Diploma Programme

Extended Essay

What is an Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay is a mandatory, original piece of research, which is assessed by the IB. It is linked to one of the subjects studied in the Bilingual Program and allows a student to inquire into an area of interest in great depth. The essay must be 4000 words in English (8000 characters in Japanese). Its purpose is to acquaint students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at universities abroad. Work on the essay takes place over 16 months and is done under the supervision of a teacher, who offers general advice and monitors student progress.