Failed Your Extended Essay? What to Do?

As an experienced IB tutor, I’ve seen how stressful and disappointing it can be to fail the extended essay (EE). According to general IB criteria, failing the EE could potentially risk your IB Diploma — a significant concern for many students. In my experience, you need to understand precisely what a failing grade on the EE means and the direct impact the extended essay fail could have on your future academic life.

What Does Failing Your Extended Essay Mean?

As a seasoned IB writer, I have observed numerous students grappling with the results of their extended essays. In my opinion, understanding the significance of these results, especially if they are disappointing, is crucial for every IB student. According to general IB criteria, the extended essay is an integral component of the diploma, meant to develop your research, analytical, and writing skills. Failing the EE means scoring below 14 points out of a possible 34. Here’s a quick breakdown of the extended essay grading scale:

• 27 to 34 points. Reflects excellent research and understanding, placing you in the highest grading bracket.
• 14 to 26 points. Indicates a pass, ranging from satisfactory to good performance.
• 0 to 13 points. Unfortunately, this range is considered a failing score, suggesting significant areas of improvement.

From my experience, scoring between 0 and 6 points is particularly concerning as it indicates that the essay likely did not meet basic research or presentation standards. This low score might suggest several shortcomings:

• You may not have fully grasped the topic or how to effectively address the research question.
• Perhaps the argument lacked coherence, or the essay was poorly structured, making it difficult for examiners to follow your analysis.
• Limited or inappropriate sources severely undermine your essay’s credibility.
• Failing to follow the required format or missing critical components like referencing or citations.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential not to see it merely as a setback but as an informative experience. Each point on the grading scale offers specific feedback on your performance, and understanding this can be instrumental in improving your approach to academic tasks in the future.

First Reactions and Understanding Your EE Score

When you receive your extended essay results, the first step is to review the score and the feedback provided calmly. I know from my extensive involvement with IB students that this moment is incredibly overwhelming. However, methodically dissecting where things might have gone off track is essential. Did you fail to meet the research question’s scope, or were there issues with the structure and coherence of your argument? Sometimes, the feedback might indicate a misalignment between your understanding of the topic and what the IB expected.

In my opinion, one of the most critical steps at this juncture is to not jump to conclusions or wallow in disappointment. Instead, take a structured approach to review each comment. Identify the main areas where you lost marks. Was it in the analysis, methodology, or how your conclusions were drawn? Or maybe you just pick a hard EE subject?

Moreover, managing your emotions during this challenging time is vital. From my experience, the support system you build around yourself (teachers, peers, or family members) plays the central role. Speaking openly with them about your frustrations provides significant emotional relief and practical advice on moving forward. Often, they can offer perspectives that you might have overlooked.

💡Remember, this isn’t just about a single mark — it’s about learning and growing through every academic challenge. If you find it difficult to retake your work or want to achieve the highest possible grade, just buy an extended essay from IB writers and have fun!🎓

Can You Retake the Extended Essay After Failing?

A popular inquiry among students is, “Is it possible to redo the EE?” Indeed, based on the overall IB guidelines, students may be allowed to revise their essays, depending on certain factors like due dates and your school’s regulations. Retaking your extended essay, despite being intimidating, enables you to demonstrate your skills and meet the diploma criteria.

I have learned that choosing to retake the EE requires dedication to acknowledging and improving the flaws in your initial effort. This decision does not just involve rephrasing sections of your essay following a strict EE word count but also requires a comprehensive reassessment of your topic, methodology, and overall argument.

Moreover, I believe that having the chance to redo your extended essay is a valuable learning experience. It imparts strength and the value of helpful criticism in academic development. You learn to handle criticism with a mindset focused on progress, not failure. Furthermore, redoing the EE boosts your abilities in conducting research and writing, skills that are essential in higher education and the future.

As far as I know, schools usually have a set process for initiating a retake. It often involves discussing your intent with your EE coordinator and possibly your subject advisor. It’s also important to consider the timing; you must ensure enough time to complete a new research and writing cycle without affecting your other IB responsibilities.

In my experience, students who choose to retake their extended essays often feel more prepared and confident the second time around. They have a clearer understanding of the expectations and more defined goals. If you find yourself in this situation, remember that this is not just about correcting a past mistake but about demonstrating your true academic capabilities.