one subject. You must discuss the idea with your student (and possibly the Biology teacher too) and the student must decide whether the focus will be on the Chemistry or on the Biology in the topic. If it is Chemistry then any necessary supporting Biology can be included in the Appendix. See Choosing the subject.

2. My student has English as a second language. Will she be penalised if she cannot make herself fully understood?

No marks are deducted for the incorrect use of English. As long as the examiner can understand what the student is trying to get across there should not be a problem. If you feel that the student is having real problems expressing themselves over a particular point you can try to help them in their phrasing but you must not do the work for them. It is important that the language of Chemistry is correct as this is assessed under Criterion B.

3. I’ve been asked to supervise a student in a subject I don’t teach – what should I do?

Not accept the responsibility unless you feel totally comfortable with the subject and language of the subject.  It clearly says in the Guide that the teacher must be suitably qualified to undertake the supervision.

4. My student says that he doesn’t need any help from a supervisor and avoids meeting me?

This does occasionally happen as students want to prove (to themselves) that they can do it on their own. However this is not a viable option as the student must meet with you at least three times in order to fulfil the Reflections on planning and progress  reflection sessions including the completion of form EE/RPPF.  Warn them too that they may lose marks unnecessarily by not knowing how to comply with some of the requirements correctly such as Writing a bibliography which would normally be covered in supervision (as opposed to reflection) sessions.

5. One of my students wants to do his research in a local university where his father works. Should I let him?

A difficult one. Ultimately you cannot prevent them from doing this. The danger is that it will not be all the student’s own work. Explain about your responsibilities as a supervisor and try to persuade them that the best Essays are those done in a school laboratory. If they do the research work externally then you must make it clear that you are still the official supervisor and they must meet with you for the three reflections on planning and progress meetings .Remember too that the external mentor must be provided with a letter outlining the nature of the extended essay and clear instructions about the level of guidance that is permitted. The letter, which must be electronically signed by the external mentor, must be inserted in the appendix of the essay as part of the document file rather than as a scanned document.

6. The regulations state that there is a maximum of 4000 words – is there a minimum?

No – there is no minimum. However my personal view is that it would be difficult to comply with all the criteria successfully in less than about 3000 words.

7. I have ordered an essential chemical that my student needs to research the topic but it has not arrived – what should I do?

This should not happen if you discussed the student’s plan with them early on but occasionally it does. Practical work is not essential for a successful Essay so the student will have to rely on secondary sources of information if a substitute chemical cannot be found. Comment on the EE/RPPF on the difficulties experienced so the external examiner will be aware of the problem.

8. Two of my students both want to do research on a similar topic – is this a good idea?

There is nothing in the regulations which says this cannot happen but it is not a good idea as the students are likely to discuss the progress of their Essays with each other and there could be suspicions of collusion.