What is the difference between Internal Assessment (IA) and Extended Essay (EE) in IBDP?

IBDP
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IA and EE are both important components of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). However, they differ in several key aspects:

What they are:

  • Internal Assessment (IA): A smaller, internally graded piece of coursework in each subject. It can take various forms like essays, investigations, or experiments, depending on the subject.
  • Extended Essay (EE): A longer, independent research paper of roughly 4,000 words on a topic of the student’s choice within a chosen subject. It’s externally graded by IB examiners.

Length and weight:

  • IA: Typically ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 words depending on the subject. It contributes 20-30% to the final grade in each subject.
  • EE: 4,000 words in length. It contributes 3 additional points towards the overall diploma score (out of 42 possible points).

Grading and feedback:

  • IA: Graded by the subject teacher using IB criteria. Students usually receive detailed feedback from their teacher.
  • EE: Graded by two external IB examiners, with no direct feedback from the teacher. Students receive a standardized grade and overall comments.

Focus and skills:

  • IA: Assesses understanding of a specific topic within a subject and the ability to apply relevant skills like analysis, evaluation, and communication.
  • EE: Develops independent research and critical thinking skills through in-depth investigation of a chosen topic. It also emphasizes academic writing and referencing skills.

Overall:

  • IA: Offers more guidance and support from the teacher, with greater flexibility in format and topic depending on the subject.
  • EE: Demands greater independence and initiative from the student, pushing them to develop research and writing skills at a higher level.

Choosing between IA and EE depends on your individual strengths and interests. If you prefer focused work with direct feedback, IA might be a better fit. If you enjoy independent research and want to challenge yourself academically, EE could be a good choice.

Remember, both assessments are valuable learning experiences that contribute to your overall development as an IB student.

I hope this explanation clarifies the key differences between IA and EE in the IBDP.

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