An introduction to the EE process for parents

This page is for parents and guardians: the essentials of supporting your child through the Extended Essay (EE).

• Know what it is and why it matters. The EE is an independent piece of research and writing of no more than 4,000 words, about 40 hours of work, marked by IB examiners. Your child needs a D or higher to be awarded the diploma, and with Theory of Knowledge it adds up to three points (EE guide, pp. 13 to 14).
• Know the deadlines. For the M27 cohort (exams in May 2027) at International School of Geneva - Campus des Nations: research question on ManageBac by 1 May 2026, outline by 18 May, a complete draft (usually written over the summer) by 7 September, and the essay by 3 November 2026 M27 · 27 days to go.
• Ask about it. Ask what their question is, what they have found and what surprised them. The IB counts family among a student's supports (EE guide, p. 82), and explaining their work out loud is one of the best ways for a student to sharpen it.
• Help with time and practicalities. Help them plan the hours, give them a quiet place to work, and make visits or trips their research needs possible. If they are stuck, encourage them to go to their supervisor early.
• Do not write, edit or proofread it. Students may not receive help with any part of the research, writing or proofreading beyond what comes through their supervisor (EE guide, p. 103). That rules out tutors, editing services and AI writing too. The supervisor must confirm the essay is your child's own work, and outside help can be treated as academic misconduct.