The Extended Essay
The IBO summarizes the nature and purpose of the Extended Essay too well not to simply quote them directly:
The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma
Programme subjects—normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. It is intended to
promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with
an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a
supervisor (a teacher in the school). This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in
which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject
chosen. It is recommended that completion of the written essay is followed by a short, concluding interview,
or viva voce, with the supervisor. - Extended Essay Subject Guide, First Exams 2013
Students should think of the EE as their opportunity to ask a question to which they intensely desire to know the answer, and to be given the time (in their ToK class) to research and answer it. That said, the most crucially-important task that a student has with regard to the Extended Essay is to explore and find a question that they really wants to know the answer to--not something that might please an IB examiner.
The Extended Essay has many practical benefits as well - you will be writing a high level piece of research, and successful completion will put you well on your way to being able to successfully navigate the type of research you will undertake throughout college. To be clear, through, the EE is compulsory for all IB students - a student who fails to complete the EE (or, alternatively, by turning in a failing EE) will not receive their IB diploma under any circumstance.
The Extended Essay has many practical benefits as well - you will be writing a high level piece of research, and successful completion will put you well on your way to being able to successfully navigate the type of research you will undertake throughout college. To be clear, through, the EE is compulsory for all IB students - a student who fails to complete the EE (or, alternatively, by turning in a failing EE) will not receive their IB diploma under any circumstance.