The Extended Essay is a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is a research project that allows students to explore a topic of interest in depth, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. This essay encourages independent research and critical thinking, helping students develop skills that are valuable for university studies. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects, including the sciences, humanities, and languages. The process involves formulating a research question, conducting investigations, and presenting findings. The Extended Essay is assessed based on criteria such as research, analysis, and presentation, contributing to the overall IB diploma score.