IB Internal Assessments vs Extended Essay: Key Differences

If you’re studying the IB and find yourself mixing up Internal Assessments (IAs) with the Extended Essay (EE), don’t worry. Many students feel unsure about how these two IB components fit into the bigger picture of the diploma.

Both the IAs and the EE are major milestones in the IB journey, and while they may seem similar at first, they actually serve very different purposes. One tests your subject-specific skills across all the courses you take, while the other pushes you to dive into a single topic with more independence.

Understanding how they differ not only makes them less intimidating but also helps you approach each with the right mindset. In this guide, we’ll unpack what sets IAs apart from the EE, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Key Takeaways

• IAs are subject-specific, shorter projects done in each class.

• The EE is a 4,000-word independent research essay.

• Both are important components of your final IB grade.

• Time management and understanding the requirements are key to success.

What Are Internal Assessments (IAs)?

Internal Assessments are projects (or coursework) that you complete within each of your IB subjects. They provide flexibility, allowing you to dive deeper into topics that interest you.

The format of IAs varies depending on your subject. Here are a few examples:

• Biology (opens in a new tab): Individual investigation and report write-up.

• Languages (opens in a new tab): Oral presentations.

• History (opens in a new tab): A source-based investigation.

• Economics (opens in a new tab): Portfolio of three commentaries referring to economic concepts.

• Business (opens in a new tab): Research project based on a real-life business issue.

IAs usually count for 20–30% of your subject grade. That's a significant chunk, so they're definitely worth your attention.

Your teacher marks your IA, but the International Baccalaureate Organisation (opens in a new tab) moderates the scores to ensure fairness across schools worldwide. You'll work on these throughout your two-year IB course, rather than cramming everything into one deadline.

If you’re eager to learn more about IAs and what they involve, our comprehensive guide to IB Internal Assessments is sure to help.

What Is the Extended Essay (EE)?

The Extended Essay is very different from the Internal Assessments. The EE is a substantial 4,000-word academic essay (opens in a new tab) that you write independently.

You get to choose your research topic from any approved IB subject. This freedom means you can explore something you're genuinely passionate about. Not sure where to start? Our handy Extended Essay Ideas for All Subjects overview will provide some much-needed inspiration.

The EE counts towards your core points, which can give you up to 3 additional points when combined with Theory of Knowledge (TOK). These core points can make the difference between diploma grades.

While a teacher supervises your EE, the work is primarily student-led. You'll need to: 

• Write a proposal

• Conduct research

• Write your essay

• Complete reflections along the way

Key Differences: IB Internal Assessments vs Extended Essay

Here's a clear comparison to help you understand the main differences:

Which One Is More Challenging?

When it comes to IB Internal Assessments vs the Extended Essay, it's hard to say one is harder than the other. They both present challenges that you can successfully overcome.

IAs are spread across all your subjects, so you’ll do more of them! This means you'll have multiple deadlines to juggle. However, they're usually shorter and you get more support from your teachers.

The EE is longer and requires formal academic structure, proper citations, and a comprehensive bibliography. The challenge here is different. It's about long-term planning, synthesis of information, and working independently.

Tip: Think of it this way:

• IAs = content-specific knowledge applied frequently across subjects.

• EE = sustained independent research requiring academic writing skills.

How to Succeed in IAs vs the EE

Success strategies differ for each component, so let's break them down separately.

Tips for Succeeding in Internal Assessments

• Start early and don't wait until the last minute. Your teachers will set internal deadlines – stick to them religiously.

• Use subject-specific mark schemes and look at examples. Teachers tend to provide these to show you exactly what examiners are looking for.

• Ask your teacher for regular feedback throughout the process. They want you to succeed, so take advantage of their expertise.

• Keep your drafts backed up and clearly labelled. You don't want to lose weeks of work due to a technical issue.

Tips for Succeeding in the Extended Essay

• Choose a topic you genuinely enjoy researching. You'll be spending months with this topic, so passion helps maintain motivation. Don’t opt for a topic just because it sounds “academic”.

• Develop a clear, focused research question early on. A sharp question makes research and writing much more manageable.

• Plan your time across several months, rather than leaving everything until the end. Break the work into smaller, achievable chunks. Use a timetable or calendar to allocate times each week for focused EE research.

• Stay on top of reflection sessions and supervisor meetings. These aren't just tick-box meetings you need to attend – they genuinely help improve your work. Make notes at each meeting and act on any feedback you receive.

• Follow IB referencing rules carefully. This could be APA, MLA, or another approved style. Proper citations are crucial for academic integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same topic for my IA and EE?

While technically possible in some cases, it's not recommended. IAs and EEs have different assessment criteria and purposes. Using the same topic might limit your ability to meet the specific requirements of each component effectively.

Do IAs have to be written, or can they be presentations or experiments?

IA formats vary by subject. Some subjects require written reports, others allow oral presentations, practical experiments, or creative projects. Check your subject guide for specific requirements.

Who marks the EE and IAs?

Your teachers mark your IAs, but the IB moderates these marks to ensure consistency. The EE is marked externally by IB examiners, not by your school teachers.

Final Thoughts

Both the Extended Essay and Internal Assessments are essential parts of the IB Diploma programme. They're designed to develop different but complementary skills.

Understanding the structure and expectations of each component makes the workload much more manageable. Rather than seeing them as burdens, try to view them as opportunities to explore subjects you're passionate about.

If you feel like you need support, don’t hesitate to seek help early from your teachers and supervisors. They want to help you succeed! 

Remember, thousands of students successfully complete both IAs and the EE every year. With proper planning and understanding of what's required, you can reach your potential in both components.

References

IBO - Biology Subject Brief (opens in a new tab)

IBO - Business Subject Brief (opens in a new tab)

IBO - History Subject Brief (opens in a new tab)

IBO - Economics Subject Brief (opens in a new tab)

IBO - Languages Subject Brief (opens in a new tab)

IB Assessment Principles and Practices (opens in a new tab)

IB Extended Essay Brief (opens in a new tab)