IB Extended Essay Research Checklist

This simple, customisable, form offers a tried and tested method to help IB Diploma students:

1. choose the right topic for their Extended Essay; it's a discussion form
2. ensure that they have consulted appropriate sources to research their topic.
3. understand that the research is academic, and to introduce them to academic resources like databases and peer-reviewed journals.
4. avoid the worst case scenario, where after months of fruitless work it turns out that the topic was not suitable for an Extended Essay, or the student has no idea where to look for information.

Suggestion for use: Every Grade 11 IB Diploma student receives this form, and has to discuss their proposal with a subject teacher/supervisor AND with the Librarian. This ensures that the choice of topic as well as the availability of sources is checked and discussed. After this, the proposal form is submitted to the IB Coordinator, who approves the proposal and allocates supervisors for the essays.

*** Customise the form according to the resources available at your Library/School. ***

"I have used this form for years in different IB Diploma schools.

It has proven to be a life-saver for many students and supervisors, spotting 'doomed' topics early on."