Extended Essay · IB SL
IB Extended Essay SL — papers & markbands
4,000-word research essay — five criteria (A–E) from focus and method through to engagement. Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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Extended Essay SL chapters
10 topics · free- 1.1Choosing a subject and research question
- 1.2Research methods and sources
- 1.3Structure and academic writing
- 1.4Academic honesty and citation
- 2.1Criterion A — Focus and method
- 2.2Criterion B — Knowledge and understanding
- 2.3Criterion C — Critical thinking
- 2.4Criterion D — Presentation
- 2.5Criterion E — Engagement
- 3.1Viva voce and reflection
Papers in Extended Essay SL
- EssaySL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Extended Essay SL?
- IB Extended Essay at SL is assessed by Essay, plus internal assessment. 4,000-word research essay — five criteria (A–E) from focus and method through to engagement.
- How is IB Extended Essay marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Extended Essay SL past papers?
- Browse every recent Extended Essay SL exam series on our IB Extended Essay past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Extended Essay course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Extended Essay course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Extended Essay resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.