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Extended Essay : Reflection RPPF

Criterion E

Quick links to information on this page:, reflection                                      tips for writing your ee reflection                                      , viva voce                                      questions to ask yourself, your three reflections                   guidance for writing your rppf reflection, criterion e                                     sample rppfs, criterion e engagement rubric, don't take criterion e lightly. reflection accounts for 18% of your ee mark and can make the difference of a grade level (up or down) depending on the quality of your work.

ib extended essay viva voce questions

You will meet with your supervisor a number of times while you are working on your EE, for a total of 3 to 5 hours.  Three of those sessions will be " reflection sessions ", meaning that following these meetings you will be required to submit a 150-175 word reflection on the research and writing process of your EE.  Your reflections will be submitted to the IB by our IB Coordinator, using the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF).

Your 1st formal reflection session will be in the spring of your junior year. The remaining two sessions take place during the winter of your senior year. The 2nd or interim session will take place in December and the 3rd or final session called the Viva Voce will take place in February. Writing a good reflection is important as the three combined reflections count for 19% of your final EE grade from the IB examiner. 

Source: Susan Trower West Sound Academy

Your Three Reflections

Write the  first reflection  after one of the early sessions with your supervisor. Use the prompts below to help guide your reflection and discussion with your supervisor. (Think 100-125 words)

Source:  Shekou Int School Libguide  & IBO

1st Reflection - History

I was attracted to Anna Comnena's  The Alexiad  as a result of some extra readings which formed part of my IB History course (Crusades). As the first female historian, she stands in a unique place in terms of historiography, something which appealed to me as both a woman and budding historian. I was initially considering writing about her accounts of the First Crusade but quickly found the topic to be far too wide in scope. A reading of Paul Magdalino's article "The Pen of the Aunt" helped refocus me on the issue of historical purpose, i.e., why she wrote the history she did. I have now allocated time to reading historical accounts of Manuel I's reign to decide how closely the events Anna mentions in her history of her father's reign (Alexius) so as to validate my current hypothesis-  that Anna intended the work as a celebratory account of her father so as to cast a negative light on the rule of her nephew Manuel I. My current list includes Runciman, France, Macrides, Christomides, and Hill.

The  Second Reflection  session usually falls in the latter half of your EE process. Use the prompts below to help guide your reflection and discussion with your supervisor. (Think 175-250 words)

2nd Reflection - History 

I was finding it hard to come up with a satisfactory counter to the question of accuracy and authenticity which feature prominently in modern readings of her work. Historians ranging from Edward Gibbon and John France to the more direct Howard-Johnson paper which completely challenges her authorship effectively negated my hypothesis entirely. Using Magdalino and Hill as a focus point, I re-read key sections of  The Alexiad  and mapped out her account against the policital events of Manuel I's reign and quickly discovered some interesting overlaps (building works, military campaigns, relations with the West, etc.). Though occasionally obscure and subtle, the criticisms emerge by means of an unspoken comparison which Byzantine readers of her account would have well understood. This approach is providing me with a suitable counter to the aforementioned criticisms. I have also begun structuring my work accordingly with sections devoted to historical context followed by a section on  The Alexiad  which compares and contrasts events from Alexius' time with those of Manuel's. I am considering a chapter on the historiographical tradition of Byzantium but may integrate it into the main body in the end.

The  Third Reflection  can be written before the Viva Voce meeting to help you prepare for the conversation and after you have submitted your final draft. (Think 175-250 words)

What did you discover that surprised you?

Is writing the EE mainly about process or product AND why?

What would you have done differently and why?

What advice would you give to a student just beginning this process?

What have been the high and low points of the research and writing processes?

What would you have done differently?

What is the most important thing that you learned?

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

What would you change if you did another EE?

What was the most valuable experience that you took away from the process?

What was your greatest challenge and what did you do to overcome it?

What IB learner profile attribute would you say helped you through the process (communicator, risk-taker, etc.)?

Would you like to continue reading on this topic?

What questions did this process raise?

What conclusions have you drawn about the topic?

3rd Reflection - History

I am very pleased with how the essay has turned out. Skills wise, I had no problems with referencing which I picked up quickly though integrating source analysis did prove a challenge at times due to my narrative tendencies. I believe I've been able to challenge the orthodox interpretations of Anna's work as a piece of fantasy fiction at the hands of a disgruntled woman by showing that Anna was effectively using one of the few weapons still permitted her in her diminished political state- the power of words- to criticize the existing leadership. Hill's works proved of particular use to me as they examined female power in a broader context and thus gave me a framework for interpreting what Anna was able to do within the context of her time.

Source: Shekou Int School Libguide 

Questions to Ask Yourself

Avoid using only description and keep descriptions brief. Use the prompts to spark your thinking.

Descriptive Ideas (limited reflection)

Analytical Ideas (good reflection)

Evaluative Ideas (excellent reflection)

Guidance for writing your RPPF reflection

ib extended essay viva voce questions

What is the  viva voce ?

The  viva voce  is a short conference between the student and the supervisor. It is the recommended conclusion to the Extended Essay process, and lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. 

ib extended essay viva voce questions

Why have the  viva voce ?

The EE supervisor is required to submit a report when your EE is shipped to the IB examiner has been assigned to grade it.  The supervisor can ask questions in the  viva voce  that will help with writing that report.  This is especially important if the supervisor feels there is a need to check for plagiarism and malpractice in general.  Supervisors are required to confirm the authenticity of the work in any Extended Essay submitted to IB.

The supervisor will use the  viva voce  to help you:

What questions will be asked in the  viva voce ?

Here are some examples of questions you might be asked:

Source: Susan Trower - West Sound Academy

ib extended essay viva voce questions

Source: IBO Criterion E

Tips for Writing your EE Reflection

ib extended essay viva voce questions

Sample RPPFs

Criterion E: Engagement Rubric

ib extended essay viva voce questions

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the complete ib extended essay guide: examples, topics, and ideas.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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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 .

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2022 IB Exam Changes Due to COVID-19

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the IB has decided to extend the adaptations which were put in place for 2021 to 2022. May 2022 IB assessments will have two routes, exam and non-exam, depending on which your school chooses. Stay up to date with the latest information on what this means for IB diplomas, course credit for IB classes, and more with our our IB COVID-19 FAQ article .

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:

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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:

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

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 :

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.

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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:

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?

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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...

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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!):

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!

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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 .

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 page 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.

TOK_matrix

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.

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By Butch Flowers , June 17, 2017 in Extended Essay

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Butch flowers 0.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to ask as to how important is the Viva Voce to the grading of the extended essay? Because I checked back on my managebac as I was bored and had noticed my Viva Voce spot being vacant with no text, which leads to me thinking that my Viva Voce may not have been submitted.

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Viva voce is a required in-person discussion with your supervisor that concludes the EE. If your exams are in 2018 or later, you can submit an optional researcher's reflection space in addition.

IB`NOT`ez 295

10 hours ago, Butch Flowers said: Hi everyone, I wanted to ask as to how important is the Viva Voce to the grading of the extended essay? Because I checked back on my managebac as I was bored and had noticed my Viva Voce spot being vacant with no text, which leads to me thinking that my Viva Voce may not have been submitted.

If your VIva Voce was not submitted, I'm sure the IB will contact your DP coordinator or EE supervisor to make sure the issue is resolved - I doubt you'll be blamed/penalized for it.

The Viva Voce I'd say is most crucial to Criterion K Holistic Judgment, worth 4 marks. Usually if the supervisor notes a lot of personal engagement, great level of thinking, creativity etc. the examiner is more likely to award higher marks. That said, it is possible to assess the whole EE on its own with minimal comments from your supervisor, though in most cases the comments are there to help.

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EE Tips for Completing the Reflections (RPPF Form)

Travis Dixon November 26, 2020 Extended Essay

ib extended essay viva voce questions

Giving students an empty space and saying, “reflect” can be really challenging. This is why I like to give a few possible ideas of what they could write about. These are explained below. 

The RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form) is where EE students write their three reflections: First, Interim and Final (after the viva voce). The maximum word count for all three reflections combined is 500 words and should be recorded on the most recent version of the RPPF Form.

ib extended essay viva voce questions

Your school’s IB Coordinator can help you with the RPPF if you need it.

The RPPF is a chance for EE students to show one or more of the following:

The following suggestions have been created using information from the EE guide (pg. 55) to help students write their reflections.

First Reflection

This should be completed after your initial reflection session with your supervisor. 

Possible topics to discuss in this section of the RPPF include (but are not limited to) your thoughts on:

Remember that the total word count for all three reflections is 500 words. This means about 140-170 words is perfect for each reflection.

Interim Reflection

This should be completed after your interim reflection session with your supervisor. 

Final Reflection

This should be completed after your viva voce (final) reflection session with your supervisor. 

If you have questions post them to our Facebook group for IB Psych Students or our Facebook group for IB Psych Teachers .

Travis Dixon

Travis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader, examiner and IA moderator.

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Extended Essay: Criterion E: Engagement (Reflection)

Criterion E: Reflection (6 pts max)

ib extended essay viva voce questions

Remember to include discussion of the Approaches to Learning (ATL's) in your reflections. This discussion needs to be specific and well-illustrated with clear examples. For specific language related to each of the ATL's, please click here .

Reflection One- Initial Stage

This will be after one of the early sessions with your supervisor where you outline:

Guiding Questions:

What exactly do you want to find out?

What resources do you plan to use?

What problems do you anticipate in your research?

What writing and research have you done since last session?

Have you found any sources with conflicting viewpoints?

Have you been able to find relevant sources from different eras?

What challenges did you encounter in finding relevant sources?

How do you think you might use your sources?

Have you collected sufficient data?

Have you finished note taking from your text?

Examples of Reflection One

I was attracted to Anna Comnena's The Alexiad as a result of some extra readings which formed part of my IB History course (Crusades). As the first female historian, she stands in a unique place in terms of historiography, something which appealed to me as both a woman and budding historian. I was initially considering writing about her accounts of the First Crusade but quickly found the topic to be far too wide in scope. A reading of Paul Magdalino's article "The Pen of the Aunt" helped refocus me on the issue of historical purpose, i.e., why she wrote the history she did. I have now allocated time to reading historical accounts of Manuel I's reign to decide how closely the events Anna mentions in her history of her father's reign (Alexius) so as to validate my current hypothesis-  that Anna intended the work as a celebratory account of her father so as to cast a negative light on the rule of her nephew Manuel I. My current list includes Runciman, France, Macrides, Christomides, and Hill.

Reflection Two- Interim Stage

This reflection session will usually fall somewhere in the middle to latter half of your EE process, usually before the first draft is completed.

Where was I? Where I am now? Where am I going?

What sources do you find helpful?

How have you evaluated your sources?

Have you adopted a structure for writing based on what the IB requires?

What do you need to do next?

Examples of Reflection Two

I was finding it hard to come up with a satisfactory counter to the question of accuracy and authenticity which feature prominently in modern readings of her work. Historians ranging from Edward Gibbon and John France to the more direct Howard-Johnson paper which completely challenges her authorship effectively negated my hypothesis entirely. Using Magdalino and Hill as a focus point, I re-read key sections of The Alexiad and mapped out her account against the policital events of Manuel I's reign and quickly discovered some interesting overlaps (building works, military campaigns, relations with the West, etc.). Though occasionally obscure and subtle, the criticisms emerge by means of an unspoken comparison which Byzantine readers of her account would have well understood. This approach is providing me with a suitable counter to the aforementioned criticisms. I have also begun structuring my work accordingly with sections devoted to historical context followed by a section on The Alexiad which compares and contrasts events from Alexius' time with those of Manuel's. I am considering a chapter on the historiographical tradition of Byzantium but may integrate it into the main body in the end.

Reflection Three- Looking Back

This final reflection should be written BEFORE the Viva Voce meeting. It should:

Guiding Questions

What did you discover that surprised you?

Is writing the EE mainly about process or product AND why?

What would you have done differently and why?

What advice would you give to a student just beginning this process?

What have been the high and low points of the research and writing processes?

What would you have done differently?

What is the most important thing that you learned?

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

What would you change if you did another EE?

What was the most valuable experience that you took away from the process?

What was your greatest challenge and what did you do to overcome it?

What IB learner profile attribute would you say helped you through the process (communicator, risk-taker, etc.)?

Would you like to continue reading on this topic?

What questions did this process raise?

What conclusions have you drawn about the topic?

Examples of Reflection Three

I am very pleased with how the essay has turned out. Skills wise, I had no problems with referencing which I picked up quickly though integrating source analysis did prove a challenge at times due to my narrative tendencies. I believe I've been able to challenge the orthodox interpretations of Anna's work as a piece of fantasy fiction at the hands of a disgruntled woman by showing that Anna was effectively using one of the few weapons still permitted her in her diminished political state- the power of words- to criticize the existing leadership. Hill's works proved of particular use to me as they examined female power in a broader context and thus gave me a framework for interpreting what Anna was able to do within the context of her time.

IB-provided exemplars of "Reflections on Planning and Progress"

ib extended essay viva voce questions

Reflection Sentence Starters and Key Words

Click here or on the image below to go to the list of sentence starters you can use to help you write up your reflections. Regarding word count, we recommend 100 words for first reflection, 200 words for second reflection, and 200 words for third reflection (roughly).

ib extended essay viva voce questions

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IB Extended Essay: Reflections

ib extended essay viva voce questions

Three Reflections: Prompts & Examples

Write the first reflection  after one of the early sessions with your supervisor. Focus on...

Guiding Questions:

Sample 1st Reflection: History

I was attracted to Anna Comnena's  The Alexiad  as a result of some extra readings which formed part of my IB History course (Crusades). As the first female historian, she stands in a unique place in terms of historiography, something which appealed to me as both a woman and budding historian. I was initially considering writing about her accounts of the First Crusade but quickly found the topic to be far too wide in scope. A reading of Paul Magdalino's article "The Pen of the Aunt" helped refocus me on the issue of historical purpose, i.e., why she wrote the history she did. I have now allocated time to reading historical accounts of Manuel I's reign to decide how closely the events Anna mentions in her history of her father's reign (Alexius) so as to validate my current hypothesis-  that Anna intended the work as a celebratory account of her father so as to cast a negative light on the rule of her nephew Manuel I. My current list includes Runciman, France, Macrides, Christomides, and Hill.

The Second Reflection session usually falls somewhere in the middle to latter half of your EE process

Where was I? Where I am now? Where am I going?

What sources do you find helpful?

How have you evaluated your sources?

Have you adopted a structure for writing based on what the IB requires?

What do you need to do next?

Sample of 2nd Reflection: History

I was finding it hard to come up with a satisfactory counter to the question of accuracy and authenticity which feature prominently in modern readings of her work. Historians ranging from Edward Gibbon and John France to the more direct Howard-Johnson paper which completely challenges her authorship effectively negated my hypothesis entirely. Using Magdalino and Hill as a focus point, I re-read key sections of  The Alexiad  and mapped out her account against the policital events of Manuel I's reign and quickly discovered some interesting overlaps (building works, military campaigns, relations with the West, etc.). Though occasionally obscure and subtle, the criticisms emerge by means of an unspoken comparison which Byzantine readers of her account would have well understood. This approach is providing me with a suitable counter to the aforementioned criticisms. I have also begun structuring my work accordingly with sections devoted to historical context followed by a section on  The Alexiad  which compares and contrasts events from Alexius' time with those of Manuel's. I am considering a chapter on the historiographical tradition of Byzantium but may integrate it into the main body in the end.

The Third Reflection can be written before the Viva Voce meeting to help you prepare for the conversation.

Guiding Questions

What did you discover that surprised you?

Is writing the EE mainly about process or product AND why?

What would you have done differently and why?

What advice would you give to a student just beginning this process?

What have been the high and low points of the research and writing processes?

What would you have done differently?

What is the most important thing that you learned?

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

What would you change if you did another EE?

What was the most valuable experience that you took away from the process?

What was your greatest challenge and what did you do to overcome it?

What IB learner profile attribute would you say helped you through the process (communicator, risk-taker, etc.)?

Would you like to continue reading on this topic?

What questions did this process raise?

What conclusions have you drawn about the topic?

Sample 3rd Reflection: History

I am very pleased with how the essay has turned out. Skills wise, I had no problems with referencing which I picked up quickly though integrating source analysis did prove a challenge at times due to my narrative tendencies. I believe I've been able to challenge the orthodox interpretations of Anna's work as a piece of fantasy fiction at the hands of a disgruntled woman by showing that Anna was effectively using one of the few weapons still permitted her in her diminished political state- the power of words- to criticize the existing leadership. Hill's works proved of particular use to me as they examined female power in a broader context and thus gave me a framework for interpreting what Anna was able to do within the context of her time.

Also see these examples with examiner comments

Questions to Ask Yourself

Avoid using only description and keep descriptions brief. Use the prompts to spark your thinking.

See  reflections with Examiner comments to get an idea of the level of thinking you want to attain.

Descriptive Ideas (limited reflection)

Analytical Ideas (good reflection)

Evaluative Ideas (excellent reflection)

Reflection Tips

IB Mastery  (article + video)

Writing Tips:

Sentence starters:

Criterion E: Engagement

EE Marks Breakdown:

A: Focus and method (6 marks) B: Knowledge and understanding (6 marks) C: Critical thinking (12 marks) D: Presentation (4 marks) E: Engagement (6 marks) = Your REFLECTIONS! Total marks awarded: 34 

Due Dates (Class of 2022)

Submit to MB in the "Progress and Planning" tab

First Reflection (100 words)

Interim Reflection (150 words)

Viva Voce and Final Reflection (250 words)

What is the extended essay

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

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

What is the significance of the extended essay?

The extended essay provides:

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

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

An extended essay can also be undertaken in world studies , where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.

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.

Students are required to have three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisors. The final session, a concluding interview, is also known as viva voce .

The extended essay and reflection sessions 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. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34.

The score a student receives relates to a band. The bands are:

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

ib extended essay viva voce questions

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Ib extended-essay incl viva-voce and reflections on planning and progress sept 2016

Ib extended-essay incl viva-voce and reflections on planning and progress sept 2016

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COMMENTS

  1. Extended Essay: The Viva Voce

    Guiding questions & prompts. Engage in the Viva voce once the Extended Essay has been completed. Consider using some of these questions to engage in rich dialogue about the learning process. Process questions - Content questions - Personal questions. What have been the high and low points of the research and writing processes?'.

  2. EE Supervisor Tips

    With this in mind, I constructed a generic plan that I use every time I conduct the viva voce. I have these questions on a word or google doc with the student's name. As they answer each question I take notes. This helps takes a lot of stress out of writing the report later on. All EE Supervisors should have a copy of the EE Guide PDF downloaded.

  3. Reflection RPPF

    Everything you need to know for the Extended Essay. Home - EE Overview; Choose a Subject Toggle Dropdown. Educate Yourself (Key IB Documents) ... Viva Voce Questions to Ask Yourself Your Three Reflections ... The IB encourages students to reflect throughout the research process - not just at the end after your paper is finished! ...

  4. PDF Guiding questions

    The viva voce should last 20-30 minutes. This is included in the recommended amount of time a supervisor should spend with the student. In conducting the viva voce and writing their comments on the Reflections on planning and progress form, supervisors should bear in mind the following: The form is an assessed part of the extended essay.

  5. PDF Students' Guide to the EE Concluding Interview (Viva Voce) The viva voce

    The viva voce is a short interview between the student and the supervisor to conclude the extended essay process. The viva voce serves the following purposes. A check on plagiarism and malpractice in general An opportunity to reflect on successes and difficulties in the research process An opportunity to reflect on what has been learned An aid ...

  6. Reflection

    The supervisor can ask questions in the viva voce that will help with writing that report. This is especially important if the supervisor feels there is a need to check for plagiarism and malpractice in general. Supervisors are required to confirm the authenticity of the work in any Extended Essay submitted to IB. The supervisor will use the ...

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

    Conclusion. 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.

  8. Viva voce

    The viva voce is a mandatory interview between the student and the supervisor that concludes the extended essay process. This interview informs the third and final written reflection and occurs after the student has uploaded their completed, fully edited, FINAL DRAFT to ManageBac. At this point, no further changes can be made to the essay.

  9. Viva Voce

    The Viva Voce I'd say is most crucial to Criterion K Holistic Judgment, worth 4 marks. Usually if the supervisor notes a lot of personal engagement, great level of thinking, creativity etc. the examiner is more likely to award higher marks. That said, it is possible to assess the whole EE on its own with minimal comments from your supervisor ...

  10. Extended essay

    The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students. Read about the extended essay in greater detail. You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for ...

  11. The IB on the viva voce of extended essay

    The viva voce is conducted once the student has uploaded the final version of their extended essay to the IB for assessment. At this point in the process no further changes can be made to the essay. The viva voce is a celebration of the completion of the essay and a reflection on what the student has learned from the process.

  12. How to Write IB Extended Essay Reflection

    Under the extended essay criteria for 'Engagement', students are awarded a maximum 6 marks out of 34 for writing the a 500 word reflection on the Planning, Research, and Writing phases of their EE. This means the reflections are worth 19% of the total EE score, and can often swing a your score from a B to A.

  13. PDF Final reflection session (viva voce)

    The viva voce is conducted once the student has uploaded the final version of their extended essay to the IB for assessment. At this point in the process no further changes can be made to the essay. The viva voce is a celebration of the completion of the essay and a reflection on what the student has learned from the process. The viva voce is:

  14. EE Tips for Completing the Reflections (RPPF Form)

    The RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form) is where EE students write their three reflections: First, Interim and Final (after the viva voce). The maximum word count for all three reflections combined is 500 words and should be recorded on the most recent version of the RPPF Form. Your school's IB Coordinator can help you with the ...

  15. Extended Essay: Criterion E: Engagement (Reflection)

    Reflection Two- Interim Stage. This reflection session will usually fall somewhere in the middle to latter half of your EE process, usually before the first draft is completed. Discuss how the research question has become more refined. Comment on any challenges you have encountered & what solutions you have attempted.

  16. 3rd discussion and reflection (viva voce)

    The viva voce is conducted once the student has uploaded the final version of their extended essay to the IB for assessment. At this point in the process no further changes can be made to the essay. The viva voce is a celebration of the completion of the essay and a reflection on what the student has learned from the process. The viva voce is:

  17. IB Extended Essay

    The Third Reflection can be written before the Viva Voce meeting to help you prepare for the conversation. Offer your final reflections on the process; Discuss any achievements realized or challenges overcome; Discuss elements that allowed you to complete the task that may not be readily apparent in the essay itself.

  18. What is the extended essay?

    The extended essay provides: practical preparation for undergraduate research. an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay. Through the research process for the extended essay ...

  19. Ib extended-essay incl viva-voce and reflections on planning and

    69. Problem Areas - The Introduction The Library, St. Andrew's College Sets the context of the essay. It gives the examiner an idea of … 1.What to expect in the essay 2.Focus of the essay 3.Scope of research - what theories or methods have been used 4.Indicates sources to be used 5.Give an insight into the argument.

  20. LibGuides: Extended Essay: Viva Voce and final reflection

    Extended Essay: Viva Voce and final reflection. This guide contains information about the Extended Essay, the process, the skills required, and some subject-specific resources as well. Getting started; Research; Organizational tools; NoodleTools; Writing & Citing Toggle Dropdown. In-text citations ;

  21. 3rd Reflection (viva voce)

    The viva voce is conducted once the student has uploaded the final version of their extended essay to the IB for assessment. At this point in the process no further changes can be made to the essay. The viva voce is a celebration of the completion of the essay and a reflection on what the student has learned from the process. The viva voce is: