Short answer: The main IB Extended Essay 2027 changes are a new 30-mark scale (down from 34), five redesigned criteria (A–E), a single reflective statement of up to 500 words marked under Criterion E, and a choice between a subject-focused and an interdisciplinary pathway. The 4,000-word limit is unchanged. The new guide applies from the May 2027 exam session.
Key takeaways
- From May 2027, the Extended Essay is marked out of 30, not 34.
- Criterion D (Discussion and evaluation) carries the most marks: 8.
- Reflection is one statement of up to 500 words, worth 4 marks.
- The World Studies Extended Essay is now part of the interdisciplinary pathway.
- The 4,000-word limit is unchanged.
Students sitting exams in May 2027 are the first cohort assessed under the new guide, so much older EE advice online no longer applies.
Who is affected by the new Extended Essay guide?
Every International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme student who submits an Extended Essay (EE) for the May 2027 session or later must follow the new guide. The IB launched the new Extended Essay, with first assessment in May 2027.
Unsure? Ask your IB Coordinator which session your EE is registered for.
What are the new Extended Essay criteria and how many marks is each worth?
The new IB Extended Essay is marked out of 30 across five criteria:
| Criterion | What it assesses | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A: Framework for the essay | Research question, research methods and structure | 6 |
| B: Knowledge and understanding | Knowledge of the subject matter used in the research | 6 |
| C: Analysis and line of argument | Analysis of information and a clear line of argument | 6 |
| D: Discussion and evaluation | Discussing the findings and evaluating the essay | 8 |
| E: Reflection | How the EE experience affected the student as a learner | 4 |
| Total | 30 |
The biggest takeaway is that Criterion D carries the most marks. Examiners reward students who evaluate, not just describe.
What exactly changed compared to the old Extended Essay?
The old Extended Essay was marked out of 34 with a separate presentation criterion; the new one is marked out of 30, with structure assessed under Criterion A.
| Before (up to Nov 2026) | From May 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total marks | 34 | 30 |
| Presentation | Separate criterion | Folded into Criterion A |
| Reflection form | RPPF with three reflections | One reflective statement (max 500 words) on the Reflection and progress form (RPF) |
| Essay types | Subject EE plus World Studies EE | Subject-focused or interdisciplinary pathway |
| Language A/B categories | Used | Removed |
| Word limit | 4,000 | 4,000 |
What is the new interdisciplinary Extended Essay pathway?
The interdisciplinary pathway lets a student answer one research question by integrating two Diploma Programme subjects, for example Economics and Geography, or Biology and Psychology. Both subjects must actively shape the analysis. Mentioning a second subject in passing is not enough.
Two rules catch students out:
- Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) and Literature and Performance can’t be used in the interdisciplinary pathway. They are already cross-disciplinary, so they can only be subject-focused essays.
- Interdisciplinary essays must currently be written in English, French or Spanish.
Choose it if your question genuinely can’t be answered well from one subject. Stay subject-focused if you want a clearer marking frame or have a strong supervisor in one subject.
How does Extended Essay reflection work in 2027?
Extended Essay students still have three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisor, each recommended to last 20 to 30 minutes. The last is the viva voce, a short concluding interview that also helps confirm the work is the student’s own. Students then write one reflective statement of up to 500 words, assessed under Criterion E.
A blank or missing RPF scores zero for Criterion E. Strong statements focus on growth, with specific examples of changed perspectives and transferable skills.
What stayed the same in the Extended Essay?
The Extended Essay is still a compulsory, externally assessed, 4,000-word piece of independent research. Also unchanged:
- Tables, charts, equations, the contents page and the bibliography don’t count towards the 4,000 words.
- Required elements: title page, contents, introduction, body, conclusion and bibliography.
- The EE combines with Theory of Knowledge (TOK) for up to 3 points through the IB’s core points matrix, and an E grade is a failing condition. See how the IB Diploma is scored.
- Your supervisor must be an appropriately qualified member of staff at your school. External tutors can coach skills, but they can’t supervise.
What should students do differently under the new Extended Essay guide?
Students writing for May 2027 or later should prioritise a tightly framed question, continuous evaluation and genuine reflection.
- Write a narrower research question. Criterion A rewards a clear framework. Our guide to finding an Extended Essay topic that ignites your passion is a good starting point.
- Evaluate throughout. Criterion D is worth 8 marks, and the guide wants evaluation built into the argument, not left to a final section.
- Keep a research log. Notes on what changed and why become the raw material for your reflection.
- Prepare for the viva voce. Be ready to talk through your process and what you learned.
- Don’t rely on old exemplars. Scores out of 34 don’t translate to the new scale.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IB Extended Essay still 4,000 words in 2027?
Yes. The upper limit for every Extended Essay remains 4,000 words in 2027. Examiners are instructed not to read or assess anything beyond it, so an over-length essay loses marks across all criteria. The separate reflective statement has its own 500-word limit.
Are there grade boundaries for the new 30-mark Extended Essay yet?
No. As of October 2026, the IB has not published grade boundaries for the new 30-mark Extended Essay. Boundaries are set after a session is marked, so the first ones will follow May 2027. Until then, any predicted EE grade is a teacher’s professional judgement.
Can I write an interdisciplinary Extended Essay in any language?
No. For now, the IB requires interdisciplinary Extended Essays to be written in English, French or Spanish. A student can still explore a topic involving another language or its literature, but the essay itself must be submitted in one of those three languages.
How many hours should the Extended Essay take?
About 40 hours. The IB expects roughly 40 hours of student work on the Extended Essay, supported by a recommended three to five hours of supervision, including the three mandatory reflection sessions. Spreading the work across DP Year 1 and early DP Year 2 keeps it manageable.
Can a private tutor help with my Extended Essay?
Yes, within IB rules. A private tutor can help a student build research, structuring and evaluation skills, but only the school supervisor can supervise the Extended Essay, and every word of the essay and reflective statement must be the student’s own.
Conclusion
The 2027 Extended Essay rewards clear thinking, honest evaluation and genuine reflection. Start with a focused question and build evaluation into every section.
Need support with your Extended Essay? Mindlab’s IB examiners and subject specialists help students sharpen research questions, structure arguments and strengthen evaluation, all within IB academic integrity guidelines. Explore our IB tuition, book a consultation or WhatsApp us at (+65) 9711 6839.
